Seed Coating Technology Developed by Indian Researchers Could Boost Crop Yields by up to 37%
Researchers at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), through its Hyderabad-based Indian Institute of Oilseeds Research (IIOR), have developed an innovative seed coating technology designed to improve crop productivity and resilience, as reported by The Hindu BusinessLine. The patented solution uses a biodegradable biopolymer-based coating that delivers nutrients, beneficial microorganisms and crop protection agents directly at […]
Peanut Promoted as Water Efficient Alternative to Maize in India
Scientists from Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) are promoting spring peanut as a more sustainable and water efficient alternative to maize. Recent outreach initiatives, including field demonstrations and farmer engagement programs, highlight the environmental and economic advantages of peanut cultivation. Compared with spring maize, peanut requires significantly less water and fewer inputs, resulting in reduced production […]
El Niño Weakens Monsoon Conditions in Parts of India
India is facing weaker monsoon conditions linked to the El Niño weather pattern, with authorities in Andhra Pradesh warning of increasing risks for agricultural activity as rainfall remains below normal levels, according to the Hans India. Delayed rainfall has slowed sowing operations across several districts and has increased pressure on rain-fed crops. Crops identified as vulnerable to […]
California Allocates Funding to Support Managed Honeybee Health
California’s 2026-27 State Budget includes US$2.5 million in funding for the Managed Honeybee Health Program, according to the office of Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom. Managed honeybees pollinate more than 100 crops grown in California, including fruits and tree nuts. The funding will support resources, technical assistance, disease management and collaboration with researchers, industry stakeholders and federal programs.
Drought Hardship Loans for Farm Businesses in Australia
The Regional Investment Corporation (RIC) is accepting applications for drought hardship loans of up to AU$250,000 for eligible farm businesses affected by drought of at least two years, according to the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. The five-year loans require no repayments for the first two years and may be used to cover operating costs.
Public Consultation on Development of Guidelines on EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Rules
The European Commission is developing guidelines to support the implementation of the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD, Directive 2024/1760). The guidelines will provide practical orientation to companies on how to fulfil their due diligence obligations, to Member State authorities on how to implement and enforce the Directive, and to stakeholders on how to pursue their […]
EU Forced Labor Regulation Enforcement System Enters Into Force
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/903, effective May 17, 2026, establishes the system supporting the EU Forced Labor Regulation by creating a dedicated forced labor module within the Information and Communication System for Market Surveillance (ICSMS). Full application of the prohibition will follow on December 14, 2027, applying to all products on the EU market. In June 2026, the […]
Guidance Document on EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation
The EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) entered into force in February will apply from August 12, 2026. On June 10, the Official Journal of the European Union published a Commission Notice containing official guidance on the PPWR. The guidance document responds to questions received by the Commission from stakeholders, including Member States’ authorities, regarding certain provisions of the […]
EU Greenwashing Directive to Apply From September 27, 2026
The new Directive on Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition (Directive (EU) 2024/825) will apply from September 27, 2026. This law aims to protect consumers from unfair commercial practices and to guarantee that claims about the social and environmental characteristics of products and businesses are truthful, clear and verifiable. The directive will apply to all companies that […]
Sustainability Update
COP30 Delivers Climate Action Agenda in Brazil The 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) took place on November 6-21, 2025 in Belém, Brazil, bringing together the governments of signatory states to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), as well as experts and civil society, to accelerate global climate action. Notably, for […]