#investors agriculture romania

[mariacallous]

Russia’s invasion has wrecked Ukraine’s economy, which is projected to shrink by as much as 35 percent this year, according to World Bank estimates. Fighting has uprooted millions of people from their homes, choked off access to the country’s ports, disrupted agriculture, and driven up defense spending.

As the fighting looks set to drag on into next year, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal has estimated that Ukraine will likely face a $38 billion budget deficit in 2023—much of which is set to be covered by financing from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). With every day that the war continues, the costs of postwar reconstruction, currently estimated at $349 billion, are driven ever higher.

The economic fallout from the war hasn’t been contained to Ukraine, as the spiraling costs of food and energy have exacted a painful toll across the global south.

Ahead of the annual meetings of the World Bank and IMF in Washington next week, where the impacts of the war will undoubtedly be in focus, Foreign Policy sat down with Odile Renaud-Basso, the president of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the largest institutional investor in Ukraine, to talk about the costs of reconstruction, whether Russia should pay, and how long-lasting these changes will be. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Foreign Policy: I’d like to start with Russia’s war in Ukraine. First of all, what are the EBRD’s priorities for Ukraine as the conflict continues?

Odile Renaud-Basso: Our key focus in Ukraine is to support the real economy, which is support to key infrastructure such as railways, electricity, energy supply. We provided some financing to Naftogaz [Ukraine’s state energy firm] to secure buying but also support to the private sector in the agribusiness. And now we have started working with municipalities. For example, we have a loan upcoming for Lviv city, and we are working with others in order to help them with the financing of infrastructure or needs for the internally displaced people. The more the economy is sustained and active, the more there will be some tax revenue to contribute to the sustainability of the government.

FP: How has the real economy been affected by eight months of war?

ORB: Our assessment is that real GDP in Ukraine will shrink very substantially, by 30 percent in 2022. But this is due to the level of destruction in the east and southern parts of the country.

One of the biggest challenges has been with the agribusiness, how to export Ukraine’s grains. We are seeing what we can do in Romania, in Moldova, in Poland, to facilitate what Europe calls a “solidarity lane,” which is alternative infrastructure to enlarge Ukraine’s scope for exports West.

The price of energy, as with everybody, will have a big impact on Ukraine. You’ve also seen that some big public companies are also in the process of restructuring their debt. So, the liquidity situation is challenging, the capacity of the clients to pay. It’s a war economy, so it’s a very, very challenging environment for businesses. Another big challenge is that, in the current context, the capacity and willingness from partners to take risks is much more limited, and of course the capacity to access finance is more restricted than in a non-war situation.

FP: How concerned are you that Ukraine could face a full-scale economic collapse?

ORB: That’s why it’s very important to continue to provide support to the country, and that’s why they need financial support of around $3 billion, $3.5 billion, a month. Otherwise, the country’s economy will collapse, I think. They need this external assistance at all levels on budget, on more infrastructure, on the real economy, in order to sustain the country in a way that is required for the war.

FP: There are fears of a global recession mounting in Europe and the United States. How concerned are you about donor countries’ abilities to sustain their support for Ukraine?

ORB: I think it’s a challenge. Up to now, what we’ve seen is a lot of support and the capacity to mobilize a lot of support very quickly. But I think the willingness and the understanding that there is a need for sustained effort is there. Of course, we need to see whether this effort is really sustained over time. I think that also there is an understanding that a prolonged war is quite likely. As people are preparing for a long war, it will call for a strong narrative from Western countries on why they need to support Ukraine for such a long period.

FP: Top Ukrainian officials have suggested that the war recovery should be funded by the assets of Russian oligarchs that have been seized by Western authorities. What do you make of that proposal?

ORB: I think legally speaking it’s very challenging. I know there is a lot of reflection work ongoing, but I think the legal solution is not there yet. I think we should not underestimate the challenges, even if I fully understand the rationale and the logic of it from Ukraine’s perspective. But I think this needs to be looked at very seriously.

FP: Is the EBRD involved in those discussions?

ORB: No, we are not. I think it’s more for national governments, central banks, and treasuries to look into that. So, as a bank, we are not actively exploring this. We are, of course, following the discussion but not actively involved in that discussion.

FP: The World Bank, Ukrainian government, and European Commission last month jointly assessed that Ukraine’s economic recovery could cost $349 billion in the short term—but the war is still ongoing. What are your projections for how much money Ukraine would need to recover from the war if it lasted another six months or year or even five years?

ORB: It’s very difficult to have a definitive figure because of course it depends completely on the scenarios of the war. And we see that in the areas where the war is very active, the level of destruction is growing. It’s very difficult to measure. I’ve seen a lot of figures mentioned, from $700 billion to $200 billion or $300 billion.

FP: What’s your expectation of how the war is going to impact other post-Soviet economies beyond Russia and Ukraine?

ORB: It very much depends on the situation of each country. In Central Asia, Armenia, Georgia, we have seen an influx of people moving their savings, in order to avoid sanctions, out of Russia to be able to use them. The very close neighborhood [around Russia] is quite economically resilient.

Energy importers that are very highly dependent on Russia’s gas are suffering. We can see now already a huge impact on inflation. In the Baltic countries and Poland, we have seen a reduction of risk appetite in the market and some challenges to issuing debt. Mediterranean countries in particular are very much affected by food price increases. They are very dependent on Ukrainian and Russian food staples, such as wheat and sunflower oils, plus fertilizers.

We are working a lot in Central Asia so they can develop alternative trade corridors because a lot of things they were exporting were done through Russia. This war has caused quite structural changes on trade and its impact on the way trade is organized between China, Central Asia, Europe. Also, the way energy is traded will be completely changed. The structural changes in the global economy triggered by the war will be very important.

[palmoilnews]

GRAINS-Wheat hovers near two-month high amid rising Black Sea tensions BEIJING, Sept 13 (Reuters) - Chicago wheat futures edged higher on Friday to hover near their highest levels since early July amid escalating tensions in the vital Black Sea region. Corn rose for a third consecutive session despite the U.S. Department of Agriculture unexpectedly raising the US yield outlook, while soybeans also firmed. FUNDAMENTALS The most-active wheat contract on the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) Wv1 rose 0.6% to $5.82 a bushel. It touched its highest since July 7 in the previous session. The soybean contract Sv1 was up 0.7% to $10.18-1/2 a bushel, as of 0140 GMT, while corn Cv1 gained 0.68% to $4.08-3/4 a bushel. Ukraine accused Russia on Thursday of using strategic bombers to strike a civilian grain vessel in a missile attack in Black Sea waters near NATO member Romania, escalating tensions between Moscow and the military alliance. The U.S. Department of Agriculture raised its forecast for U.S. corn production and yields on Thursday, surprising traders who expected declines following a spell of dry summer weather. The USDA also trimmed its projection for soybean production in a monthly report, though the crop is still expected to be the largest ever. Farmers who participated in U.S. crop subsidy programmes reported "prevented plantings" for Sept. 3, 2024 of 2.674 million acres of corn, up from 2.67 million acres reported a month ago, 0.775 million acres of soybeans versus 0.775 million acres last month, 0.390 million acres of wheat versus 0.389 million acres last month, the USDA said. Argentine wheat fields need more rainfall in the coming weeks, the Buenos Aires Grain Exchange said, noting that dry weather has harmed the crop in some western areas as the southern hemisphere's spring fast approaches. Soil moisture in the Brazilian states of Mato Grosso and Parana, two of the three largest soybean producers in the country, is at its lowest level in 30 years, creating challenging conditions for planting, according to the EarthDaily Agro company. Brazil's soybean imports are expected to hit their highest in over two decades this year while production is seen down from last year's record and a notch below earlier forecast, oilseed crushing group Abiove said. There is a 71% chance of La Nina weather conditions developing during the September to November period, a U.S. government forecaster said. Commodity funds were net buyers of CBOT soyoil, soybean and soymeal futures contracts on Thursday and net sellers of wheat and corn futures, traders said. MARKET NEWS Investors on Friday ratcheted up bets for a super-sized Federal Reserve interest rate cut next week, after media reports suggested the decision would be a closer call for officials than previously thought.

