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Global/Regional News
ASEAN Senior Officials tackle key agriculture issues ahead of 47th AMAF
AMAF is ASEAN’s highest decision-making body on agriculture and forestry, convening annually with ministers and senior officials from all 10 Member States to set the strategic directions for the sector. Read more…
Global genebanks deposit over 21,000 seed samples to Svalbard Vault
Twenty genebanks across the world deposited seed samples at the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, contributing 21,647 accessions to the world’s largest backup repository of crop diversity. Read more…
Country News
Cargo points to resumption of Australian canola sales to China
AUSTRALIA is due to load what is believed to be its first cargo of canola bound for China since 2020 next week in a move which could reopen a significant market for Australia’s major oilseed. Read more…
Gene tech reforms face political split
The Government’s Gene Technology Bill continues to divide Parliament, after the Health Select Committee released its long-awaited report last week outlining key recommendations and lingering concerns. Read more…
Origin Agritech obtains new licenses for crop seed production and GMO business operations
Origin Agritech has received a new crop seed production and operation license from the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, authorizing the Company to produce, process, package, wholesale, and retail corn seeds. Read more…
Zespri wins key plant variety rights case
The Wuhan Intermediate People’s Court has ruled in favor of New Zealand kiwifruit brand Zespri in a major plant variety rights infringement case. Read more…
22nd China International Agricultural Trade Fair Concludes in Tianjin
Hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, and under the theme “empowering brands for rural revitalization, boosting consumption for vibrant growth” , the 22nd CATF brought together 3,965 enterprises from across the country, showcasing over 25,000 high-quality agricultural products. Read more…
Expo highlights potatoes’ vital role in food security and farmers’ income
The 15th China International Potato Expo and the 3rd Weifang International Food and Agricultural Products Expo kicked off in Weifang, Shandong province, driving the high-quality potato industry for global food security. Read more…
World’s first gene-edited black goat fit for hot days
Chinese researchers have produced the world’s first gene-edited black goat designed to tolerate high temperatures and humidity, a breakthrough that could help protect livestock production as climate change intensifies. Read more…
ICAR refutes allegations of data manipulation in genome-edited rice trials
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) on Thursday rejected allegations of scientific fraud in the testing of two genome-edited rice varieties, terming the claims “baseless” and motivated by an “anti-development agenda that undermines the achievements of Indian scientists”. Read more…
Bill to amend Seed Act in Budget session: Minister
The government is aiming to introduce mandatory traceability, certification and quality control provisions to ensure seed quality and curb the sale of substandard or counterfeit seeds. Read more…
Durgesh Chandra Sharma Emphasizes Research-Driven Approach to Crop Protection and Sustainability
Durgesh Chandra Sharma highlighted the role of R&D in sustainable agriculture, emphasized the importance of crop protection and biostimulants, and urged greater investment to strengthen India’s agricultural innovation ecosystem. Read more…
During his visit, the Minister interacted with around 500 farmers and beneficiaries representing various flagship schemes. Read more…
India’s yields lag China by half: Economist blames subsidy mindset for low growth in agriculture
India’s agricultural yields continue to lag China’s by nearly half, a gap that economist Devesh Kapur calls ‘very puzzling’, given the country’s political evolution and decades of reforms. Read more…
New Delhi may increase purchase of US’ corn, ethanol
A trade deal between India and the United States is expected soon. According to a report, the 50% tariff on selected Indian goods could be reduced to 15%. Read more…
Indonesia Needs 1M Hectare of Sugarcane for E10 Fuel Drive
Indonesia needs at least 1 million hectares of sugarcane plantations to produce sufficient ethanol domestically as it prepares to introduce a 10 percent ethanol-blended fuel, or E10, within the next few years, a senior minister said. Read more…
Collaboration between PVTPP and 10 Partners: A Strategic Step for Agricultural Innovation
The Center for Plant Variety Protection and Agricultural Licensing (PVTPP), Ministry of Agriculture, held an Evaluation of Collaboration Implementation with 10 strategic partners in Bogor. Read more…
