Colin Doylend’s Post

🌱 Vertical Farming: A Game-Changer for Urban Food Security As cities grow, feeding everyone sustainably is a huge challenge. Vertical farming—stacked, indoor crop production—offers a solution by saving space, reducing water use, and cutting food waste. From hydroponic gardens in Peru to community farms in Brazil, urban agriculture is reshaping how cities feed their populations. Curious how this innovative approach could change the future of food? Check out this article: 🔗 Read more #UrbanAgriculture #VerticalFarming #FoodSecurity #Sustainability #Innovation https://lnkd.in/g_WE9emx

The Future of Farming in Ireland is Safe💪 We are proud to announce the nominees for this years Farming for Nature Ambassador Awards. These farmers are proving every day that the future of Ireland’s farms can be productive, profitable and nature-rich.🌟 While running different enterprises on different land types, what unites all of the nominees is a commitment to healthier soils, cleaner water, richer biodiversity, and stronger rural communities. Their work demonstrates that farming for and with nature is happening all over the country and, most importantly, it works. 🔦By shining a spotlight on these farmers, the Farming for Nature initiative celebrates the leadership already happening in fields, hedgerows, and on mountainsides across Ireland. These ambassadors are living proof that farming with nature is a smart and satisfying way to farm. Farmers have always been the caretakers of our land and our communities. But too often, farming has been framed as a choice between productivity and protecting nature. These nominees are living examples of how that’s a false choice. By working with nature, these farmers are cutting costs and building resilience but they’re also renewing pride in passing on thriving land to the next generation. This is the future of farming in Ireland; good for farmers, nature-rich, and rewarding for everyone. The public has the opportunity to learn more about all of the nominees on the Farming for Nature website.  Only twelve of the nominees will become ambassadors and this announcement will take place on Saturday, 25th October as part of the Burren Winterage Weekend. Farming for Nature is grateful for the support of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Irish Natural Stone and the Burren Eco Tourism Network in hosting this event.

I’m excited to share that CANZA is launching the “Million Acre Challenge”—a bold new initiative to scale regenerative farming across Canada. 🌱 This is a big step toward scaling action that supports the great work farmers are doing with resilient, climate-smart farming in Canada. 🇨🇦 This program offers cost-sharing incentives, risk support, and a data-driven outcomes marketplace to help farmers adopt regenerative practices that improve soil health, reduce emissions, and build financial resilience, all while further shaping the incentives and tools needed to scale. This is about co-designing the future of farming with farmers, industry, and finance partners, together turning ambition into real-world change. 👉 Read more about the launch here: https://lnkd.in/gYJTCDkJ #RegenerativeAgriculture #ClimateSmartFarming #NetZeroAg #CANZA #Collaboration #InnovationInAg

What is and isn't #RegenerativeAgriculture? Without a definition, it's hard for Canadian farmers to adopt it. If they can't adopt it, the agriculture sector, Canada's economy and Canadians miss out on its many benefits. This is why my colleagues, Ryan Cooke, Olivia Richardson, Karina Lopez Ivich and Elizabeth Daigle, tackled these questions and more for a report on the topic for the CSA Group earlier this year. Today, in related news, our partner, Canadian Alliance for Net Zero Agri-Food (CANZA), announced its new Million-Acre Challenge, an initiative to help scale regenerative agriculture in Canada. We're proud that our work contributed to this new effort, and excited to see it in action. Congratulations to our CANZA friends, Nick Betts, Ashley Honsberger, Barbara Swartzentruber, Kelly Latcham, Andrea M. Gal, Emily Robinson, Rebecca Seltzer, Elizabeth (Liz) Harrington, MHSc, Prosci and Ashely Tay!