[falisha-enterprises]

Moldova Career Opportunities: Exclusive Recruitment Services in Pakistan

Introduction

Moldova, a country nestled between Romania and Ukraine, offers a unique blend of cultural richness, emerging economic prospects, and a welcoming environment for professionals seeking new opportunities. Despite its smaller size compared to some of its European neighbors, Moldova is rapidly growing in terms of economic development, particularly in sectors such as information technology, agriculture, and manufacturing. For Pakistani professionals interested in exploring career opportunities in Moldova, navigating the job market can be challenging. This is where Falisha Manpower, the Best Overseas Employment Recruitment Agency In Pakistan, comes into play. With their expertise and dedicated services, Falisha Manpower is uniquely positioned to connect Pakistani talent with career opportunities in Moldova.

Why Moldova is an Attractive Destination for Pakistani Professionals

Moldova's appeal as a career destination is growing due to several key factors:

Emerging Economy

Moldova's economy is on an upward trajectory, with significant growth in various sectors. The country is becoming increasingly attractive for businesses and investors, leading to new job opportunities, particularly in technology, agriculture, and manufacturing.

Rich Cultural Heritage

Moldova offers a rich cultural experience, blending Romanian and Slavic influences. For professionals seeking a unique and immersive experience, Moldova's vibrant culture, historical sites, and beautiful landscapes provide a rewarding living experience.

Cost of Living

Compared to many Western European countries, Moldova has a lower cost of living. This means that professionals can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle at a more affordable rate, making it an attractive option for those seeking to balance career growth with cost-effectiveness.

Growing Job Market

The Moldovan job market is expanding, with increasing opportunities in various industries. As the country continues to develop, there is a growing demand for skilled professionals across sectors such as IT, engineering, and agriculture.

How Falisha Manpower Can Assist

As the Best Overseas Employment Recruitment Agency In Pakistan, Falisha Manpower specializes in connecting Pakistani professionals with career opportunities abroad. Here’s how Falisha Manpower provides exclusive recruitment services for those seeking jobs in Moldova:

Personalized Job Matching

Falisha Manpower employs a thorough job matching process to align candidates with the best job opportunities in Moldova. By understanding each candidate’s skills, experience, and career goals, the agency ensures that they are matched with roles that suit their qualifications and aspirations.

Expert Guidance

With in-depth knowledge of both the Pakistani and Moldovan job markets, Falisha Manpower offers expert guidance throughout the recruitment process. This includes advice on navigating the Moldovan job market, understanding industry requirements, and tailoring application materials to meet local expectations.

Comprehensive Recruitment Services

Falisha Manpower offers a range of services to support candidates through every stage of the recruitment process:

Initial Consultation: Understanding the candidate’s career objectives and preferences to tailor the recruitment strategy.

Resume and Cover Letter Preparation: Crafting professional documents that highlight the candidate’s skills and experience in line with Moldovan job market standards.

Job Applications: Assisting with job applications and submitting them to relevant employers in Moldova.

Interview Preparation: Providing guidance and practice to help candidates perform confidently in interviews.

Job Offer and Negotiation: Facilitating the job offer process, including negotiations to ensure favorable terms for the candidate.

Visa and Relocation Support: Assisting with visa applications and providing support with relocation to Moldova.

The Recruitment Process

Securing a job in Moldova involves several key steps, and Falisha Manpower follows a structured approach to ensure successful placements:

Initial Consultation and Assessment

The recruitment process begins with an initial consultation where Falisha Manpower’s team assesses the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and career goals. This assessment helps identify suitable job opportunities and develop a customized recruitment plan.

Job Matching and Application

Based on the initial consultation, Falisha Manpower matches candidates with relevant job openings in Moldova. The agency assists with preparing a professional resume and cover letter that highlight the candidate’s strengths and experience. Applications are then submitted to potential employers.

Interview Preparation

Effective interview preparation is crucial for success. Falisha Manpower provides candidates with comprehensive interview preparation, including mock interviews, tips on answering common questions, and advice on presenting oneself effectively. This preparation helps candidates perform confidently during interviews.

Job Offer and Negotiation

When a candidate receives a job offer, Falisha Manpower facilitates the offer and acceptance process. The agency assists with negotiating employment terms to ensure that the offer aligns with the candidate’s expectations and requirements.

Visa Processing and Relocation

Securing a visa is an essential part of working in Moldova. Falisha Manpower, as a specialized Recruitment Agency for Moldova in Pakistan, provides expert assistance with visa applications, ensuring that all necessary documents are submitted accurately and promptly. Additionally, the agency offers support with relocation, including finding accommodation and adjusting to life in Moldova.

Advantages of Choosing Falisha Manpower

Opting for Falisha Manpower’s recruitment services offers several advantages, making the job search and application process more effective and efficient:

Personalized Service

Falisha Manpower provides personalized support tailored to each candidate’s unique needs and career goals. This customized approach enhances the likelihood of securing a job that aligns with the candidate’s qualifications and aspirations.

Expertise and Knowledge

As the Best Overseas Employment Recruitment Agency In Pakistan, Falisha Manpower has extensive knowledge of the Moldovan job market and industry requirements. The agency’s expertise provides valuable insights and guidance, helping candidates navigate the recruitment process with confidence.

Strong Network and Connections

Falisha Manpower has established strong relationships with employers in Moldova, providing candidates with access to exclusive job opportunities. The agency’s network facilitates successful placements and ensures that candidates connect with reputable employers.

Comprehensive Support

From initial consultation to job placement and beyond, Falisha Manpower offers comprehensive support throughout the recruitment process. This end-to-end service ensures that candidates receive assistance with every aspect of their job search, making the process smooth and efficient.

Proven Success

Falisha Manpower’s track record of successful placements reflects the quality of their services. The agency’s high success rates and positive client feedback demonstrate their commitment to excellence and dedication to helping candidates achieve their career goals.

Conclusion

Moldova presents a wealth of career opportunities for Pakistani professionals, but navigating the job market and securing employment can be complex. Falisha Manpower, as the leading Recruitment Agency for Moldova in Pakistan, provides exclusive recruitment services that simplify the process and enhance the chances of success.

