A council delays a decision on the Saunton Sands beach proposal for additional survey work.

Sir Lee Pearson says he fears noise emanating from a new storage building will impact his training.

Community officers discover the factory spread across three rooms in a terraced house, say police.

The operation was uncovered following a search of a disused office building in Morecambe.

Preston is one of 23 councils facing legal action from a council in Essex over botched investments.

The group also rammed a farmer's vehicle in a "terrifying" incident in Wiltshire, police said.

The Budget saw the Labour government announce the reintroduction of inheritance tax for farmers.

Green entrepreneurial intention (GEI) in the agriculture sector signifies agricultural businesses' strong determination to embrace environmentally sustainable practices and innovative eco-friendly approaches. To understand farmers' GEI, the research applied theories of entrepreneurial events and institutional theory. A model was developed and empirically validated through structural equation modelling (SEM). A questionnaire survey was used to collect data from 211 farmers from the southern region of India. Findings revealed that perceived desirability, perceived feasibility, mimetic pressure, and entrepreneurial mindset positively influenced GEI. Entrepreneurial mindset played a mediating role in strengthening the farmers GEI. This study contributes to understanding GEI in agriculture and informs strategies for promoting sustainable farming practices.

Aim/Purpose: This paper aims to analyze the availability and pricing of perishable farm produce before and during the lockdown restrictions imposed due to Covid-19. This paper also proposes machine learning and deep learning models to help the farmers decide on an appropriate market to sell their farm produce and get a fair price for their product. Background: Developing countries like India have regulated agricultural markets governed by country-specific protective laws like the Essential Commodities Act and the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) Act. These regulations restrict the sale of agricultural produce to a predefined set of local markets. Covid-19 pandemic led to a lockdown during the first half of 2020 which resulted in supply disruption and demand-supply mismatch of agricultural commodities at these local markets. These demand-supply dynamics led to disruptions in the pricing of the farm produce leading to a lower price realization for farmers. Hence it is essential to analyze the impact of this disruption on the pricing of farm produce at a granular level. Moreover, the farmers need a tool that guides them with the most suitable market/city/town to sell their farm produce to get a fair price. Methodology: One hundred and fifty thousand samples from the agricultural dataset, released by the Government of India, were used to perform statistical analysis and identify the supply disruptions as well as price disruptions of perishable agricultural produce. In addition, more than seventeen thousand samples were used to implement and train machine learning and deep learning models that can predict and guide the farmers about the appropriate market to sell their farm produce. In essence, the paper uses descriptive analytics to analyze the impact of COVID-19 on agricultural produce pricing. The paper explores the usage of prescriptive analytics to recommend an appropriate market to sell agricultural produce. Contribution: Five machine learning models based on Logistic Regression, K-Nearest Neighbors, Support Vector Machine, Random Forest, and Gradient Boosting, and three deep learning models based on Artificial Neural Networks were implemented. The performance of these models was compared using metrics like Precision, Recall, Accuracy, and F1-Score. Findings: Among the five classification models, the Gradient Boosting classifier was the optimal classifier that achieved precision, recall, accuracy, and F1 score of 99%. Out of the three deep learning models, the Adam optimizer-based deep neural network achieved precision, recall, accuracy, and F1 score of 99%. Recommendations for Practitioners: Gradient boosting technique and Adam-based deep learning model should be the preferred choice for analyzing agricultural pricing-related problems. Recommendation for Researchers: Ensemble learning techniques like Random Forest and Gradient boosting perform better than non-Ensemble classification techniques. Hyperparameter tuning is an essential step in developing these models and it improves the performance of the model. Impact on Society: Statistical analysis of the data revealed the true nature of demand and supply and price disruption. This analysis helps to assess the revenue impact borne by the farmers due to Covid-19. The machine learning and deep learning models help the farmers to get a better price for their crops. Though the da-taset used in this paper is related to India, the outcome of this research work applies to many developing countries that have similar regulated markets. Hence farmers from developing countries across the world can benefit from the outcome of this research work. Future Research: The machine learning and deep learning models were implemented and tested for markets in and around Bangalore. The model can be expanded to cover other markets within India.

