Tag Archives: supply

How Virtual Reality Farming Will Transform the Future of Food Supply

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Agriculture has long been a skilled and high-pressure profession, but modern farmers encounter challenges that even our grandparents could not have imagined.

In the UK, extreme weather is severely impacting agricultural lands. A recent survey revealed that 84% of farmers have witnessed a drop in crop yields or livestock production. This decline stems from a mix of heavy rain, drought, and extreme heat. Coupled with labor shortages, escalating machinery costs, and the demand to produce more food with fewer resources, the outlook for British agriculture appears increasingly uncertain.

As these issues escalate, innovations have surged. One of the most surprising solutions isn’t a cutting-edge tractor, miracle fertilizer, or genetically enhanced supercrops. Instead, it’s virtual reality (VR). This immersive technology, typically associated with gaming, is gradually becoming essential for the agricultural sector.

Here are five ways VR can pave the way for resilient farms and safeguard the food supply for an expanding population.

Life-saving VR Simulator

Operating a tractor is a daily task on the farm, but it can be daunting for new drivers. Tractors may be slow, but they can pose serious risks.

Rural roadways are infamous for narrow lanes, mud, hidden ditches, overgrown hedges, and blind turns, all of which can lead to serious accidents. Statistics indicate higher accident risks.

To combat this, researchers at Nottingham Trent University have developed a tractor-specific VR hazard perception test. Utilizing 360-degree footage from a tractor’s perspective, learners can experience real-life scenarios. Farmers report these situations as highly dangerous: hidden bikes, potholes, tight corners, and vehicles that regard 14-ton tractors as mere obstacles.

In trials with over 100 drivers, many, particularly those with past accidents, struggled to recognize hazards in time. It’s evident that traditional training doesn’t suffice, as tractors have distinct turning radii, slower speeds, and unique blind spots compared to cars.

There’s hope that this VR training could become a standard educational tool in universities and young farmers’ clubs, ensuring safer driving practices before they venture onto the roads.

Hone Your Skills in VR

VR is also training the next generation of vineyard workers safely, minimizing the risk of harming the vines. The Maara Tech project in New Zealand has created a system enabling trainees to practice vine cutting indoors, even on rainy days. Pruning in wet conditions carries significant risks, exposing fresh cuts to moisture, which can lead to fungal diseases.

Researchers at Eurecat, a European R&D center collaborating with several universities on agricultural innovations, have advanced this concept further. They’ve developed VR pruning shears equipped with sensors that guide users on the correct pressure, angle, and technique. It’s not just about speed; precision is crucial.

Accurate cuts result in healthier grapes, leading to superior quality and fewer errors. Since this training is virtual, new workers can build their confidence and help alleviate seasonal labor shortages.

Mindfulness with VR Headsets

Agriculture is not just physically demanding; it’s also mentally taxing. When adverse weather ruins planting schedules, drought devastates fields, and costs soar, even the most resilient farmers can reach their breaking point.

It’s perhaps unsurprising that 95% of farmers under 40 believe that mental health issues are the biggest hidden struggle they face in agriculture.

In response, researchers at the University of East Anglia have initiated the Rural Mind Project, employing a 360-degree VR experience to immerse healthcare professionals, policymakers, and support workers in real farming scenarios—addressing issues like isolation, anxiety due to weather, and financial pressures.

This initiative goes beyond fostering empathy; it aims to facilitate tangible change. VR training is equipping practitioners to recognize rural-specific stressors, find effective support strategies, and dismantle the stigma associated with seeking help.

Unlike conventional therapy, where the presence of a psychiatrist may induce anxiety, farmers can practice coping methods in a tranquil virtual setting designed for rural challenges. Initial feedback suggests VR may reach individuals who would typically avoid seeking assistance.

While it’s not a complete solution, it’s a promising step towards making mental health care as accessible as checking the weather forecast.