By leveraging their expertise, industry knowledge, and strong network, Falisha Manpower helps candidates find the best job opportunities in Moldova. Their comprehensive support, personalized service, and commitment to excellence make them the Best Overseas Employment Recruitment Agency In Pakistan.

[toptenthing]

10 Emerging Markets for Business Expansion

10 Emerging Markets for Business Expansion #GlobalExpansionOpportunities

In the ever-evolving landscape of global business, identifying emerging markets can be a game-changer for entrepreneurs and established companies alike. These markets not only offer the potential for substantial growth but also provide unique opportunities for innovation and market disruption. Here are 10 emerging markets that are capturing the attention of business leaders and investors: - Vietnam: Rising Dragon of Southeast Asia With a young and tech-savvy population, Vietnam's economy is experiencing rapid growth. The manufacturing sector, especially electronics, and textiles, is booming. As the country continues to attract foreign investment, its market potential is hard to ignore. - Nigeria: Africa's Economic Powerhouse Nigeria's population and economy make it a promising market for various industries. Sectors like fintech, agriculture, and telecommunications are seeing significant growth due to a rising middle class and increased access to technology. - Colombia: Gateway to South America Colombia has shed its turbulent past and is becoming an attractive destination for investors. With a growing middle class and a focus on renewable energy, agribusiness, and tourism, this South American nation offers diverse opportunities. - Bangladesh: Textile and Beyond Beyond its reputation as a textile exporter, Bangladesh is making strides in industries like pharmaceuticals, technology services, and agribusiness. Its competitive labor costs and government incentives are catching the eye of international investors. - Ukraine: Tech and Agriculture Synergy Ukraine's IT sector is flourishing, thanks to a highly educated workforce and lower costs compared to Western Europe. The agricultural sector is also on the rise, offering opportunities in ag-tech and sustainable farming practices. - Kenya: African Hub for Innovation Nairobi, often referred to as "Silicon Savannah," has become a tech hub in Africa. Mobile payment solutions and fintech innovations have gained global recognition. The growing e-commerce sector is also a sign of Kenya's potential. - Indonesia: Archipelago of Opportunities Indonesia's large population and growing middle class make it an appealing market for various industries. E-commerce, digital services, and renewable energy projects are among the sectors gaining traction. - Peru: Riches Beyond Resources While Peru is known for its mineral resources, sectors like gastronomy, textiles, and ecotourism are thriving. The government's commitment to sustainable development adds to its allure as a potential business destination. - Ghana: West African Gem Stable governance and increasing foreign investment are propelling Ghana's growth. Agriculture, energy, and infrastructure are among the sectors offering enticing business prospects in this West African nation. - Romania: European Tech Haven Romania's tech talent and cost-effective environment have made it a European destination for IT outsourcing and software development. The startup scene is also gaining momentum, indicating a shift toward innovation. Expanding into emerging markets can be both rewarding and challenging. Understanding local cultures, regulations, and consumer behaviors is crucial for success. While these 10 emerging markets hold immense potential, thorough market research and a well-defined strategy are essential for any business looking to capitalize on these opportunities. In the ever-connected world of today, expanding your business into these emerging markets might just be the key to unlocking unprecedented growth and carving out a niche on the global stage. The Ten Best Camping Sites for Families and Their Pets 2023 Top Ten Unbelievable Facts About the Universe 2023 Read the full article

[mangeshp7793]

How COVID-19 Impacted on Vitamins and Supplements Market ?

Impact of COVID-19 on Vitamins and Supplements in the Food And Beverage Industry

INTRODUCTION  

The virus (COVID-19) ranging from common cold Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) has affected people in the entire world within a short period of span and has created a critical situation including economic and social challenges. Vitamin supplements are required by people suffering from a particular medical condition that leads to deficiencies. The intake of vitamin supplements helps in fulfilling the requirement of the body.

The supplement industry has increased among the multiple pockets as most of the consumer has raised their interest on overall health and wellness. There has been an immense growth in the vitamins required for supplement industry.

As per WHO (World Health Organization) there have been no cases of transmission of COVID-19 through food and food packaging but measures such as good manufacturing practices (GMPs) along with sanitation and cleaning of food processing equipment and facilities should be followed.

PRE-COVID 19 IMPACTS

The U.S. VMS industry experienced steady growth of 6% per year from 2015-2019, surpassing growth in both related segments, such as functional foods and drinks (2% -3% per year), and the U.S. GDP (2% -3% per annum) for the same time span.

For instance,

·         The farmer favorability survey shows that 75 percent of people shared a favorable opinion of the U.K. agriculture, which is the highest figure since OnePoll started conducting the annual survey in 2012. This also marks an improvement of six percentage points in public favorability since June 2019, which is in addition to a further rise of five percentage points from June 2018–2019.

The demand was high till the end of the year of 2019, then pandemic came and caused critical situation in the market and led into supply and demand chain disruption. 

POST COVID 19 IMPACT

In July 2020, The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) have announced the Awards function for the Food and Drink Federation Association which will take place at The Royal Lancaster, London in February 2021. The annual awards recognize those involved in the industry's dedication and determination, actions that ensured that the nation was fed during the pandemic.

As with the strict measures, the governing authorities reopened the transportation facilities and shops and many others, again the shelves in the shops are fulfilled with the food products and consumers are now able to get their choice of desired need.

Further manufacturers have taken few initiatives from their end by taking strict measures for the production of food products. Due to reopening of the supply chain has helped the consumers and manufacturer to get fulfilled with desired need, and now the demand for the healthy foods will increase with much high percent as it enhances the immunity of an individual. The immunity enhancement during the pandemic is much more needed, hence it has seen that eating habits of consumers are getting changed and they are now more inclined towards the healthy food products. It has also been estimated that consumer preference for the fruit intake has increased by 58.0%, protein intake by 37.0% and many others. Increasing awareness regarding immunity building by consuming healthy food has increased the demand for the products and now consumers want to increase their health in order to boost their immunity and reduce vulnerability to disease and illness.

During the start month of 2020, corona spread took place and it resulted into lockdown in city, courtiers. These typical measures included social distancing, closing hotels, schools, restaurants and many other places such as stores. Due to shut down in the store facility and also transportation, there was lack in the products in market for consumers. Also, international borders were made closed which limited the supply of food products such and convenience and healthy foods, and because of this food supply chains were completely broken or drastically changed with food business. Consumers were not getting their food products and manufacturer was not getting enough raw materials for the production of healthy foods. Due to these reasons, demand and the market value for the healthy foods were decreasing.

Further, also the demand will increase in the future as consumers have now more aware that how much healthy food is important to fight with various diseases and this will be of help for the health food sector to grow at very high rate in the market in upcoming future.

VITAMINS IN FOOD, BEVERAGE AND SUPPLEMENT INDUSTRY: PERSPECTIVE AND INITIATIVES

The COVID-19 pandemic have drastically changed the food consumption pattern of the living being, which is counted as 8 out 10 people and have changed their ways of eating habits and have incorporated nutritional enriched food products in their day to day life.  For instance, According to the International Food Information Council’s (IFIC) 2020 Food and Health Survey, 85% of Americans made changes in the food they eat or how they prepare food because in the time of coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.  