Aim/Purpose: This research aims to develop a smart agricultural knowledge management framework to empower emergent farmers and extension officers (advisors to farmers) in developing countries as part of a smart farming lab (SFL). The framework utilizes knowledge objects (KOs) to capture information and knowledge of different forms, including indigenous knowledge. It builds upon a foundation of established agricultural knowledge management (AKM) models and serves as the cornerstone for an envisioned SFL. This framework facilitates optimal decision support by fostering linkages between these KOs and relevant organizations, knowledge holders, and knowledge seekers within the SFL environment. Background: Emergent farmers and extension officers encounter numerous obstacles in their knowledge operations and decision-making. This includes limited access to agricultural information and difficulties in applying it effectively. Many lack reliable sources of support, and even when information is available, understanding and applying it to specific situations can be challenging. Additionally, extension offices struggle with operational decisions and knowledge management due to agricultural organizations operating isolated in silos, hindering their access to necessary knowledge. This research introduces an SFL with a proposed AKM process model aimed at transforming emergent farmers into smart, innovative entities by addressing these challenges. Methodology: This study is presented as a theory-concept paper and utilizes a literature review to evaluate and synthesize three distinct AKM models using several approaches. The results of the analysis are used to design a new AKM process model. Contribution: This research culminates in a new AKM process framework that incorporates the strengths of various existing AKM models and supports emergent farmers and extension officers to become smart, innovative entities. One main difference between the three models analyzed, and the one proposed in this research, is the deployment and use of knowledge assets in the form of KOs. The proposed framework also incorporates metadata and annotations to enhance knowledge discoverability and enable AI-powered applications to leverage captured knowledge effectively. In practical terms, it contributes by further motivating the use of KOs to enable the transfer and the capturing of organizational knowledge. Findings: A model for an SFL that incorporates the proposed agricultural knowledge management framework is presented. This model is part of a larger knowledge factory (KF). It includes feedback loops, KOs, and mechanisms to facilitate intelligent decision-making. The significance of fostering interconnected communities is emphasized through the creation of linkages. These communities consist of knowledge seekers and bearers, with information disseminated through social media and other communication integration platforms. Recommendations for Practitioners: Practitioners and other scholars should consider implementing the proposed AKM process model as part of a larger SFL to support emergent farmers and extension officers in making operational decisions and applying knowledge management strategies. Recommendation for Researchers: The AKM process model is only presented in conceptual form. Therefore, researchers can practically test and assess the new framework in an agricultural setting. They can also further explore the potential of social media integration platforms to connect knowledge seekers with knowledge holders. Impact on Society: The proposed AKM process model has the potential to support emergent farmers and extension officers in becoming smart, innovative entities, leading to improved agricultural practices and potentially contributing to food security. Future Research: This paper discusses the AKM process model in an agrarian setting, but it can also be applied in other domains, such as education and the healthcare sector. Future research can evaluate the model’s effectiveness and explore and further investigate the semantic web and social media integration.

How can we monitor Europe-wide farmland biodiversity so that it makes sense to farmers, is ecologically credible and scientifically sound and can be implemented for a reasonable price? Two new studies answer these questions.

First, stakeholders were asked, which indicators provided best "value for money" for their purpose. Habitat, plant species and farm management indicators ranked highest. Wild bees, earthworms and spiders as important providers of ecosystem services came next. Together they form a minimum set of indicators which provides non-redundant information and which can make dominant changes in farmland biodiversity visible.

Researchers from the FP7 funded EU projects "Biodiversity Indicators for European Farming Systems (BioBio)" and "Building the European Biodiversity Observation Network (EU BON)", then developed cost estimates for nine monitoring scenarios and the authors conclude that a continent-wide farmland biodiversity monitoring scheme would require only a modest share of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) budget (2014-2020).

Cost assessments showed that the farmland biodiversity monitoring scenarios require 0·01% - 0·74% of the total CAP budget and 0·04% - 2·48% of the CAP budget specifically allocated to environmental targets. With 30% of the CAP devoted to environmental targets (more than 120 billion EURO), investing in a monitoring process seems a logical choice given these results. The researchers provide a framework for individual countries to start farmland biodiversity monitoring, building towards a coherent European picture.

The studies were published in the Journal of Applied Ecology and the Journal of Environmental Management.

"Despite scientific proof that monitoring increases the (cost) efficiency of policy measures, monitoring rarely gets included in policy programme budgets. We identified that the cost are not as high as feared. To further facilitate implementation, the study provides stepping stones to build a European monitoring scheme, offering a choice in indicators and using regions as a unit of trend analysis," explains Dr. Ilse Geijzendorffer, the lead author of the Journal of Applied Ecology paper.

"There's just something about visiting a pumpkin patch, many with hayrides and yummy treats, that puts you in the fall spirit."

The post This Maine farm has the best pumpkin patch, corn maze in America, according to USA Today readers appeared first on Boston.com.

Third Sector gets the views of the finance and resources director at the energy and fuel poverty charity Changeworks

With a nearly 10,000-foot perimeter to secure at its newly constructed solar farm in the Midwest, an independent power producer turned to SmarterFence and SmarterBeam solutions from SmarterSecurity Inc. Systems integrator MidCo Inc. took on the task of installing the solutions to help secure the owner’s investment and operations from intruders to allow the site to be routinely unmanned.