Learn the Ropes Without the Mess

Not only does VR help in understanding farm life, but it also provides the younger generation a head start without the mess, fertilizers, or early wake-ups.

Through the DIVE4Ag project at Oregon State University, schoolchildren can embark on virtual field trips via their gadgets, exploring dairy farms, urban gardens, and aquaculture facilities.

Meanwhile, at Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Science in India, the AR/VR Experience Center offers agricultural students interactive lessons on crop cultivation, animal care, and modern production methods.

As immersive VR education gains traction, it sparks excitement and confidence, motivating the upcoming generation to consider agricultural careers long before stepping onto a physical farm.

Stepping into the Metaverse

If VR can train farmers effectively, support their mental well-being, and educate them about agriculture, why not extend these benefits to animals? In Turkey, one adventurous dairy farmer has started using VR goggles on his cows while they are comfortably housed in a barn, allowing them to view lush pastures accompanied by soft classical music.

The goal was to create a serene atmosphere to reduce stress and potentially enhance milk output. Early results have been remarkable, as average production climbed from 22 to 27 liters per cow per day.

This approach might seem quirky, but managing cows indoors during extreme climates allows for better control over their feeding, milking, and overall health, suggesting that the future of farming may indeed lie where livestock engage with the metaverse.

From safer tractor operations to calming cows using VR, this technology is demonstrating its value beyond mere gaming. It offers a glimpse into the future of agriculture. EIT Food showcases these innovations, merging visionary concepts with practical solutions to illustrate how immersive technology can make agriculture smarter, safer, and more sustainable for all.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Nexperia Halts Chip Supply to China Amid Global Automotive Production Concerns

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Nexperia, the automotive semiconductor manufacturer based in the EU and at the heart of the geopolitical tensions, has stopped all supplies to its factories in China, intensifying a trade war that risks shuttering production for automakers globally.

This week, the company communicated with its clients about the suspension of all supplies to its Chinese facility.

In September, the Netherlands utilized national security legislation to take control of the semiconductor maker due to fears that its Chinese owner, Wingtech Technologies, intended to transfer intellectual property to another affiliated company. The Dutch authorities stated: Threatened the future of Europe’s chip production capacity and subsequently dismissed Wingtech Chairman Zhang Xuezheng as CEO.

In retaliation, China ceased exports from all Nexperia factories and warned that this embargo could lead to the closure of production lines at EU car manufacturers within days.

The continuing lockdown jeopardizes the supply chain, as numerous Nexperia products produced in Europe—including wafers used to manufacture chips—were typically sent to factories in China for packaging and distribution.

Nexperia’s interim CEO, Stephen Tilger, stated on Sunday that shipments to its Dongguan factory in Guangdong province have been halted due to a “direct result of local management’s recent failure to comply with agreed contractual payment terms,” according to excerpts first released by Reuters.

Nexperia remains optimistic about resuming shipments and is hoping to de-escalate the situation. A source familiar with the developments indicated that shipments might recommence once contractual payments are made. Additionally, the company will continue sending products to its Malaysian facility, which is smaller than the Chinese one.

Automakers are expressing concerns over potential disruptions caused by shortages of crucial components essential for modern vehicles.

The automotive sector faced severe semiconductor shortages following the coronavirus pandemic, but it was not Nexperia’s lower-cost power control chips that were impacted—it was more advanced chips. The company usually ships over 100 billion items annually, utilized in various applications from airbags and adjustable seating to side mirrors and central locking.

Nissan Motor Co. announced this week that it has sufficient chips to last until early November, while competitor Honda reported halting production at its Mexican facility. Mercedes-Benz described its situation as “manageable” in the short term, yet is exploring alternatives. Volkswagen suggested that its annual profit goals could be compromised without adequate chip supply.

Conversely, Toyota, the world’s largest automaker, informed reporters at an auto show in Tokyo on Friday that it is not experiencing significant supply challenges, even though production might ultimately be affected.