The burst of pandemic panic complements a steady rise in the healthy food consumption and their sales that investors have largely overlooked amid the financial debacles of better-known food incorporated with vitamins and minerals, fish oil and probiotics among others.

For instance,

“'The COVID-19 Product Tracker helps us understand the needs of people about food throughout those hard times. This expertise has helped in informing the work of Ministerial Vulnerability Task Force, which will continue to do so.

 I want to thank the voluntary sector and the local authorities, who are working hard to identify a number of routes for UK governments to tackle. We are going to continue to play our part in fighting this global pandemic and ensuring that there is safe food.”

·         Heather Hancock, Chairman (Food Standards Agency)

 “Romania’s agricultural producers have been threatened by market shocks, supply chains and exports, thus facing increased uncertainty going into the season of harvesting in 2020. Making available additional farm funding will help farmers resolve these obstacles, benefiting rural communities and critical industries through and beyond the COVID-19 era.”

·         Mark Davis, Regional Director (European Bank for Reconstruction and Development)

 “They will continue to foster European unity to recover from the economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic. Along with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the European Investment Bank, the Commission is proud to endorse this financing arrangement with Agricover Credit, which aims to protect Romanian farmers.”

·         Paolo Gentiloni, European Commissioner (European Investment Bank (EIB)).

 “There’s a growing demand from governments to tackle the issue of obesity and a consumer trend towards healthier products. Sugar taxes, like the Soft Drinks Industry Levy in the UK, are being implemented around the world and it’s likely other measures will follow. Evidence from the COVID-19 pandemic is also showing that people with obesity linked conditions are more likely to super serious complications. Health is emerging as a key investment risk,”

·         Mais Callan, Senior Responsible Investment Manager (Nestle)

“Consumers today demand healthier food options, including healthier snacks. This can range from snacks without artificial additives and preservatives or with less sodium or salt, non-fried or baked snacks or use of healthier ingredients like wholegrain.”

·         Olive Bai, Marketing Manager Of Savory Snacks (Kerry APMEA)

 “Consumers are also becoming more health conscious in general and the pandemic prompted even more to be aware of their health and lifestyles, Apart from learning and increasingly preparing their own meals at home, the growing availability of healthy snacks, organic and low-fat food options is also something appreciated by consumers.”

·         Freshippo CEO (Alibaba Group)

 “If you look at functional foods, there is a trend towards increasing nutrient density in foods which are already considered healthy, Especially in Asia; the customers want to come out with new line extensions. Innovation will remain a focus for many customers as they are looking to come out ahead in the marketplace,”

·         Anand Sundaresan, Regional VP Human Nutrition & Health APAC (DSM)

“Companies were mostly clearing their warehouse stocks, instead of investing in capacity building to meet the heightened demand for plant extracts, especially those that confer immune benefits. Even if the demand is big, the factories are not willing to increase their investments for capacity building. This means that production capacity will not see a significant increase,”

“At least 20% to 30% of the orders received across the member companies cannot be filled due to supply chain problems, and so many of us are getting for a slot to ship out our products,”

·         Yinjun Hou, The Chairman (Shaanxi Plant Extract Association)

CONCLUSION

The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on the global economy and population. A joint campaign to combat the coronavirus on states, departments of public health, and hospital community have contributed to economic slowdowns, regional lockdowns, and drastic public safety measures. Public health initiatives include raising awareness about calculating home quarantine, preserving food and healthcare supplies, and governments around the world are following strictly, especially to the poor. With rising customer understanding of immunity-boosting to avoid COVID-19 prevalence is driving the safe food industry market. In addition, taking into account consumer demand manufacturers claim their products as healthy with various ingredients added for boosting immunity. The delay caused by the impact on the logistics industry, however, indicates a decreased supply of raw materials and thus there is a restricted supply of such goods on the market that limits this business. Consumers have become more aware of home-grown food and are also searching for healthier alternatives, driving the organic food market. It is projected that due to the growing prevalence of COVID-19 and consumer awareness to improve the immunity with no additional supplements would expand the healthy food market in the coming years.

[swarajya7793]

Significant Impact of COVID-19 on Vitamins and Supplements in the Food & Beverage Industry

COVID-19 Impact on Vitamins and Supplements in the Food And Beverage Industry

INTRODUCTION  

The virus (COVID-19) ranging from common cold Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) has affected people in the entire world within a short period of span and has created a critical situation including economic and social challenges. Vitamin supplements are required by people suffering from a particular medical condition that leads to deficiencies. The intake of vitamin supplements helps in fulfilling the requirement of the body.

As per WHO (World Health Organization) there have been no cases of transmission of COVID-19 through food and food packaging but measures such as good manufacturing practices (GMPs) along with sanitation and cleaning of food processing equipment and facilities should be followed.

The supplement industry has increased among the multiple pockets as most of the consumer has raised their interest on overall health and wellness. There has been an immense growth in the vitamins required for supplement industry.

PRE-COVID 19 IMPACTS

The U.S. VMS industry experienced steady growth of 6% per year from 2015-2019, surpassing growth in both related segments, such as functional foods and drinks (2% -3% per year), and the U.S. GDP (2% -3% per annum) for the same time span.

For instance,

·         The farmer favorability survey shows that 75 percent of people shared a favorable opinion of the U.K. agriculture, which is the highest figure since OnePoll started conducting the annual survey in 2012. This also marks an improvement of six percentage points in public favorability since June 2019, which is in addition to a further rise of five percentage points from June 2018–2019.

The demand was high till the end of the year of 2019, then pandemic came and caused critical situation in the market and led into supply and demand chain disruption. 

POST COVID 19 IMPACT

In July 2020, The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) have announced the Awards function for the Food and Drink Federation Association which will take place at The Royal Lancaster, London in February 2021. The annual awards recognize those involved in the industry's dedication and determination, actions that ensured that the nation was fed during the pandemic.

During the start month of 2020, corona spread took place and it resulted into lockdown in city, courtiers. These typical measures included social distancing, closing hotels, schools, restaurants and many other places such as stores. Due to shut down in the store facility and also transportation, there was lack in the products in market for consumers. Also, international borders were made closed which limited the supply of food products such and convenience and healthy foods, and because of this food supply chains were completely broken or drastically changed with food business. Consumers were not getting their food products and manufacturer was not getting enough raw materials for the production of healthy foods. Due to these reasons, demand and the market value for the healthy foods were decreasing.

As with the strict measures, the governing authorities reopened the transportation facilities and shops and many others, again the shelves in the shops are fulfilled with the food products and consumers are now able to get their choice of desired need.

Further manufacturers have taken few initiatives from their end by taking strict measures for the production of food products. Due to reopening of the supply chain has helped the consumers and manufacturer to get fulfilled with desired need, and now the demand for the healthy foods will increase with much high percent as it enhances the immunity of an individual. The immunity enhancement during the pandemic is much more needed, hence it has seen that eating habits of consumers are getting changed and they are now more inclined towards the healthy food products. It has also been estimated that consumer preference for the fruit intake has increased by 58.0%, protein intake by 37.0% and many others. Increasing awareness regarding immunity building by consuming healthy food has increased the demand for the products and now consumers want to increase their health in order to boost their immunity and reduce vulnerability to disease and illness.

