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Savour the thrill of the season as you embark on a gastronomic adventure that will gift you a once-in-a-lifetime festive wonder. Curated by Singapore's No. 1 Events Caterer, Orange Clove proudly delivers a festive dining experience to elevate your celebrations. Impress every bon vivant with Orange Clove's exquisite Gourmet Platters, beautifully crafted with festive favourites to spark warmth at your holiday soirees. Your go-to for celebrations of any size, Orange Clove offers an enticing range of options, including ready-to-serve Party Packs, Mini Buffets, and spectacular Christmas Buffet selections that are sure to impress. SINGAPORE, Nov. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Step right up and enter a vibrant wonderland, where laughter fills the air, and the scent of festive treats beckons you closer. Amidst a kaleidoscope of colours and the joyful sounds of celebration, you look up and realize — behold! You find yourself in a Wow Wild World, a place where whimsy and wonder collide, inviting you to celebrate the magic of Christmas like never before.View our promotional clip via this link: https://youtu.be/KaxbGmRdoug Orange Clove Christmas Buffet Spread Buckle Up for a Wild Ride on a Gastronomic Adventure In a dazzling world where the spirit of Christmas comes alive, Orange Clove invites you to experience our grand ensemble of culinary magic. Feast on a selection of beloved holiday classics reimagined with an exciting Asian twist or savour our innovative creations that will impress your esteemed guests. This is all you need to unlock a world brimming with fun and joy where every moment sparkles with delight. Iconic Centrepieces for Party-picture Perfect Moments Orange Clove Christmas Wreath Splendour Take your guests through a colourful wonderland, drawing them in with aromas wafting from our stunning selection of platters. Each bite takes them on a gastronomic adventure—from zesty delights that excite the palate to luxuriously caramelized creations that satisfy the soul. Orange Clove's exquisite Gourmet Platters are back, and they're ready to ignite splendour at your celebrations. At the heart of our offerings lies the coveted 28-inch Christmas Wreath Splendour, a showstopper that promises to be the centrepiece of your festivities. This extraordinary platter unfolds like a treasure trove of flavours, showcasing a medley of marbled pastrami, succulent ham, and a variety of cheeses that dance between mild and bold. Accompanied by a refreshing assortment of fruits and the satisfying crunch of crackers and crostini, it's a feast for the senses. Whether you're a passionate meat lover, a seafood aficionado, or a devoted cheese enthusiast, our thoughtfully curated platters offer something special for every type of event. Taste a sea of flavours with the Gifts of the Sea Cold Platter, featuring an enticing selection of crayfish, prawns, scallops, black mussels, and snapper ceviche, complemented by Thai green chilli, cocktail sauce, and Thousand Island dressing. Enjoy grilled delicacies? The recrafted Lush Grill Medley is sure to impress, loaded with a Holiday Sausage Platter, Classic Roast Grain-fed Beef Tenderloin, Furikake-crusted Whole Salmon Fillet, and Festive Vegetables, along with the delightful new addition, Elf's Jolly Pie, made with purple sweet potato, minced mushrooms, truffle, garlic, and enveloped in flaky filo pastry. Completing your gathering in style, the Epicurean Cheese & Charcuterie Platter offers an exquisite selection perfect for sharing among 8 to 10 guests. Ready to Feast on a Carnival of Flavours? A warm welcome to our magical carnival realm, where every bite promises a wild delight! Our buffet menus, designed to enchant 30 guests and beyond, are a whirlwind of flavours and colours, each spread offering its own unique charm. 5 distinct buffet spreads await: Funfair Fiesta, Circus Splendour, Grandstand Gala, Ringmaster's Revelry and Carnival Showstopper. Crafted with love and creativity by Chef William Kong and his talented team, each dish encompasses a playful blend of festive flavours and daring new notes, our menus are bound to leave everyone grinning from ear to ear. From appetisers all the way to desserts, get ready for an adventure that's sure to add a splash of excitement and a sprinkle of joy to your gatherings. All You Need is Only Orange Clove Take your Christmas celebrations to new heights with the extravagant Carnival Wonderland buffet thematic setup, providing a vibrant backdrop for a truly spectacular experience in the Wow Wild World we've curated just for you. With Orange Clove, bask in the joy of being the perfect host and savour every moment of your event. Unbox the Magic at Cozy Corporate Events and Social Gatherings To spark a taste of holiday wonder, our Bejeweled Parade Mini Buffet is like unwrapping a gift at a carnival, designed to charm 15 guests or more without the need for a full buffet setup! A