EU trade commissioner Maroš Šefčović aims to initiate further discussions with Chinese officials following meetings in Brussels with both Chinese and EU representatives to address the export ban on Nexperia and restrictions on rare earth minerals supply.

Additionally, on the same day, the bloc’s technical commissioner Hena Virkunen met with Nexperia’s interim leader after discussions with European chip manufacturers Infineon, ST, and NXP the previous day.

Post-meeting, he noted that discussions with Nexperia underscored the EU’s necessity for new tipping laws as three lessons identified from the ongoing crisis: enhanced visibility of chip inventory in the pipeline, the importance of investing in chip supply despite costs, and the need for reserve inventories.

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“Diversifying stockpiles and supplies is crucial to our collective resilience,” she stated.

The German Automotive Industry Association (VDA) expressed concern on Thursday that without a swift resolution to the situation at Nexperia, it could lead to “significant production restrictions and even suspensions in the near future.”


Businesses in the UK are likely to be impacted as well. Nexperia manufactures some of its chip wafers at a plant established by Dutch company Philips in Manchester.

Previously, Nexperia owned another factory in south Wales but was blocked by the UK government from completing its acquisition of the Newport wafer factory due to national security concerns, given its ultimate Chinese ownership. Subsequently, US semiconductor firm Vishay Intertechnology acquired the factory in November 2023.

Wingtech has yet to respond to requests for comments.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Study Finds One Nation Produces Its Entire Food Supply.

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According to a recent study, out of 186 countries, only Guyana is capable of producing sufficient food for itself without relying on foreign imports.

This study, published in Natural Food, assessed how effectively countries can supply their populations with seven food groups: fruits, vegetables, dairy products, fish, meat, plant-based proteins, and starchy staples.

Globally, the research revealed that 65% of countries produce meat and dairy in alignment with their population’s dietary needs.

It also determined that Guyana, situated in South America, stands as the sole country achieving complete self-sufficiency, while China and Vietnam can sufficiently produce food across six out of the seven food groups.

However, only one in seven individuals in the surveyed countries was deemed self-sufficient in five or more categories.

Surrounded by lush greenery, Guyana was identified as the only nation in this study that produces enough food to nourish its people across all seven food groups. – Credit: Jonas Stehl, Nature Food 2025, doi: 10.1038/S43016-025-01173-4 Data published

Meanwhile, there is a global deficiency of nutrient-dense plants, as fewer than half of the countries involved in the study produce adequate plant-based proteins, such as beans, chickpeas, lentils, nuts, and seeds, as well as sufficient starchy carbohydrates and vegetables.

Europe and South America tended to be closer to achieving self-sufficiency compared to other regions. In contrast, small island nations, countries in the Arabian Peninsula, and low-income nations were more likely to depend on food imports.

Six nations—Afghanistan, the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Macau, Qatar, and Yemen—produced inadequate food groups to be categorized as self-sufficient.

“Low self-sufficiency is not inherently negative,” stated Dr. Jonas Stehl, a researcher from Göttingen and the first author of the study, in an interview with BBC Science Focus. “There are effective and often advantageous reasons why a country may not meet all its food production needs.”

For instance, a country may lack sufficient rainfall, quality soil, or stable temperatures necessary for growing adequate food for its population.

Stehl added that importing food from suitable regions can also be cost-effective.

“However, low levels of self-sufficiency can compromise a country’s ability to respond to sudden global food supply shocks, such as droughts, conflicts, and export bans,” he noted.

A team from the University of Göttingen in Germany and the University of Edinburgh in the UK conducted the study, evaluating the food output of various countries.

The researchers compared this data to the nutritional needs of each nation’s citizens, referencing the World Wildlife Fund’s Livewell Diet.

The Livewell Diet recommends “a flexible eating pattern that emphasizes plant-based protein sources, consumes vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and limits foods high in fat, salt, and sugar.”