Further, also the demand will increase in the future as consumers have now more aware that how much healthy food is important to fight with various diseases and this will be of help for the health food sector to grow at very high rate in the market in upcoming future.

VITAMINS IN FOOD, BEVERAGE AND SUPPLEMENT INDUSTRY: PERSPECTIVE AND INITIATIVES

The COVID-19 pandemic have drastically changed the food consumption pattern of the living being, which is counted as 8 out 10 people and have changed their ways of eating habits and have incorporated nutritional enriched food products in their day to day life.  For instance, According to the International Food Information Council’s (IFIC) 2020 Food and Health Survey, 85% of Americans made changes in the food they eat or how they prepare food because in the time of coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.  

The burst of pandemic panic complements a steady rise in the healthy food consumption and their sales that investors have largely overlooked amid the financial debacles of better-known food incorporated with vitamins and minerals, fish oil and probiotics among others.

For instance,

“'The COVID-19 Product Tracker helps us understand the needs of people about food throughout those hard times. This expertise has helped in informing the work of Ministerial Vulnerability Task Force, which will continue to do so.

 I want to thank the voluntary sector and the local authorities, who are working hard to identify a number of routes for UK governments to tackle. We are going to continue to play our part in fighting this global pandemic and ensuring that there is safe food.”

·         Heather Hancock, Chairman (Food Standards Agency)

 “Romania’s agricultural producers have been threatened by market shocks, supply chains and exports, thus facing increased uncertainty going into the season of harvesting in 2020. Making available additional farm funding will help farmers resolve these obstacles, benefiting rural communities and critical industries through and beyond the COVID-19 era.”

·         Mark Davis, Regional Director (European Bank for Reconstruction and Development)

 “They will continue to foster European unity to recover from the economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic. Along with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the European Investment Bank, the Commission is proud to endorse this financing arrangement with Agricover Credit, which aims to protect Romanian farmers.”

·         Paolo Gentiloni, European Commissioner (European Investment Bank (EIB)).

 “There’s a growing demand from governments to tackle the issue of obesity and a consumer trend towards healthier products. Sugar taxes, like the Soft Drinks Industry Levy in the UK, are being implemented around the world and it’s likely other measures will follow. Evidence from the COVID-19 pandemic is also showing that people with obesity linked conditions are more likely to super serious complications. Health is emerging as a key investment risk,”

·         Mais Callan, Senior Responsible Investment Manager (Nestle)

“Consumers today demand healthier food options, including healthier snacks. This can range from snacks without artificial additives and preservatives or with less sodium or salt, non-fried or baked snacks or use of healthier ingredients like wholegrain.”

·         Olive Bai, Marketing Manager Of Savory Snacks (Kerry APMEA)

 “Consumers are also becoming more health conscious in general and the pandemic prompted even more to be aware of their health and lifestyles, Apart from learning and increasingly preparing their own meals at home, the growing availability of healthy snacks, organic and low-fat food options is also something appreciated by consumers.”

·         Freshippo CEO (Alibaba Group)

 “If you look at functional foods, there is a trend towards increasing nutrient density in foods which are already considered healthy, Especially in Asia; the customers want to come out with new line extensions. Innovation will remain a focus for many customers as they are looking to come out ahead in the marketplace,”

·         Anand Sundaresan, Regional VP Human Nutrition & Health APAC (DSM)

“Companies were mostly clearing their warehouse stocks, instead of investing in capacity building to meet the heightened demand for plant extracts, especially those that confer immune benefits. Even if the demand is big, the factories are not willing to increase their investments for capacity building. This means that production capacity will not see a significant increase,”

“At least 20% to 30% of the orders received across the member companies cannot be filled due to supply chain problems, and so many of us are getting for a slot to ship out our products,”

·         Yinjun Hou, The Chairman (Shaanxi Plant Extract Association)

CONCLUSION

The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on the global economy and population. A joint campaign to combat the coronavirus on states, departments of public health, and hospital community have contributed to economic slowdowns, regional lockdowns, and drastic public safety measures. Public health initiatives include raising awareness about calculating home quarantine, preserving food and healthcare supplies, and governments around the world are following strictly, especially to the poor. With rising customer understanding of immunity-boosting to avoid COVID-19 prevalence is driving the safe food industry market. In addition, taking into account consumer demand manufacturers claim their products as healthy with various ingredients added for boosting immunity. The delay caused by the impact on the logistics industry, however, indicates a decreased supply of raw materials and thus there is a restricted supply of such goods on the market that limits this business. Consumers have become more aware of home-grown food and are also searching for healthier alternatives, driving the organic food market. It is projected that due to the growing prevalence of COVID-19 and consumer awareness to improve the immunity with no additional supplements would expand the healthy food market in the coming years.

[adalidda]

Illustration Photo: Dutch agriculture Kom in de kas (credits: Frans de Wit / Flickr Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0))

Test Farms: Get matched with a farmer and test your agritech innovation in the field!

Test Farms is a programme of EIT Food that links agricultural startups with farmers and testing-land. Through enabling these links EIT Food wants to help innovative agritech ideas to validate and test their products and services, showcase their business to customers and investors and finally support the technological transformation in European agriculture.  

For whom? For startups with innovative prototype for agricultural challenges.

Why join the programme? Validation - test the functionality and need for your solution by cooperating with professional farmers Visibility - showcase your refined product to potential clients on Demo Day, organised at the site of the farmer Network - get access to the EIT Food network: agricultural companies, research institutes and startups Funding - receive a 3000€ budget to support the travel and testing phase

Eligibility criteria for RIS participants. Startups are eligible to participate in the programme as RIS startups and receive a subgrant if they:

Are a company registered in one of the following countries: Albania*, Armenia*, Bosnia and Herzegovina*, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Faroe Islands*, Georgia*, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Moldova*, Montenegro*, North Macedonia*, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia*, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Turkey*, Ukraine*.   Have received no more than 60,000 euros in funding from EIT Food in 2021.   Have developed an innovative solution in agriculture/animal husbandry. Work towards furthering one of EIT Food’s six overarching strategic themes to transform our food system. The themes are: Alternative proteins, Sustainable agriculture, Sustainable aquaculture, Targeted nutrition, Digital traceability, Circular food systems Have submitted a complete application in English, i.e. answered all the questions included in the form available on the website: https://www.f6s.com/test-farms-2021, and completed and attached all the required documentation. Have not participated in the 2019 and 2020 editions of the Test Farms programme. EIT Food’s RisingFoodStars who are linked third parties are ineligible for the program (involved in KAVA activities).

*Applicants from these countries will be considered eligible as RIS applicants only if the country of origin of the applicant signs the Association Agreement for Horizon Europe before the end of the application deadline on 30th of April.

Eligibility criteria for non-RIS participants (not registered in RIS country). Startups are eligible to participate in the programme if they: Have developed an innovative solution in agriculture/animal husbandry. Work towards furthering one of EIT Food’s six overarching strategic themes to transform our food system. The themes are: Alternative proteins, Sustainable agriculture, Sustainable aquaculture, Targeted nutrition, Digital traceability, Circular food systems Have submitted a complete application in English, i.e. answered all the questions included in the form available on the website: https://www.f6s.com/test-farms-2021, and completed and attached all the required documentation. Commit to pay the 1500 EUR + VAT participation fee (advance payment of 350 EUR before match-making and final payment of 1150 EUR when EIT Food finds a suitable farmer).  

