company, and beginning production with its first large scale tank.
ANPARIO TAKES ITS CUSTOMERS
TO THE OREGANO FIELDS Anpario invited customers from across the world to central Europe, to gain an insight into the production of its 100 per cent natural oregano essential oil. Oregano essential oils are recognised for their antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. Dr Wendy Wakeman, Anpario’s global technical director, explained that the event involved a series of technical seminars at which experts explained the product’s complex mode of action and shared recent news updates and trial data. “The trials highlighted the benefits of oregano essential oil in improving health and productivity, for ruminants, swine and poultry species,” she said.
MIALGAE SECURES £1 MILLION TO DRIVE COMMERCIALISATION AND SCALE UP
Edinburgh-based biotech startup MiAlgae has received an investment of £1 million to focus on the commercialisation of its revolutionary microalgae product, targeting the rapidly growing global aquaculture and pet food industries.
The biotech business uses co-products from the whisky distillation process to produce microalgae, which is high in omega 3 and other nutrients. The algae can be used to sustainably feed fish and create animal food. MiAlgae estimates that one tonne of its algae saves up to 30 tonnes of wild fish.
MiAlgae will use the investment to double the size of its business premises, commission a demonstrator plant in East Lothian and make five new appointments in the next 12 months.
The investment comes from previous investors in MiAlgae – Equity Gap, Scottish Investment Bank and Old College Capital, alongside Hillhouse Group, a new investor in the business.
Andrew Vernon of Hillhouse Group said: “MiAlgae has essentially taken a by- product from one industry and turned it into a solution for another industry. Through the application of biotechnology, MiAlgae is finding solutions to feed the world’s population, and with the global aquaculture industry set to double in size in the next ten years, this is a very promising business indeed.”
According to Fraser Lusty, Investment Director at Equity Gap: “Since our last investment in MiAlgae 18 months ago, the business has achieved a great deal, designing and building its pilot plant, making its first sales to a premium dog food
“The business now turns its focus to commercialisation and scaling up. The global pet food market is worth $100 billion and growing at around 5%. MiAlgae plans to supply customers in both the pet food market and the aquacultural industry in the next 12 months. This is an exciting business, and one to watch over the next couple of years.”
MiAlgae was founded by Douglas Martin in 2016 while studying Biotechnology at the University of Edinburgh. He is supported by Edinburgh Innovations, the University’s commercialisation service, which also manages Old College Capital, the University’s venture fund.
Douglas said: “I am really pleased that with this investment we can turn our attention to growing the business. We plan to target the pet food and aquaculture industries with our sustainable, ocean- friendly, algae-derived omega 3. “I am proud that we operate as part of the circular economy where, by using a low value co-product from the whisky industry, we are creating a valuable supply of nutrients for the animal and fish food industries, thereby using the planet’s resources more efficiently. There is no doubt we will see a rapidly growing market for our product.”
The global aquaculture market is valued at $70 billion and set to increase by 100% by 2030.
AGRIBUSINESS 2020: NEW HORIZONS FOR THE UK AGRI- FOOD SUPPLY CHAIN
This year’s Agribusiness Conference in Peterborough saw multiple industry experts address some of the biggest questions facing UK agriculture. The message was clear that a robust agriculture and food strategy that delivers increased productivity and environmental protection is essential for the industry going forward.
Convened by AIC, the conference saw over 200 delegates attending, all of whom were clear when surveyed: the industry is undergoing unprecedented change and requires strong leadership. 91% of delegates agreed that the requirement for the sector to achieve a carbon neutral balance sheet will be a major factor affecting Production in the future.
Stuart Roberts, Vice President of the NFU, outlined the scope of the challenge: “In the next 30 years, we have to produce the same amount of food we’ve produced in the previous 10,000,” said Mr Roberts. Mr Roberts was clear that though change was necessary, UK agriculture is well placed to act as global leaders: “It’s a massive challenge, but a massive opportunity for British agriculture. Our high standards are
critical for the future of British agriculture. We must be part of the solution, not seen as the problem.”
These sentiments were echoed by other speakers, including Allan Wilkinson, Head of Agriculture at HSBC, who praised the industry’s strength while issuing a call for greater progression. “We are in slightly troubled times, but the economy has been remarkably resilient,” said Mr Wilkinson. “We face an enormous change in our operating level and have to help all businesses understand where they are and how to improve. The industry is going to face a lot of change. What an opportunity we have to get it right.”
“We need to deliver industry targets, not wait for regulation,” said Robert Sheasby, Chief Executive for AIC, in his introduction. Other speakers echoed this, urging attendees – and the industry as a whole – to lead the industry charge forward, rather than waiting for change.
The Conference Chairman, BBC Rural Affairs Correspondent Tom Heap, surveyed the attendees both before and after the conference on whether they were optimistic about the new horizons facing the agri-food supply chain. The result at the end showed a substantial shift, with a large number more optimistic at the day’s end. The message was clear and direct to the agrisupply chain: challenges are present, but we must lead the change for increased productivity whilst meeting our sustainability obligations .
Recordings of all talks below are available at
www.agribusiness.org.uk
For the presentations used – or any further information – please contact Sarah Riley (
sriley@rdp.co.uk)
Intro & Closing Remarks from Chairman – Tom Heap, BBC Rural Affairs Correspondent
AIC priorities and the Agri-Brexit Coalition – Robert Sheasby, Chief Executive, AIC
Outlook for the global and UK economy and impact on UK agriculture – Allan Wilkinson, Head of Agriculture, HSBC
Creating world class standards for UK farming and beyond – Baroness Neville- Rolfe DBE, CMG, Chairman Assured Food Standards
Measuring the impacts of switching agriculture in England and Wales to organic management – Dr Laurence Smith, Royal Agricultural University
UK Agriculture 2020 and beyond – capitalising on the New Horizons – Stuart Roberts, NFU Vice President
Will insect protein be a viable protein substitute for UK livestock diets? – Dr Elaine Fitches, FERA, University of Durham
Gene editing – a new dawn for a productive and sustainable UK Agriculture? – Prof Huw Jones, Aberystwyth University
PAGE 50 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020 FEED COMPOUNDER
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60