The Covid-19 pandemic and the onset of the Russia-Ukraine conflict have sparked discussions about the merits of self-sufficiency, as these global crises have disrupted consistent food supplies to importing countries.

Stehl concluded that “the increased attention on national food self-sufficiency may signal broader political changes.”

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About Our Experts

Dr. Jonas Stehl is a doctoral researcher at the University of Göttingen in Germany, focusing on the food system and its implications for sustainability, nutrition, and health from a global viewpoint. He is part of an interdisciplinary research training group named Sustainable Food Systems. Stehl’s research interests include development, health, the environment, group economy, nutrition, and food security.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

New UK regulations allow for drones to supply NHS, excluding military use

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In the UK’s new regulatory regime, drones are expected to be used for remote NHS-related missions and to inspect offshore wind turbines and supply oil rigs by 2026.

David Willett, head of the government forces overseeing the deployment of new technology in the UK, highlighted the potential of drones in various missions as changes progress in the coming year.

The Minister recently announced plans to allow drone operators to fly long distances without requiring visual gaze, a significant shift from current regulations that restrict drones from flying beyond visual range.

Speaking to the Guardian, Lord Willett mentioned the potential for drones to serve the NHS and other sectors, citing examples of delivering supplies, drugs, and blood samples to remote locations.

He also discussed the potential benefits of using drones in the Scottish Highlands and islands, as well as in agriculture, under the government’s Safer Streets Fund.

Willett emphasized the need for technology and standards to allow drones to operate in busy airspaces and comply with regulations.

By 2026, drones could also be used for tasks like delivering supplies to oil rigs and inspecting offshore wind turbines, although current regulations require maintaining a visual gaze.

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The government has allocated £16.5 million to civil aviation authorities to establish a regulatory framework for the use of drones in various missions, addressing the limitations of current regulations.

The NHS has already conducted trials involving the use of drones to deliver emergency pathological items in central London, demonstrating the potential for drones in healthcare and other sectors.

UK Technology Secretary Peter Kyle expressed confidence that changes in regulations will position the UK as a leader in adopting new technologies.

“These regulatory innovations pave the way for safer and more efficient drone operations in various sectors, ensuring compliance with regulations and enhancing capabilities,” Willett concluded.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Apple’s global supply chain undergoes strain with Trump’s new tariffs

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In 2018, when President Trump initially implemented tariffs on China, Apple shifted production of iPads and Airpods to India and Vietnam from China. However, with Trump’s return to the White House, this strategy may have backfired for the tech giant.

Trump recently announced tariffs of 46% on Vietnam and 26% on India, which could significantly impact Apple’s business. This is in addition to the existing 20% tariffs on products imported from China, which is where around 90% of iPhones are manufactured.

The proposed tariffs could increase Apple’s costs by $8.5 billion annually, affecting the company’s profits and potentially leading to a 7% decrease in earnings next year.

Apple’s shares dropped 5.7% after Trump’s tariff announcements, signaling concerns for the company’s financial outlook.

Other high-tech companies like Google and Microsoft may also be impacted by these tariffs, affecting businesses beyond Apple. Trump’s broader trade strategy includes imposing tariffs on all countries that tax US exports, further complicating the global trade landscape.

Despite previous efforts by Apple’s CEO Tim Cook to forge a relationship with Trump and avoid tariffs on Apple products, the company now faces significant challenges due to the new tax policies.

After Trump took office, Apple made promises to invest in the United States, but the new tariffs could impact these plans. The company has diversified production beyond China, with moves to India and Vietnam.

Apple’s efforts to expand production in India and Vietnam may face challenges, especially with the recent tariff implications. Despite previous success in avoiding tariffs on certain products, Apple now faces a more complex trade environment.

Apple’s shift in manufacturing to India and Vietnam was aimed at diversifying production and tapping into new markets. However, challenges like skilled labor and supply chain issues have hindered these efforts.