Application Deadline: April 30, 2021

Please click here to submit your application

Check more https://adalidda.com/posts/bnrv2EWsPmDoHFrde/test-farms-get-matched-with-a-farmer-and-test-your-agritech

[palmoilnews]

GRAINS-Wheat heads for biggest weekly gain since June on U.S. sales to China CANBERRA, Dec 8 (Reuters) - Chicago wheat futures fell on Friday but the market was still on track to end the week up more than 6%, its biggest weekly gain since June, after the largest U.S. sales to China in years caused a flurry of short-covering. Soybeans were flat and headed for a fifth consecutive weekly loss, as rains in South America boosted the supply outlook. Corn dipped but eked out a small weekly gain. FUNDAMENTALS The most-active wheat contract on the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) Wv1 was down 0.5% at $6.39.1/4 a bushel by 0147 GMT but up 6.1% for the week. Prices reached $6.50 on Wednesday, the highest since Aug. 9 and have increased 14% in eight consecutive daily gains since market open on Nov. 28. CBOT soybeans Sv1 were roughly unchanged at $13.11-1/2 a bushel and down 1% for the week. Corn Cv1 fell 0.3% to $4.86-3/4 a bushel but was up 0.5% from last Friday's close. The U.S. government reported private sales of more than 1 million metric tons of U.S. wheat this week, the biggest one-week total to the Asian country since July 2014. Commodity funds who had built up a huge short position in CBOT wheat were net buyers again on Thursday, traders said, helping push up prices. Before the rally, CBOT wheat traded near three-year lows as Russia, whose harvest is now almost complete, flooded the market with cheap grain. Romania's transport minister said the country's plans to boost the monthly transit capacity for Ukrainian grain through its Black Sea port of Constanta to 4 million metric tons is edging closer. Port infrastructure in Ukraine, a major grains producer, has been bombed and blockaded by Russia in recent months, with another attack reported on Thursday. In other crops, Brazil's Conab cut its forecast for the country's 2023/24 soybean output by a little over 2 million tons but still predicted a record harvest of 160.177 million tons. The crop agency also cut its corn production forecast by around half a million tons to 118.528 million tons. Recent rains in Brazil and Argentina, both key exporters of soybeans and corn, have helped crops after a dry and hot period that hit yields. In the United States, another big producer, farmers are likely to plant more soybeans in 2024 and many plan to cut back on corn acreage with futures prices for that grain hovering around three-year lows. Also supporting soybeans was U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmation of private sales of 121,000 tons of U.S. soybeans for shipment to unknown destinations in the 2023/24 marketing year. China imported 7.92 million tons of soybeans in November, customs data showed on Thursday, up 7.8% from a year earlier but lower than traders' expectations. MARKETS NEWS The yen jumped on Thursday as Bank of Japan policymakers hinted they may shift away from ultra-low interest rates, and a gauge of global stocks rose after three straight falls as investors assessed the latest round of U.S. labour market data.

[consultinginvest]

European funds consulting in Cluj-Napoca

ODAS Global Consulting is a professional consulting firm that’s growing and expanding dynamically. It is now visible both in Romania and globally, with offices all around the world. Our main headquarters is in Romania, one of them being right in the "Heart of Transylvania", in Cluj-Napoca. For superior quality, professional European funds consulting services, you can find us in Cluj-Napoca, or online at https://www.odasglobalconsulting.net/.

 Cluj-Napoca

Cluj-Napoca, also called “The Heart of Transilvania” or “The Treasure City”, is one of the most important centers in Romania, in terms of culture, academy, industry and business. This city has one of the most dynamic economies in Romania and is the second most important financial center in Romania.

Some of the most developed economic sectors in Cluj-Napoca are trading, IT&C, agriculture, tourism, food industry, metallurgy, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, and car manufacturers. Cluj has become a target for foreign investors due to its flourishing economy.

Cluj-Napoca is one of the cities with the highest safety degree in Romania. The quality of life here is extremely high, ranking above many influential European cities, such as Barcelona, Paris, London, Rome, etc. In Cluj, you can find us on Strada Teleorman 16, Cluj-Napoca 400573.

 ODAS Global consulting

ODAS Global Consulting is a professional European funds consultancy firm, with almost two decades of experience in this field. Our consultants are experts in a wide range of areas of activity, such as business consulting, management, worldwide investments, accessing European funds, lobby, architecture, cybersecurity, among others.

Ever since 2003 when it was founded, ODAS has made a reputation for being a transparent and professional consulting firm, which attracted hundreds of customers. ODAS Global Consulting is a top leader when it comes to European funds consulting, regardless of whether they are coordinated by the Romanian Managing Authorities, the European Commission, or even the international agencies.

 European funds consulting services in Cluj

European funds can be extremely valuable. They give you the opportunity to grow your own business, or even to start a new business. Accessing these non-refundable European funds, however, involves a complex process, a rather complicated one if you do not have advanced knowledge about European funds.

ODAS Global Consulting offers you real support and guidance throughout the process, in order to ensure you the successful granting of the funds you need for your business. Our vision is to see you succeed and to provide you with services that fully meet your professional needs.

In order to increase your chances for your financial aid application to be approved, our consultants will provide you with all the necessary support. We will complete your application for a grant agreement, the declarations, and forms of annexes. We will also draw up and elaborate a complex investment plan, as well as prepare your dossier for granting the financial aid you need, in accordance with the requirements of the European Union.

ODAS Global Consulting provides you with superior quality European funds consulting services in Cluj-Napoca. For more information, you can visit us at our office in Cluj, or online, on our website.

[sarafince]

Manifesto. Story. Manual. Diary. Journal

Le T-ecosystem

13/03/2020

  The State of Things

Somehow we all manage to live on credit. Ever since last century we have been living on promises – ours and theirs, our parents’ and our dogs. From the moment we created the concept of future growth we stopped worrying and went on a careless pursuit of happiness.

Our world is crumbling down and there seems to be little to be done to make it carry itself a little longer. People quit their jobs and run into the woods to raise goats and write novels that nobody will read because there will be nobody left, people live in cities, minimalists, 0 waste, contemporary hippies. The rest just sits around waiting for the next wave of nitrogen oxide to enter their naively open windows. There are apps that tell you when the air pollution is low enough so you can take a walk – not to atrophy your muscles by staying inside and working on your laptop like a good little ant that you are; you and your 0 waste compost can, while England is buying carbon-credit.

Of course, England is where all this mess started in the first place, so they continue burning coal and with the money that comes from it they buy green energy somewhere else on the planet, like this is all a big farm that we can balance through dividing the planet in half, one exhales, the other inhales, like junkies passing on the last smoke of ganja.

Others see the immensity of this infrastructure as too unsustainable. As much as we dream of grandeur, we are not giants, we are not gods and we are not as important as we want to be. Thus there are who say that the goal is to absorb your own shit in your own country. That’s more reasonable, that’s scaled, fitted, better.