celebration of international cuisine infused with our signature Asian flair, indulge in the new Mango Berry Fruit Salad with Mango Pomelo Dressing, alongside the ever-popular Charcoal Fried Chicken with Dragon Fruit Dip, and the savoury Wok-fried Udon Noodles with Thai Chilli Basil Vegan Meat for a hearty indulgence. Looking for local flavours that cater to every taste? Dive into our Classic Christmas Mini Buffets – Juggler's Joy and Showman's Selection, featuring vibrant spreads of crowd-favourites and traditional Christmas dishes. Guaranteed to delight both the young and the young-at-heart! For more intimate festivities, our Joyride Fun Pack offers a big burst of carnival cheer for 8-10 guests. With a diverse selection of dishes, this menu guarantees that even the smallest parties are filled with fun and flair! Imagine receiving your holiday feast in microwavable containers, complete with our HeatPro self-heating trays, delivered in a handy warmer bag right to your doorstep! With every dish staying warm and inviting, all you need to do is focus on the joy of your celebrations. Curate Your Feast with Festive Indulgence With over 18 delectable dishes at your fingertips, Orange Clove's Festive Indulgence menu sets the stage for a memorable culinary experience. Choose from a selection of timeless Christmas classics and exciting crowd-pleasers perfect for sharing, allowing you to design your dream feast. Indulge your guests with the newly launched Christmas Pasta & Fruits Salad or invite warmth and togetherness with the comforting Creamy Laksa Seafood Boil.Place Your Order Early and Take Advantage of Our Early Bird Special! Order before 6th December 2024 to delight in complimentary (limited to the first 200 redemptions): Petite Luscious Chocolate Ganache Logcake (500g) (worth $46.80) with order of any Christmas Mini Buffet Menu OR Luscious Chocolate Ganache Logcake (800g) (worth $58.80) with order of any Christmas Buffet Menu See full terms & conditions for promotional details and menu availability period. https://www.orangeclove.com.sg/terms-conditions/ Let the Celebrations Begin! Explore our Christmas official site via https://www.orangeclove.com.sg/christmas-catering/ today! Menu PDFs can be found in the following links: Full Brochure: https://www.orangeclove.com.sg/app/uploads/2024/11/FULL_BROCHURE_OC_xmas2024_20241108.pdf Buffet Menus: https://www.orangeclove.com.sg/app/uploads/2024/11/BUFFET_OC_xmas2024_20241101.pdf Mini Buffet Menus: https://www.orangeclove.com.sg/app/uploads/2024/11/MINI-BUFFET_OC_xmas2024-1.pdf Follow us on our socials to receive the latest updates! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orangeclovecatering/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OrangeCloveCatering TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@only_orangeclove Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/orange-clove-catering/ - End - About Orange Clove Orange Clove was launched in 2008 to fill the market gap for corporate events that desire exquisite gastronomic fares. As the one-stop shop offering complete event management solutions from event conceptualisation to logistic setup and creative food catering, Orange Clove is the go-to caterer for corporate clients, especially multinational corporations. As part of its brand extension strategy to capture a larger market share, Orange Clove also ventured into wedding planning, offering end-to-end solutions from venue sourcing to thematic setups and customised food menus for bridal couples. With an unwavering commitment to customer service, food quality and safety (first caterer to be awarded ISO 22000 for food safety management), it is no wonder that Orange Clove has bagged numerous awards and earned its pole position in Singapore. Find out more at: https://www.orangeclove.com.sg/about-orange-clove/
RT2024 sees new strategic partnerships to better address deforestation, improve smallholder inclusion through climate-smart programmes and drive global demand for RSPO Certified products BANGKOK, Nov. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Building upon two decades of impact, the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) has called for more concerted efforts to scale innovation and drive transformative and systemic change within the sector. Supported by Thailand's Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, the RSPO's Annual Roundtable conference (RT2024) took place in Bangkok from 11 to 13 November, amidst preparations for the adoption of the RSPO 2024 Standards. Kimasha (Kim) Williams, Manager, Communications - Europe RSPO; Piya Suri, Deputy Managing Director Commercial Excellence, GGC; Belinda Bowling,HCV Network Global Director, Joseph (JD) D'Cruz, CEO RSPO, Yen Hun Sung, Director, Standards and Sustainability RSPO. Comprising the 2024 RSPO Principles & Criteria (P&C) and the 2024 RSPO Independent Smallholder (ISH) Standard, the revised Standards bring greater clarity, auditability and implementability, and