Prabowo Orders Revamp of State Fertilizer Plants to Boost Efficiency, Lower Prices for Farmers
According to State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi, the president underscored the need to modernize the national fertilizer production and distribution system to better meet farmers’ needs. Read more…
Indonesia Revokes 2,000+ Fertilizer Permits in Crackdown on Price Fraud
The government has revoked the business permits of 2,039 kiosks, distributors, and retailers found guilty of violating subsidized fertilizer regulations. Read more…
IRRI and Indonesia’s Badan Perakitan dan Modernisasi Pertanian (BRMP) [Agency for Agricultural Assembly and Modernization] have developed and disseminated LKP, a localized web- and mobile-based advisory tool which aims to support Indonesia’s goals for rural prosperity, food security, environmental sustainability by providing site-specific fertilizer recommendations for rice farmers. Read more…
Japan 2026 staple rice production seen falling to 7.11 million tons
The country’s staple rice production is forecast to total 7.11 million tons in 2026, down 370,000 tons from 2025, the agriculture ministry has said. Read more…
Japan’s Traditional Farming Sites Receive Global Agricultural Heritage Status
Two Japanese regions — Okuizumo in Shimane Prefecture and Arida-Shimotsu in Wakayama Prefecture — have been officially recognized as Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS), receiving their certification in Rome, Italy. Read more…
Uljin County, Gyeongbuk Province, announced that the ‘Uljin Geumgangsong Mountain Agricultural System’ was officially registered as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS) by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). Read more…
South Korea and Singapore Elevate Ties to Strategic Partnership, Pledging Broader Cooperation
In a symbolic breakthrough, they also reached an agreement to allow exports of Jeju Island beef and pork to Singapore—an achievement Lee called “a milestone for Korea’s agricultural exports to global markets.” Read more…
UiTMSAT-2 reaches ISS: UiTm launches second nanosatellite from Japan
Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) made history when it successfully launched its second nanosatellite. The mission’s main objectives include earth observation and space-based IoT applications for smart agriculture and disaster management. Read more…
RM6.87b allocation for ministry to raise agricultural productivity: Mat Sabu
Minister Mohamad Sabu said the seven percent increase compared to RM6.42 billion in 2025, will continue to strengthen the country’s food security. Read more…
Penang set to lead Malaysia in double-harvest ratoon rice, says CM
Penang is ready to be a pioneer for ratoon rice planting that allows a second crop without replanting. Read more…
The National Biosafety Committee (NBC) approved the country’s first genetically modified (GM) sugarcane and advanced cotton varieties for commercialization. Read more…
Both sides expressed their commitment to building a stronger and mutually beneficial partnership in agriculture, food safety, and technology transfer. Read more…
Bridging gender gaps in agriculture
Rural women in agrarian economies of South East Asian including Pakistan are most vulnerable, denied access to new techniques and agriculture support services due to peculiar social culture setup and restricted women mobility , they are totally unaware of new technologies particularly relating to crop diversity, good quality seeds and fertilisers. Read more…
CropLife Philippines (CLP) joins the 21st National Biotechnology Week Celebration
CLP, in partnership with CropLife Asia, took part in the exhibit to highlight the vital role of biotechnology—particularly genetically modified (GM) crops—in modern agriculture. Read more…
Pinoy scientists harness biotechnology to revolutionize food security
At a media forum on “Biotechnology R&D and Regulatory Landscape in the Philippines” held on October 14, experts from leading scientific institutions reported significant advances in gene-edited and genetically engineered crops— innovations poised to reshape the country’s food systems. Read more…
Deliberations on GMO regulatory ordinance postponed
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Negros Occidental has temporarily set aside discussions on the proposed GMO Regulatory Ordinance, which faces vehement opposition from organic farming advocates. Read more…
Singapore farmers exploring use of shared logistics to tackle rising costs
A group that represents at least 50 farmers in Singapore is hoping to tackle rising expenses through a new shared logistics service. Read more…
Singapore replaces ’30 by 30′ food sustainability goal with targets for specific food categories