The What

But what if… we could find a way to be neutral at an atomic level? What if we could invent a system to be applied whenever we needed to build? What if it is not building that is the enemy but the how? If one can conceive of neutrality at a country level, one can surely scale it down to the city and then the lot.

In a corrupt, power-hungry, money-driven, under-developed country, this might be the only available path to salvation from implosion. What if on the lot to be built one could use all technology available (and mostly subsidized by the state or the European Union) to become harmless – or even…helpful?

Here is when we present the concept of Concave Ecocentric Architecture. Concave stands for multiuse, multicultural; Ecocentric is a play on egocentric, our god until now – it means that we look to re-establish the balance in nature and that humans take on a role that helps, and leave behind the one that destroys. We choose “architecture” for the immensity of its possible meanings, we appeal to its creative power, to its ability for action, to its quality of sense generator in a system (without limiting its meaning to the manipulation of tectonics by one person).

The offspring of Concave Ecocentric Architecture is the T-Ecosystem. A human-made ecosystem that functions on the principles of natural ecosystems might blur the lines between urban and rural just enough for people not to have to choose between the advantages and the disadvantages of both. What we mean when saying that this has to work as an ecosystem is that the ultimate goal is for it to produce its own energy, consume it, and then have some left to help the less fortunate. It would be an ethical machine of sharing and exchange with one part supplying the other. Money coming through one door, as that door is open to capitalism, goes through the hands of the community and it filters all the way to the extremities of the socially and environmentally oriented chunks of the T-Ecosystem. Energy flows in the other sense, as the environmentally focused part of the T-Ecosystem produces more than it consumes, it allows it to flow towards the hungrier parts of it, like the communicating vessels.

This shall turn into the emblem and landmark of new economic, ecological, societal, anthropological, biological, natural model. A place that can function on its own, almost a perpetuum-mobile of human growth together with landscape.

 The Why

It is impossible and unsustainable to live on the side we have been living on. The pursuit of happiness through consumerism, short shots of skag that last for one to ten minutes until we have to shoot up again proved itself to be reason enough for a trip to rehab.

The issue is that there seems to be no alternative to consumerism-loaded syringes.

Population is growing but the drug is getting thinner.

Everything that has been used up until now has been swept under the rug, but the rug cannot cover it anymore, its corners are in the air and we can see underneath.

Our suggestion is to start using methadone to ease withdrawal, to make do with this addiction to create something different, we believe in the “I’ve been clean for n days”, we believe in rehabilitation.

It is a question of will, like all desirable change, it is intentional and directed and as one wise online video once said, one minute of movement a day is more than nothing and it is more likely to lead to an hour, more likely to generate other lifestyle changes. Like a lifestyle coach, we come to tell you that we throw in our minute, the one we believe is capable of changing the world, little by little, by the power of example, ‘cause exercise kind of makes you feel guilty in the face of too much sugar.

There you have our why, one try at offering real and palpable experience, real and impactful change because compulsive ice-cream eating and plastic-wrap throwing is completely expired and passé.

Lenora Ditzler, who was introduced by Rem Koolhaas in his exhibition Countryside as an eco-feminist farmer says that planting various crops next to each other increases the probability that they survive hostile changes (they help build nutrients in the soil and they develop a system to protect each other in from pest and diseases). Like the Mayan agricultural techniques, we use all we have within our reach to create an ecosystem of our own.

The Where

Bucharest is the urban tissue that developed into one out of profoundly rural land, out of orchards and hay fields, a place where Carol the Ist of Romania first came off his carriage in mud, where people would carry themselves in western attire and would sit cross-legged on each other’s carpets with tea in their hands and silk hats on their heads.

Because we want to make it clear that we do not mean that the invention is to function only on tabula-rasa, we choose to place ours in Bucharest, on a communist ruin, a mastodon of waste and meaninglessness from where Ceausescu watched the last parade given in his honour, a building known under the name of “Casa Radio”.

We take advantage of this occasion to introduce a little history. Casa Radio is by no means the only ruin of Romanian Totalitarianism; it is only the biggest one that is completely unused.

Almost all totalitarian architectural efforts have been caught unfinished by the revolution. Immediately after, the city found itself with huge concrete structures built with people’s money and at the expense of their feeding and health. Because at that point architecture was the last thing on people’s minds, they have been left to perish in the weather. Not surprisingly, they became shelters for the homeless and became known as “centres of hunger”. This state lasted for around 15 years and then capitalism penetrated the market. At this stage, the structures were bought usually by foreign investors and turned into malls.

This is how Romania came to be known today as the country of malls.

Taking the place of a hippodrome (bourgeois function), Casa Radio was meant to become a cultural centre, the one and only museum of communism where all citizens would come to learn about the great deeds of the regime and their father and mother, Nicolae and Elena Ceausescu. Unfinished, it was inaugurated in ’89 so that the ruler could watch the parade on the 23rd of August. But the revolution came in December that same year and nobody wanted to deal with that mega-structure anymore, it was too big and people scattered around, the first generation to be freed remembering it as the place where they were forced into labour. 31 years have passed and it’s still a ruin, rotting away under the increasingly violent sun, making the city a little bit hotter with its concrete mass, untended to and naked.

It’s a big lot, 437x235m, almost 103.000sqm of land, near the Dâmbovița River, surrounded by wide urban highways, like the Egg in Beirut. Casa Radio is found in the midst of influent urban functions such as the University Hospital, the Opera House, University of Sport (ANEFS), University of Medicine, Student Campus, National Agency for Roma, Faculty of Law, Business Centre (Opera Centre) etc.

In short this is the perfect place to work with the meaning of ruin, this one being both a ruin of a totalitarian regime and one of capitalism for people could not agree on a price for its exploitation, to work with the concepts of urban and rural, given the immense space that it has to offer; it is the perfect place to interrogate the relationship cities have with their rivers, their main circulation arteries, their identity, their citizens.

And this is the perfect time to ask questions about the direction architecture can move towards, especially when people like Rem Koolhaas tell us that architecture becomes obsolete. Maybe this is the time to redefine what architecture can do.

[ivandimarcofotografo]

My best shot: Rena Effendi on haymaking in Transylvania

‘The light was soft … They were so graceful. They are the last peasants, the last of their kind’

In 2012, I travelled to Transylvania to document what is effectively the last remaining bucolic landscape of Europe. England, for example, has lost most of its hay meadows because of large-scale agriculture, but in Romania this kind of small-scale sustainable way of farming persists. It survived the Ceaușescu regime. It survived the EU. Today, however, it is a vanishing way of life as young people increasingly choose to migrate to western Europe in search of work and faster money. I spent three weeks in Maramureş in the northern Carpathian mountains, exploring life in six tiny hamlets, each with no more than 500 inhabitants. It was August, the height of the haymaking season. Families worked in the fields from dawn to dusk. These women were from a village called Breb. I saw their haystacks from the road as my translator and I drove past. I shouted “stop!” and ran out of the car towards them. They smiled at me, but we didn’t talk, they just carried on with what they were doing. It was late in the day, and they were getting ready to go home. The women wear trousers to make hay because the wind blows their skirts up. Here, they were putting their headscarves and their traditional skirts back on. Then they gathered their baskets, in which they’d brought their lunch, and walked back to the village. I followed. The light was very soft, and the shadows long.