addresses market and regulatory relevance, with a strong focus on addressing deforestation, human rights due diligence, and smallholder inclusion in global supply chains. In his keynote address, RSPO's first Secretary General, Teoh Cheng Hai, reflected on the organisation's illustrious journey to become today the gold standard for sustainable palm oil production. He underscored the importance of innovative partnerships as a key strategy for RSPO to evolve as a world-class standard setter that can lead the global sustainable palm oil supply chain in line with the 2030 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. RSPO CEO, Joseph D'Cruz, in his opening remarks, reaffirmed that the RSPO is well positioned to meet the future demands of the industry. "Building on our strong foundations, the RSPO is ready to meet the next 20 years with fortified Standards, enhanced verification systems, and an end-to-end digital certification, trade and traceability architecture powered by data." He added that the revised Standards have also been strengthened in its integration with the certification system through RSPO's certification, trade and traceability platform, prisma, which stands for Palm Resource Information and Sustainability Management. At RT2024, delegates previewed how prisma is built to provide digital data and supply chain traceability and can act as a supporting tool for members to strengthen risk assessment and due diligence for emerging regulatory compliance. A testament to RSPO's credibility and reach as a global sustainability organisation, RT2024 witnessed the forging of several strategic partnerships designed to increase the social, environmental and economic benefits in the production and trade of certified sustainable palm oil (CSPO). Advancing high conservation value protection for sustainable palm oil At RT2024, RSPO and the High Conservation Value Network (HCVN) renewed a longstanding partnership to promote best practices and innovative approaches to HCV protection. Aligned with the revised RSPO Standards, the parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in a shared mission to protect high conservation value (HCV) and high carbon stock (HCS) forests within sustainable palm oil landscapes. The MoU will strengthen the protection of ecosystems, biodiversity, and areas of critical importance for indigenous and local communities. "By prioritising conservation values as an integral part of sustainable palm oil production, HCVN will continue to collaborate with RSPO to embed HCV protections within sustainable land management practices across palm oil landscapes, setting clearer benchmarks for environmental and social stewardship across the palm oil sector," said Belinda Bowling, Global Director, HCV Network. As of 2023, RSPO Certification has protected over 466,600 ha of valuable HCV and HCS forests since adopting the HCV Approach in November 2005 and the HCS Approach in November 2018. Overall, taking into account other critical ecosystems, RSPO Certification has protected and remediated about 646,700 ha of valuable forests and areas including tropical peatlands and riparian reserves globally. Integrating climate impact reduction within RSPO Independent Smallholder certification Globally, RSPO's smallholder certification footprint has grown significantly. As of 2023, over 40,000 individual independent smallholders have been certified globally, up 11,268 from 2022, with certification now expanded to Colombia, Ecuador and Honduras. Recognising the critical role that smallholders can play in the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions derived from palm oil production, RSPO signed an MoU with Global Green Chemicals Public Company Limited (GGC) and the German sustainable development entity, GIZ. The MoU will integrate climate impact reduction within RSPO Certification through the Sustainable Palm Oil Production and Procurement Project on Climate Mitigation and Adaptation (SPOPP CLIMA), funded by GGC, a leading company in Thailand committed to achieving carbon neutrality. The partnership aims to promote low-carbon farming practices and includes the development of a carbon footprint calculation tool for fresh fruit bunches to measure emissions and eventually develop reduction strategies, in line with guidelines from the Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organisation (TGO). Mr. Kridsada Prasertsuko, Managing Director, Global Green Chemical PCL commented, "GGC has worked with GIZ and RSPO to support our oil palm smallholders in reducing carbon emissions and carbon footprints. Together, our goal is to achieve 20% carbon emission reduction by Year 2030 and achieve Net Zero by Year 2050, together with promoting sustainable oil palm production in accordance with the European Union Deforestation-free Regulations (EUDR), effective on 1 January 2025. This cooperation will not only reduce climate impact on the agricultural sector but also enhance sustainability to the