Despite the hurdles faced in US manufacturing, Apple continues to explore opportunities in different countries. The tech giant remains focused on innovation and growth, navigating the ever-changing global trade landscape.

Source: www.nytimes.com

The worsening effects of food supply on the climate

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Raising cattle produces huge amounts of greenhouse gases

Alan Hopps/Getty Images

As the world's population grows, the only way to reduce agriculture's huge greenhouse gas emissions is to make food production more efficient. Unfortunately, efficiency gains have stagnated since 2010, and as food demand continues to grow, agricultural emissions and deforestation are likely to skyrocket.

Lin Ma Ma and his colleagues at the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Shijiazhuang came to their conclusion after analysing existing data to estimate greenhouse gas emissions per unit of protein produced between 1961 and 2019. They chose protein instead of calories because it's a better indicator of food quality, Ma says.

Between 1961 and around 2010, emissions per unit of protein fell by two-thirds, the team says. But since then, there has been no further improvement and there are even signs of an increase. Agriculture is responsible for about a third of all greenhouse gas emissions, and food demand is projected to increase by up to 50% by 2050. If agriculture's climate efficiency does not improve further, emissions from agriculture will also increase by 50%, the researchers warn.

Moreover, without improvements in agricultural efficiency, the only way to increase production is to clear more land for farming, which will lead to further deforestation and biodiversity loss, they say.

“That's very bad news. We need to drastically reduce emissions, not increase them.” Richard Waite He is a researcher at the World Resources Institute in Washington, D.C., but was not involved in the study.

“The continued and accelerating expansion of agricultural land since the turn of the century is of great concern as there is no path forward to limit warming to 1.5°C. [of global warming] “It's important to end deforestation as quickly as possible,” he says.

There are many reasons why climate emissions per unit of protein produced are no longer decreasing, Dan Leto For one thing, people around the world are eating more meat, which produces far more greenhouse gas emissions than plant-based foods, said Breakthrough Institute researcher David Schneider, who was not on the team.

The fact that large amounts of agricultural crops are now being converted to fuel rather than food could also be a factor, he says. “The rise in crop-based biofuels likely explains some of the slowdown in decarbonization we find in the paper,” as biofuel crops grown for energy are chosen for their calorie content rather than their protein content, reducing the efficiency that Ma's team measures.

Another potential factor is the increase in extreme weather events that are affecting crop yields and food prices around the world, which the study did not take into account, Ma said. “But we suspect the impact of extreme weather on crop yields was relatively small before 2019.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Increase in Stablecoin Supply Indicates Strong Capital Influx into Crypto Market – Blockchain News, Analysis, TV, Employment Opportunities

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Written by Enoch Muthembei

Over the past week, Bitcoin has experienced a bullish rally, topping the coveted $52,000 mark and recouping almost all the losses incurred since the FTX collapse. The milestone is crucial for an industry grappling with a prolonged bear market.

Consistent with Bitcoin’s upward trajectory, there has been a notable increase in the total market capitalization of major stablecoins, including: USDT, USDC, BUSDand Big. The market capitalization of these four stablecoin giants increased from $131.232 billion to $138.993 billion from February 13th to February 20th, indicating growing demand.

Stablecoins play a vital role as a bridge between fiat and crypto markets, making up the majority of crypto trading pairs and, as a result, becoming a major source of funding. market liquidity. The rise in market capitalization highlights the increasing adoption of stablecoins, solidifying their position as the preferred medium for engaging with cryptocurrencies.

Looking at the broader picture, we can see that the supply of the top four stablecoins has surged by 3.475% in the past 30 days. While a variety of factors may be contributing to this increase, it is primarily due to the overall market movement of assets into stablecoins, whether fiat or cryptocurrencies, in anticipation of future trading activity. It shows the trend. This suggests that the market is gearing up for a quick entry or exit from Bitcoin.