The new targets are for local farms to supply 20 per cent of the local consumption of fibre and 30 per cent of the local consumption of protein by 2035. Read more…
APEC members gather in Taiwan to explore new models for cooperation in circular agriculture
The Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) has arranged for attendees to visit circular agriculture demonstration sites in Taiwan to see how Taiwan uses circular agriculture to promote reduction of carbon emissions, strengthen rural resilience, ensure food security, and promote sustainable agricultural development. Read more…
Unsterilized food waste likely source of swine fever outbreak: Official
Researchers inferred that the most likely source was food waste that had not been properly sterilized before it was fed to pigs on the farm, Tu said. Read more…
Thaicom harnesses Thai-made AI to boost agriculture and curb pollution
Thaicom deploys locally-developed AI and satellite technology to monitor forests, curb pollution and fires, and enable low-cost carbon-credit farming. Read more…
Energy minister orders solar panels on border to support soldiers and farmers
Auttapol and his team visited agricultural sites to review the Quick Big Win solar-powered water pump project. The initiative will install 1,200 solar water pumping systems for agriculture, using clean solar energy to irrigate farmland with local communities and authorities involved from the outset. Read more…
According to a document published by the White House on Sunday (26 Oct), the US and Thailand have agreed to develop a framework for an Agreement on Reciprocal Trade in order to reinforce bilateral economic relations. Read more…
Philippines to import 300,000 tonnes of Thai rice
Philippines to reopen rice imports in January 2026 amid low stocks, while FAO warns El Niño could hit regional rice output as prices soften. Read more…
Global lessons in gene editing regulation and proposals for Vietnam
As many Asian countries have adopted flexible management of gene-edited crops, Vietnam still lacks clear regulations, holding back the rise of this transformative technology. Read more…
Building a sustainable Vietnamese rice ecosystem
The “Low-emission Vietnamese Green Rice” label is creating a positive effect on the market, contributing to affirming the image of environmentally friendly Vietnamese rice and moving towards sustainable development. Read more…
Vietnam to pilot 15 low-emission farming models with carbon credit potential
The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has announced a plan to pilot at least 15 farming models for key crops such as rice, coffee, cassava, sugarcane, and banana that have the potential to generate carbon credits meeting international standards. Read more…
Vietnam’s miracle transformation: From rice fields to global green powerhouse
No longer merely a ‘low-cost factory,’ Vietnam is redefining itself as a hub of green innovation where farmers generate clean electricity, small businesses access global markets, and the Net Zero 2050 commitment takes shape through technology and policy. Read more…
Building and developing An Giang rice brand
An Giang has the largest rice cultivation area and output in the country. The locality is promoting the building and development of a unique rice brand, aiming to conquer demanding markets around the world. Read more…
Scientists use AI-guided beams to automate cotton topping
In a test field on the campus of Xinjiang University, a white scanner-like machine slowly moves along the cotton ridges. From the upper frame, blue laser beams flash intermittently, striking the cotton seedlings below and releasing faint curls of smoke. Read more…
Fungi and bacteria could help boost agricultural yields
Government-funded research has cultivated fungi and bacteria that could help farmers increase vegetable yields amid climate challenges, the Taiwan Ministry of Agriculture said on Tuesday. Read more…
Survey Reveals Growing Acceptance of Gene-Edited Foods in Korea
The study revealed that awareness of genome editing varied widely depending on the terminology used. Read more…
Scientists Discover a Gene that Could Triple Wheat Production
The scientists identified the WUSCHEL-D1 (WUS-D1) gene as the key factor responsible for a rare variety of wheat that develops three ovaries per flower, instead of the standard single ovary. Read more…
Industry Updates
Bayer sees huge opportunities in agri, electrification, healthcare
German life sciences conglomerate upbeat about China’s market prospects. Read more…
CropLife India, the association representing leading domestic and multinational R&D-driven crop science companies, convened its 45th Annual General Meeting alongside a National Conference. Read more…
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