oil palm industry and promote the image of the Thai oil palm industry in the global market." Additionally, the project will create a training curriculum on carbon footprint calculation for farmers and establish demonstration plots to showcase suitable low-carbon farming practices. Since 2015, cumulative GHG emissions (~2 million MT CO2e) avoided through the implementation of RSPO Standards is equal to 468,864 passenger vehicles driven over a year. Observing the MoU, Dr. Taworn Thunjai, Inspector-General of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives who delivered remarks on behalf of Her Excellency Prof. Dr. Narumon Pinyosinwat, Thailand's Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, recognised the RSPO's role in supporting smallholder farmers, who play a vital role in Thailand's palm oil sector. In the five years since the last Roundtable Conference was held in Thailand, the country has fortified its position as the world's third-largest palm oil producer. Today, smallholders from 400,000 households in Thailand account for 85% of Thailand's palm oil production area. Thailand has the highest percentage of RSPO certified independent smallholders who are women, 42%, compared to the global average of 28%. Growth in RSPO Certification continues to drive supply and consumption As of 2023, RSPO Certified oil palm area spans 5.2 million ha across 23 countries. Midstream and downstream facilities certified under the RSPO Supply Chain Certification (SCC) Standard stand at 6,907 sites worldwide. CSPO supply reached a new milestone at 16.1 million MT, representing a 4.3% growth in production year-on-year, while CSPO consumption grew to 9.8 million MT, representing a 7.2% increase in downstream usage year-on-year. Consumption growth was supported by the RSPO Shared Responsibility (SR) Framework, designed to support members in compliance reporting as it requires having in place relevant policies and plans, and a commitment to meet yearly uptake targets. More than half of applicable processors and traders, consumer goods manufacturers, and retailer members met their 2023 CSPO SR uptake targets. To support independent smallholders (ISH), RSPO downstream members bought 261,792 ISH Credits worth US$7.0 million in 2023 (up by US$1.53 million from 2022) directly benefiting 85 certified ISH groups. Downstream players from China, the world's second-largest palm oil importer, featured prominently at RT2024. In recent years, emerging policies in China have been steering suppliers towards sustainable palm oil sourcing practices, giving rise to a demand for more sustainable palm oil products in the Chinese market. In November, one of the world's top five dairy companies, Inner Mongolia Yili Industrial Group (Yili Group), and Yihai Kerry, the leading palm oil trader in China spearheaded the very first shipment of RSPO CSPO into the country. The first tranche involves 750 tonnes of CSPO, certified under the Identity Preserved (IP) supply chain model, which maintains a single identifiable certified source that is kept separate from ordinary palm oil throughout the supply chain. Further sealing its commitment to sourcing CSPO products into China, at RT2024, Yili Group signed two additional sustainable procurement agreements with major international traders, Bunge and Cargill, demonstrating its ambition to build a global green value chain for palm oil. The conference also featured the RSPO Excellence Awards, which saw fifteen RSPO Members nominated for their outstanding contributions to sustainable palm oil. The winners were World Association of Zoos and Accreditation for Innovation; Hacienda La Cabaña S.A for Conservation Leadership; Sustainable Palm Oil Production (ThaChana-Chaiya) Community Enterprise for Smallholder Impact; Ferrero Trading Luxembourg S.A and Chester Zoo for Communicating for Good, and Proctor and Gamble for Shared Responsibility. Learn more about the winners, nominees and their award-worthy initiatives here. For further information on our work and impacts, view the RSPO Impact highlights here. About RSPO:The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) is a global partnership to make palm oil sustainable. Formed in 2004, the RSPO is a multi-stakeholder non-profit organisation that unites members from across the palm oil value chain, including oil palm producers, palm oil processors and traders, consumer goods manufacturers, retailers, banks and investors, environmental or nature conservation non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and social or developmental NGOs. As a partnership for progress and positive impact, the RSPO facilitates global change to make the production and consumption of palm oil sustainable. To inspire change, we communicate the environmental and social benefits. To make progress, we catalyse collaboration. To provide assurance, we set the standards of certification. The RSPO is registered as an international association in Zurich, Switzerland, with main offices in Malaysia and Indonesia, and offices in China, Colombia, Netherlands, United Kingdom and the United States.