Cutting hay and stacking it is physically demanding, I tried doing it myself and failed miserably

Related: Romania's peasants: standing in the way of foreign investors making a lot of money | Luke Dale-Harris

Continue reading... https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2019/aug/22/my-best-shot-rena-effendi-on-haymaking-in-transylvania

[release-info]

According to World Bank statistics for the year 2013, the economy of Greece is the 43rd largest by nominal gross domestic product at $242 billion[168] and 52nd largest by purchasing power parity (PPP) at $284 billion.[169] Additionally, Greece is the 15th largest economy in the 27-member European Union.[170] In terms of per capita income, Greece is ranked 38th or 40th in the world at $21,910 and $25,705 for nominal GDP and PPP respectively. The Greek economy is classified as advanced[171][172][173][174][175] and high-income.[176][174] Greece is a developed country with a high standard of living and a high ranking in the Human Development Index.[177][178][179] Its economy mainly comprises the service sector (85.0%) and industry (12.0%), while agriculture makes up 3.0% of the national economic output.[180] Important Greek industries include tourism (with 14.9 million[181] international tourists in 2009, it is ranked as the 7th most visited country in the European Union[181] and 16th in the world[181] by the United Nations World Tourism Organization) and merchant shipping (at 16.2%[182] of the world’s total capacity, the Greek merchant marine is the largest in the world[182]), while the country is also a considerable agricultural producer (including fisheries) within the union. Greek unemployment stood at 21.7% in April 2017.[183] The youth unemployment rate (42.3% in March 2018) is extremely high compared to EU standards.[184] With an economy larger than all the other Balkan economies combined, Greece is the largest economy in the Balkans,[185][186][187] and an important regional investor.[185][186] Greece is the number-two foreign investor of capital in Albania, the number-three foreign investor in Bulgaria, at the top-three of foreign investors in Romania and Serbia and the most important trading partner and largest foreign investor of North Macedonia. Greek banks open a new branch somewhere in the Balkans on an almost weekly basis.[188][189][190] The Greek telecommunications company OTE has become a strong investor in Yugoslavia and other Balkan countries.[188] Greece was a founding member of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC). In 1979 the accession of the country in the European Communities and the single market was signed, and the process was completed in 1982. Greece was accepted into the Economic and Monetary Union of the European Union on 19 June 2000, and in January 2001 adopted the Euro as its currency, replacing the Greek drachma at an exchange rate of 340.75 drachma to the Euro.[191] Greece is also a member of the International Monetary Fund and the World Trade Organization, and is ranked 24th on the KOF Globalization Index for 2013. http://bit.ly/2QR0UPg

[palmoilnews]

TOP NEWS Agricultural Commodities > Ukrainian grain pushes Romania's Constanta port to record volume > Brazil's 2023/24 soy crop to hit record despite bad weather -Agroconsult > China inks deals for 110,000 metric tons U.S. SRW wheat in bulk buy > EXCLUSIVE-Bayer holds call with bond investors after raft of bad news > GRAINS-Soybeans tumble on downpours in drought-stricken Brazil > Jordan tenders to buy up to 120,000 metric tons wheat > Petrobras looking into partnerships to speed up fertilizer projects, say sources > S.Africa's citrus exports flat as infrastructure woes sour season > SOFTS-NY cocoa slips from 45-year peak, raw sugar falls nearly 2% > Kraft, others to seek damages after winning US egg-pricing verdict > COLUMN-Vegetation stressed in Brazil's top soy state as rains disappoint -Braun > VEGOILS-Palm extends gains on weaker ringgit, lower output expectations

[madhukpmb]

Moldavian Citizenship by Investment Program

Moldova is a small country next Romania which was earlier part of the USSR. Now it’s part of the Eastern European countries. It is landlocked. Moldova economy is backed by tourism and service industry. Agriculture and wine industries are another two which are part of the Moldova’s economy. There are a good number of manufacturing industries too in the country. However, the country faces the lowest human development index in the continent. Official language of Moldova is Romania. The country has many rocky landscapes and mountain ranges. It is one of the important European Investment Immigration Programs.

Moldova holds Guinness book of world record for generating two million bottles of plonk in its milesetti mici wine cellar. Moldova has quite a few ancient architectures which include a few ancient baths, monasteries and other fortifications. Moldova is one of the cheapest European countries to live in. Moldova to increase foreign direct investments into the country and also the population of the country introduced Moldavian Citizenship by Investment Program.

The program was launched in the year 2018. To be eligible for Moldavian citizenship, the investor will need to contribute to the country’s Public sustainable development funds or Public Investment Funds.

Eligibility –

i.                     Main applicant should be 18+ years of age

ii.                   If the applicant is applying alone, then the applicant needs to make a contribution of €100,000

iii.                  If the applicant is applying along with his/her spouse then the applicant needs to make a contribution of €115,000

iv.                 If it’s a family of 4 applying, then the contribution amount is €145,000

v.                   If it’s a family of 5 applying, then the contribution amount is €155,000

vi.                 Clean background of the applicants is required.

For every application, there will be additional Government fees of €35,000 that needs to be paid. There will be additional government fees of every applicant based on the age of the applicant, which ranges between €1000 to €5,000.

This program was developed by the Government of Moldova with a clear vision of sustainable funding for the country’s development. Moldova is currently undergoing a lot of internal changes in the country. Moldova is inviting foreign companies and individuals to set up their business in Moldova by providing them a range of facilities at affordable price.

Moldova is also an emerging tech innovation hub. Moldova is a stable economy. Moldova has implemented a 4-tier due diligence system of immigration. It follows stringent rules while evaluating the applicants.

While Moldova is one of the rare countries which is offering its immigration program, there are other immigration programs that provide citizenship in Europe. One such country which recently started its citizenship by investment program is Port Montenegro.

Benefits of Moldova citizenship by investment program-

i.                     The investor gets to live in Moldova one of Europe’s economically cheapest countries in the world

ii.                   The investor gets to travel to more than 124 countries across the world visa free which includes the Schengen area, Turkey and Russia

iii.                  Moldova is a country with great climatic condition.

iv.                 Its apt to spread business plans

v.                   Moldova is known for its wide variety of Wine. They hold a 2-day festival where all wine producers open their doors for the general public to consume wine

vi.                 Moldova’s interest to increase business in the country is well-spread and Moldova leaves no effort left to help innovators implement their plans.

Moldova has good relations with most of the European countries. It has entered into many trade agreements with countries surrounding it. Moldova is energetic in nature.

It is important that these investments are taken care by those immigration firms who are well-versed in the international investment matters as they have the right knowledge and connections to execute the same. Such famed International Investment immigration firms are required to ensure one gets the right return on their investments.

Source: https://www.apsense.com/article/moldavian-citizenship-by-investment-program.html

[apaminerala]

Driving in Rural Romania

Driving in Rural Romania

We offer small farms ( 300-1000 ha ) to investors coming to Romania, Moldova, Bulgaria.

Cooperative : 140 members sell vegetables to hypermarkets near Bucharest.

International : trade of vegetables, plants, agriculture-related products ( micronutients, greenhouses, tractors ) .

Contact : partners@agroevolution.com or…