Supporting this trend is the notable rise in the stablecoin supply rate (SSR). SSR is a key metric that measures stablecoin supply relative to Bitcoin’s market capitalization, indicating the depth of market liquidity and potential purchasing power. A rise in SSR means a larger proportion of stablecoins compared to Bitcoin, and if these stablecoins are converted to Bitcoin, this could impact Bitcoin price growth.

SSR that exceeds the top bollinger bands This represents an unusual surge in potential purchasing power in February 2024. This suggests that investors may be poised to migrate to Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies in line with the Bitcoin price increase observed since January 2024.

The soaring price of Bitcoin, combined with the expansion in market capitalization and supply of major stablecoins, signals a significant influx of capital into the crypto market. For stablecoins, these trends highlight their important role in the ecosystem, serving not only as a safe haven during times of volatility, but also as an important means of putting money into Bitcoin. .

The trends observed last week highlight the interconnectedness of the stablecoin market and Bitcoin and highlight how fluctuations in stablecoin supply and market capitalization act as indicators of impending market activity. I am.

Source: the-blockchain.com

Stealth Mode Omniful Raises $5.85 million in Funding for Supply Chain and E-commerce Startup

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A startup that realizes supply chain and e-commerce, omnifulltoday announced a $5.85 million venture led by VentureSouq with participation from 500 Global, DASH Ventures, Jahez Group, SEEDRA Ventures, Bunat Ventures, Hala Ventures, RZM Investments, and several family offices including Al Rasheed, Siraj Holding, Al It emerged from stealth with seed funding. Bawardi, Al Nafea.

The UAE and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA)-based startup builds systems for ordering, warehousing, and transportation management to help sellers leverage hyperlocal and omnichannel commerce to efficiently manage orders, allowing you to manage your inventory in real time. It also allows third-party logistics providers (3PLs) to efficiently manage workflows.

Mostafa Abolnasr, co-founder and CEO of Omniful, told TechCrunch that most retail companies are faced with the challenges of coordinating different sales channels, managing inventory flow, inventory accuracy, and picking and fulfillment times. He said the pain points for traders inspired him and Alankrit Nishad. If you have experience in e-commerce, get started. In addition, market research has shown that traditional software does not meet customer needs, is difficult to scale, is expensive, and takes time to implement, Abornsah said.

“We started with a vision to reimagine the technologies used today and in the future to operate supply chains, hyperlocal omnichannel retail, and e-commerce. We basically had to rethink every feature based on first principles and focused absolutely on four pillars: speed, accuracy, scale, and efficiency,” said Abornasr, adding that small sellers He added that he was also keen to reach out to the public.

“We’re looking at it from an impact and issue release perspective.”

Omniful emerges from stealth with a $5.85 million seed to give merchants and third-party logistics providers the tools to scale e-commerce

Omniful provides merchants and third-party logistics providers with solutions that include tools for insight. image credits: Omniful

Large enterprises and small merchants using the technology will be able to leverage a variety of sales channels, reduce labor costs per store, and reduce fulfillment times by up to 40% and 70%, respectively.

Initial customers for Omniful’s globalized products include major retailers and third-party logistics providers in several markets, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Abornasr said the company’s technology can process a minimum of 3 million orders per day per customer, making it suitable for customers seeking growth. This also sets the stage for growth plans that include expanding the customer base in other parts of the world, including Africa and India, where R&D centers are located.

“We believe Omniful has its own wide range of applications and offers a lot of space to run. Here in MENA [Middle East and North Africa], the concept of trading is embedded in our history. There is a well-established tradition of excellent retail franchises in the region and Omniful will strengthen that and give us a competitive edge in an increasingly dynamic environment,” said Tammer Qaddumi, General Partner of VentureSouq. says Mr.

“Omniful is universal, adaptable, and global, and has already found use in several large markets. We truly believe that it is a borderless solution that can also serve as an integrator.”

Source: techcrunch.com