BEIJING, Nov. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A news report from China.org.cn on the 7th CIIE:  The 7th CIIE: A continuation of shared development The 7th CIIE: A continuation of shared developmenthttps://youtu.be/4Dr_k2L23ks The 7th China International Import Expo has again greeted people as promised. This year, the whole exhibition area measures over 420,000 square meters, where countries and regions, international organizations and exhibitors are introducing themselves and communicating with each other in high spirits, and investment and purchase deals are closing passionately. At this year's "four-leaf clover" venue, this novelty oval-shaped fruit -- pineapples from Benin, what people call the "sugarloaf," appeared again. This type of pineapple is unique to Benin. China and Benin reached an agreement to import the latter's fresh pineapples to China in September 2023, and only two months later, these pineapples appeared at the 6th CIIE. Although the green-tinged peels appeared slightly unready, the flesh was refreshingly sweet, bringing flocks of visitors who queued up for the pineapples. By the end of the last CIIE, the volume of intended deals for the fruit reached 60 million USD. The considerable number of orders, and the vast Chinese market behind the orders have become closely relevant with the land of Benin on the Western Africa continent: According to some pineapple farmers, knowing their pineapples are popular, they would "get up at seven in the morning" to take care of the produce. One expo and one order may become the start of some fundamental changes in local livelihoods. This year, Benin set up its national pavilion at the CIIE for the first time, chartering a new chapter of opportunities. In contrast to the tropical fruit are the handicrafts coming from the foot of the Himalayas. Nepalese exhibitor Frank is a young man but has already attended the CIIE for five years in a row. This time, his exhibition area measures more than 60 square meters, with handmade scarves, and singing bowls displaying among an array of exhibits. When Frank first attended the event in 2020, he was just "trying his luck," bringing only cashmere sweaters to present at a 9-square-meter booth. But on his first day, he received an order for 1,000 cashmere sweaters. Now, Frank has not only become a faithful exhibitor at the CIIE, he also familiarized himself with the live-streaming sales trend in China, and opened a shop that operates long-term in Shanghai. To meet the demands from China's market, Frank also collaborated with a women's organization in Nepal, enabling local females to earn an income much higher than the local average with their sleight of hand. Alpaca dolls from Peru, wild honey from Zambia, cashews from Guinea-Bissau and chili sauce from Rwanda — all these have been introduced to the Chinese market and entered everyday households via the CIIE. For many least developed countries (LDCs), the CIIE is like a key to a bigger market and more opportunities, as well as solid benefits for their own people. At this year's CIIE, China has again provided more than 120 free exhibition booths for the LDCs, with a sincere wish for better development. On December 1st, the zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent of tariff lines for products originating from all least developed countries that maintain diplomatic relations with China will come into effect. For the exhibitors of the CIIE from these countries, exciting changes can be expected. On the 7th anniversary of the CIIE, people also see an array of famous multi-national names, like Panasonic, L'Oréal, LEGO, etc. They have shown their confidence in the Chinese market and expressed how important it is to them through participation in every single one of the CIIEs. At the CIIE, both the most developed countries and the least developed countries share unlimited opportunities. One can look forward to more stories that embody the vision of common development and a shared future. China Mosaic http://www.china.org.cn/video/node_7230027.htm The 7th CIIE: A continuation of shared developmenthttp://www.china.org.cn/video/2024-11/10/content_117537179.htm