Winston-Salem, NC – Housing for migrant farmworkers may not provide adequate relief from hot temperatures, reducing workers’ ability to rest and recover from work exposure to heat, according to a new study from the Wake Forest School of Medicine.

Washington – The Environmental Protection Agency on Feb. 20 proposed new safety measures intended to protect farmworkers from the harmful effects of pesticide exposure.

Washington – United Farm Workers and several community health groups have petitioned the Environmental Protection Agency to immediately suspend widespread use of chlorpyrifos, a neurotoxic pesticide already acknowledged to pose poisoning risks to workers.

Peosta, IA — A series of daily webinars is planned for National Farm Safety and Health Week, scheduled to take place Sept. 19-25.

Covington, LA — Helping farmers and ranchers navigate occupational risks and providing information on health and safety issues is the goal of the AgriSafe Health Hub, a new website.

New York — The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York has halted until at least Aug. 22 an Environmental Protection Agency final rule that revises the pesticide application exclusion zone requirement in the agency’s standard on agricultural worker protection.

Peosta, IA — A series of daily webinars is planned for National Farm Safety and Health Week, scheduled for Sept. 18-24.

West Lafayette, IN — Two Purdue University professors have used a federal grant to expand their safety and health training program for beginning agricultural workers ages 12-20.

Chicago — A recent study of Florida farmworkers found that virtually all of them experienced dehydration at the end of their shift, and more than half were still dehydrated the next morning.

Richmond, British Columbia – Agricultural employers can keep track of confined spaces on their properties with a new mobile application from WorkSafeBC.

A 46-year-old farm mechanic was killed in a plasma torch explosion.

Iowa City, IA – A new campaign is reminding farmers about the dangers of skin cancer and heat stress, and how to stay protected.

Falls from tractors or trailing equipment can lead to serious injury and death on farms and ranches.

Albuquerque, NM – Many farm laborers in New Mexico face unsafe working conditions, according to a recent report from the New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty.

Washington – OSHA is supporting the efforts of the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety in promoting National Farm Safety and Health Week, Sept. 15-21.

Washington – Two new fact sheets from OSHA provide information intended to protect workers from combustible dust explosion hazards and agricultural emergencies.

Few flavors evoke a rich and savory flavor more than garlic herb butter. Consumers crave its extraordinary flavor and smooth, creamy texture from steakhouses and fine dining. 

With each “better for you” flavor containing just 50 calories or less per serving, these dressings empower consumers to explore their culinary creativity through the versatility of the line, “dressing up” their plates as the ultimate dips, spreads, salad toppings and more.

Iowa City, IA — A NIOSH-funded study of farm machinery found that the machine operators experienced whole-body vibration at levels that reached the European Union’s “action level” for exposure limit within two hours of operation on nearly 30 percent of the equipment tested.

The Sauce Starters undergo a minimal cooking process that maintains the closest flavor to a fresh tomato. 

The Firmament Group, a provider of tailored debt and equity capital solutions to small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), announced an investment in Citrus Extracts, LLC.

Bascom Maple Farms, the trusted source and supplier of 100% pure and organic maple syrup and maple sugar, invites attendees to visit the Bascom booth #S2559 during the Institute of Food Technologists 2023 Annual Event and Expo (IFT FIRST), July 17-19, at McCormick Place in Chicago.

Bob Evans introduced Farmhouse Favorites vegetable sides, now available in select Kroger locations. Made with real vegetables, Farmhouse Favorites make it easy to add veggies to dinners in under five minutes.

Bolthouse Fresh Foods will carry on the century-old legacy of Bolthouse Farms as a leading supplier of fresh carrots to retailers across North America, with nearly 700 million pounds of carrots sold annually. 

Implementing this change across its entire beef hot dog portfolio is expected to contribute to the regeneration of six million acres of grasslands, which could increase the current regenerative acreage of Applegate suppliers by more than 2,200%.

All the Wenzel's Farm Venison Snack Sticks are made with grass-fed venison, and are gluten free, making them a high protein snack for the individual who is needing a grab and go snack.

Using the top 2023 trends as your innovation guide is a way to overcome the overwhelm. Plus, keeping current trends in the food and beverage industry top of mind can help you create products that satisfy shifting consumer wants and needs.

Kate Farms,® a company that aims to bring plant-based nutrition into healthcare, launched newest shake, Glucose Support 1.2. The plant-based, organic nutrition shake is designed to help manage blood sugar as part of a balanced diet.

The company's latest formula innovations – Kate Farms Pediatric Peptide 1.0 Vanilla and Kate Farms Standard 1.4 Vanilla and Plain – are now listed in the approved Medi-Cal Rx List of Enteral Nutrition Products for children and adult recipients.