Is drought the biggest problem for agriculture at the moment? Or is it just a part of a bigger problem? In Croatia, farmers face drought every three to five years, sometimes losing up to 92% of their yields. Add to this the reality of small, fragmented land plots, an aging farming population and a lack of labor, and you can picture how heartbreaking it is to see an entire season of work disappear because of water shortages. At the EUROPEAN IRRIGATION ASSOCIATION forum from last week, Croatia’s goal was obvious: to expand irrigated land from just 3-4% to 6.5%. A huge challenge, but one that is not faced just by Croatia. Across southern Europe, farmers are struggling with the same issues: fragmented plots and an aging population often struggling to adapt to the climate, explore more resilient crops or use precision agriculture for better informed decisions. The conversation also shifted to cities. A topic I do not hear much about in my area of work, but one I am deeply curious about. After living most of my life in a capital city with nearly 2 million people, where the air is often unbreathable and summers push past 40°C, you cannot help but wonder: is this the only way we can live in big cities? In France, most people say they prefer smaller gardens with more diversity and less maintenance instead of big lawns. And it makes sense. Lawns require a lot of water and dry out quickly in heat, while small biodiverse gardens stay greener, cooler and more resilient. Whether in the countryside or in our cities, the message is the same. Smarter water management is not only about productivity, it is about resilience, about finding ways to adapt and use land differently in a changing climate. Cordulus not only provides data but also helps track year to year changes in climate. It shows where the trajectory is going and, together with your own experience and skills, helps you see which crops or varieties might need to change and how to make better informed decisions. For example, one of our customers from "Research and Development Centre for viticulture and winemaking Pietroasa" in Romania told us he checks the trends in temperature and precipitation to decide which grape varieties he needs to replace in his vineyard with ones that have higher resistance to the changing climate. Thank you Monika Zovko Thomas HANSS Fleur Martin Moshi Berenstein Bruno Molle for another amazing and insightful forum! What do you think is the biggest challenge at the moment for agriculture in your area? Let me know below!

🦋Recognising sustainable farming practices 🐮 CAFRE has reinforced its commitment to sustainable farming practices and environmental stewardship by successfully renewing its membership of the LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming) Marque scheme. LEAF Marque is an internationally recognised farm assurance scheme which operates worldwide across 19 countries and aims to promote sustainable practices that create a more resilient food and farming system that enriches nature and biodiversity. Read more ⬇ https://lnkd.in/enDG5dnq

🌱 15 Agricultural Enterprises You Can Start with Minimal or No Capital! 🌱 Looking to step into agriculture but worried about heavy investments? Here are 15 low-cost, high-potential ideas that are innovative, sustainable, and future-ready: 1️⃣ Urban Agriculture – Utilize unused spaces/backyards to grow veggies & herbs 2️⃣ Collaborative Gardening – Start community gardens with locals 3️⃣ Seed Harvesting – Collect, store & sell diverse plant seeds 4️⃣ Organic Waste Management – Turn waste into compost & revenue 5️⃣ Small-scale Poultry Farming – Eggs & meat from your own premises 6️⃣ Vermicomposting – Premium organic fertilizer using worms 7️⃣ Aquaponics – Combine fish farming & hydroponics 8️⃣ Mushroom Cultivation – Profitable & low-space farming 9️⃣ Apiculture – Honey & bee products with minimal setup 🔟 Microgreens Farming – High-demand, nutrition-packed greens 1️⃣1️⃣ Herb Cultivation – Culinary & medicinal herbs 1️⃣2️⃣ Rooftop Horticulture – Use rooftops for diverse crops 1️⃣3️⃣ Mobile Agri Services – Garden setup, maintenance & pest control 1️⃣4️⃣ Agri-Tourism – Farm tours & learning experiences See More www.unnati9group.com 🚜 Agriculture is no longer just about large farms—it’s about innovation, sustainability, and entrepreneurship. ✨ Which of these would you like to explore first? #Agriculture #AgriBusiness #FarmingOpportunities #SustainableFarming #AgriEntrepreneurship #Unnati9Group #FarmingIdeas #GreenBusiness #FutureFarming #AgroInnovation Dr. Sabha Bahadur Singh

🌱 15 Agricultural Enterprises You Can Start with Minimal or No Capital! 🌱 Looking to step into agriculture but worried about heavy investments? Here are 15 low-cost, high-potential ideas that are innovative, sustainable, and future-ready: 1️⃣ Urban Agriculture – Utilize unused spaces/backyards to grow veggies & herbs 2️⃣ Collaborative Gardening – Start community gardens with locals 3️⃣ Seed Harvesting – Collect, store & sell diverse plant seeds 4️⃣ Organic Waste Management – Turn waste into compost & revenue 5️⃣ Small-scale Poultry Farming – Eggs & meat from your own premises 6️⃣ Vermicomposting – Premium organic fertilizer using worms 7️⃣ Aquaponics – Combine fish farming & hydroponics 8️⃣ Mushroom Cultivation – Profitable & low-space farming 9️⃣ Apiculture – Honey & bee products with minimal setup 🔟 Microgreens Farming – High-demand, nutrition-packed greens 1️⃣1️⃣ Herb Cultivation – Culinary & medicinal herbs 1️⃣2️⃣ Rooftop Horticulture – Use rooftops for diverse crops 1️⃣3️⃣ Mobile Agri Services – Garden setup, maintenance & pest control 1️⃣4️⃣ Agri-Tourism – Farm tours & learning experiences See More www.unnati9group.com 🚜 Agriculture is no longer just about large farms—it’s about innovation, sustainability, and entrepreneurship. ✨ Which of these would you like to explore first? #Agriculture #AgriBusiness #FarmingOpportunities #SustainableFarming #AgriEntrepreneurship #Unnati9Group #FarmingIdeas #GreenBusiness #FutureFarming #AgroInnovation Dr. Sabha Bahadur Singh