Prime Minister of Viet Nam Pham Minh Chinh’s visits to three Middle Eastern countries have yielded substantial outcomes, especially in cooperation and boosting agricultural trade. HA NOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 November 2024 - During Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's visits, Viet Nam and the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, have reached significant economic, trade and investment cooperation agreements. These agreements represent a breakthrough in the pillars of cooperation on food, Halal and emerging fields, including the digital economy, green economy and circular economy. In particular, Viet Nam and the UAE signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), with the UAE committing to a gradual tariff reduction on 99 per cent of Vietnamese exports. In return, Viet Nam Nam will gradually remove tariffs on 98.5 per cent of UAE exports. Once effective, the CEPA will create enhanced export opportunities for Vietnamese agricultural products. In Saudi Arabia, Viet Nam's key agricultural exports saw strong growth in the first nine months of 2024. Fruit and vegetable exports reached US$10.9 million, marking a 51.4 per cent increase, while rice exports hit $22.7 million, up by 43.7 per cent, and pepper exports totalled $12.5 million, a 34 per cent increase. To further expand exports, Viet Nam has requested Saudi Arabia provide market insights, share policies on Halal certification and lift the temporary ban on Vietnamese aquaculture products. In response, Saudi Arabia plans to send a technical team to Viet Nam to assess the actual food safety control system for the aquaculture production chain soon, to have a basis to lift the entire temporary import suspension. The Middle Eastern market also has substantial demand for Halal-certified products, especially in agriculture. Halal-certified products require strict standards, including not using prohibited substances prescribed by Islam in the production process and ensuring that the animals are treated humanely. Viet Nam currently has around 1,000 businesses certified for Halal, providing a strong basis for deeper engagement in the Halal market and contributing to regional food security. The Middle East is a vast market with substantial room for growth in economic, trade and investment cooperation in the agricultural sector. This region encompasses 15 countries covering over 6 million square kilometres, with a population nearing 350 million and a GDP in purchasing power parity (PPP) exceeding $6 trillion. In recent years, Middle Eastern nations have prioritised Viet Nam within their "Look East" policies. This foundation positions the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and other regional countries alongside Viet Nam to deepen cooperation, harness each other's strengths, enhance connectivity and support mutual development. Hashtag: #MARDThe issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
BARCELONA, Spain, Nov. 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A recent systematic review and meta-analysis funded by the International Nut and Dried Fruit Council (INC) has just been published in the prestigious scientific journal Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases.[1] The study showed that current evidence provides a good indication that consuming nuts may advantageously affect blood lipids in adults with a mix of health statuses. This may be important for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases as well as intermediate health conditions such as overweight/obesity, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. The study analyzed 113 trials that assessed the effect of consuming nuts on blood lipid outcomes. The median daily dose assessed was 45.5 grams of nuts per day compared to a non-nut control. The findings showed that, overall, nut consumption resulted in moderate reductions in total cholesterol and LDL ("bad") cholesterol, with small reductions in triglycerides and apolipoprotein B. There was no significant impact on HDL ("good") cholesterol or other assessed measures. The researchers concluded that the current evidence supports existing recommendations for the consumption of nuts and for cardiovascular risk reduction by favorably affecting the blood lipid profile in adults. In addition to substantiating current health claims, the findings support health professionals and dietary guidelines in recommending nuts as part of a nutrient-dense dietary pattern for cardiovascular health. "Some recent studies have questioned whether nuts have benefits on cholesterol when there is overwhelming evidence of their benefits on cardiovascular health. This update of the scientific evidence carried out with more than 100 published studies shows that international organizations should without shyness maintain nuts into their recommendations," commented Prof. Jordi Salas-Salvadó, principal investigator on the study, Professor at Rovira i Virgili University in Reus, Spain. Dr. Stephanie Nishi, first author of the study, Assistant Professor at Toronto Metropolitan University, Canada, added: "This finding, combined with the extensive body of research on nuts, highlights their status as a powerhouse of healthful nutrients. Nuts provide a unique combination of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and healthy fats, making them a convenient, portable, and satisfying snack or meal addition as part of a healthy dietary pattern." Press contact: press@nutfruit.org. [1] Nishi, S. K., Paz-Graniel, I., Ni, J., Valle-Hita, C., Khoury, N., Garcia-Gavilán, J. F., Babio, N, Salas-Salvadó, J. (2024). Effect of Nut Consumption on Blood Lipids: An updated Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases. DOI: 10.1016/j.numecd.2024.10.009