Beyond Agriculture: Unique Uses for Arkansas Farmland for Sale Nestled in the heart of the American South, Arkansas is known for its lush landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. While agriculture has long been the backbone of its economy, Arkansas farmland for sale has untapped potential beyond traditional farming. With advancements in technology, a growing interest in alternative enterprises, and a push for sustainable practices, farmland in Arkansas is being reimagined for a multitude of uses that can spur economic growth and foster community connections. The Agricultural Landscape Before diving into the diverse applications of Arkansas farmland, it's important to acknowledge its agricultural roots. Agriculture remains a vital component of Arkansas's economy, thanks to its fertile soil and ample water supply. The state ranks second in the nation for rice production and is a significant player in the poultry, soybean, and cotton industries. With this robust agricultural heritage, many may overlook the chronicles of innovative and alternative uses for the land. While farming will continue to be a cornerstone of Arkansas’s economy, the increasing global demand for diverse and sustainable practices has opened new avenues for creativity. Arkansas landowners and entrepreneurs are finding innovative ways to repurpose farmland, offering unique opportunities that can reshape local economies and sustain community development. Sustainable Agritourism One of the promising avenues for Arkansas farmland is agritourism—an enterprise that combines agriculture with tourism. By transforming traditional farms into destinations, landowners can attract visitors who seek experiences beyond just visiting a farm. Farm Stays and Bed-and-Breakfasts Imagine waking up to the sound of chirping birds, surrounded by rolling hills and fields of crops. Farm stays and bed-and-breakfasts allow guests to experience rural life firsthand. Landowners can convert barns into cozy accommodations, share their stories, and provide tours of their operations. This creates an immersive experience for visitors and the opportunity for farmers to diversify their income. U-Pick Operations U-pick operations are another growing trend in agritourism, allowing visitors to engage directly with the land. Families can come to harvest fruits, vegetables, and flowers, creating lasting memories while supporting local agriculture. Programs can focus on strawberries, blueberries, apples, or seasonal pumpkins. These experiences not only generate revenue but also foster awareness about local farming practices and sustainability. Festivals and Events Organizing seasonal festivals or events can attract crowds to farmland throughout the year. Whether it's a harvest festival, farm-to-table dinner, or a barbecue competition, these gatherings draw community members and tourists alike. Providing live music, local artisans, and food stalls can create lively experiences that promote local culture while ...

EIT Food Accelerator Network alumnus Lisaqua raises €9M to reinvent shrimp farming, build its new factory and revolutionise sustainable aquaculture in Europe. Shrimp farming is transforming. Once criticised for its toll on coastal ecosystems, the industry now faces the challenge of reinventing itself for a sustainable future. Lisaqua, a 2022 EIT Food Accelerator Network alumnus, is leading that change. The French startup has secured €9 million in funding, led by Crédit Mutuel Impact through the Fonds Révolution Environnementale et Solidaire, alongside Noshaq, Le Gouessant and other partners. The funding will be used to build its first industrial-scale shrimp farm in Monthyon (Seine-et-Marne), supported by France’s "France 2030 Première Usine” initiative and grow the team and business. At the heart of Lisaqua’s innovation is its patented “permaquaculture” system, which recycles 99% of water, recovers heat energy, and eliminates polluting discharge, producing shrimp with a triple-zero guarantee: zero antibiotics, zero pollution and zero food miles. “Our goal is to show that aquaculture can feed people without harming the planet. With this new facility, we’re proving that sustainable shrimp farming can be both scalable and profitable.” - Gabriel Boneu, CEO and co-founder of Lisaqua. This new site will produce 100 tonnes of shrimp annually, create 40 new jobs, and lay the foundation for a network of circular, low-impact farms across Europe, a model for the future of responsible seafood. Congratulations to Charlotte Schoelinck, Caroline Madoc, Gabriel Boneu and the entire Lisaqua team. At EIT Food Accelerator Network, we are proud to support our alumni like Lisaqua on their journey from early-stage innovation to industrial impact, a powerful example of AgriFoodTech driving systemic change in the global food system. #EITFoodAcceleratorNetwork #AgriFoodTechInnovation #SustainableAquaculture #ImpactInvestment #Lisaqua #FoodSystemTransformation