BEIJING, Nov. 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- "China is willing to work together with relevant parties to continue contributing Chinese wisdom and solutions to the implementation of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, making Juncao technology a 'grass of happiness' that benefits the people of many developing countries!" Juncao technology is a major development cooperation project advocated and promoted by Chinese President Xi Jinping, benefiting numerous developing countries. Xi has long been concerned with international cooperation in Juncao technology and has highly praised the important positive role that this unique Chinese technology plays in international development cooperation. Juncao is a hybrid grass developed by Chinese scientists after decades of research and experimentation. In 2009, Xi, then vice Chinese president, visited Fiji. Upon learning that the local area was unable to produce mushrooms, he recommended Juncao technology to Fijian leaders. In 2014, with the joint efforts of the leaders of China and Fiji, the China-Fiji Juncao Technology Demonstration Center was established. In 2023, the China-Pacific Island Countries Juncao Technology Demonstration Center was officially launched in Fiji. Over the last decade, through collaborative research, technical training, and demonstration promotion, Juncao technology has taken root and flourished in several Pacific Island Countries (PICs), including Fiji, bringing tangible benefits to the local people. Ateleni Kaloumaira Vuinakelo, area field officer from Fiji's Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways, noted that many farmers in his country called Juncao as "grass of happiness" because it has helped many farmers escape poverty and improve their lives. The cooperation in Juncao not only cultivates agricultural talent in Fiji but also provides new ideas for ecological governance in PICs. Golden key to prosperity Rare, unexpected light rains showered Nadi, Fiji, intensifying shortly after. The bumpy road leading to the China-Pacific Island Countries Juncao Technology Demonstration Center became even muddier, making driving more difficult. Local drivers even vowed to never take that route again under such road conditions. During the bumpy ride, a slogan reading "Developing Juncao industry to benefit all humankind" caught the reporters' eye. Turning a corner, the China-Pacific Island Countries Juncao Technology Demonstration Center appeared. The nourishing rain gave a more vibrant appearance: Lush Juncao fields, colorful edible Juncao, the roaring Juncao feed production warehouses, and well-fed pigs and sheep in their pens. In the demonstration center was a dirt road nestled among the towering Juncao proudly referred to by the local technical experts as "Juncao Avenue." As the reporters walked along the avenue, Lin Xingsheng, team leader of the China-Fiji Juncao Technology Demonstration Center, explained, "We have organically combined three industries: Juncao, mushrooms, and animal husbandry, creating a modern agricultural science and technology park covering an area of 3 hectares, which integrates the 'plant-fungi-animal' cycle, as well as an approximately 10-hectare breeding base for Juncao seeds." According to Vuinakelo, Juncao technology has transformed the agricultural development landscape in Fiji. It not only allows for the cultivation of high-quality edible and medicinal mushrooms, but also serves as a high-quality feed production center, promoting the development of animal husbandry, which is viewed as the "golden key" for the people of Fiji to escape poverty and achieve prosperity. "Six years ago, I came across an article in the newspaper about cultivating mushrooms with Juncao. It immediately caught my attention. At the time, I thought this could be a highly profitable industry in the future," said Ashniel Chand, a former computer network maintenance engineer. To quickly master the Juncao cultivation techniques, he volunteered to go to the project site for training. A year later, with the support of Chinese experts and the local agriculture department, he started a mushroom-growing business using a container. Chand cleverly integrates his technical knowledge into mushroom production. He created a smart microclimate within the container by installing an air conditioning unit, humidifier, and ventilation system to replicate the ideal conditions for mushroom growth. He also modified a cement mixer, doubling the efficiency of mixing the Juncao substrate, thus ensuring a steady supply of mushroom-growing material. "My container-based mushroom farm can produce mushrooms worth $1,500 to $2,000 each month. With further expansion, the earnings will be even more significant," Chand said confidently. Under the careful guidance of Chinese experts, Fijians are gradually mastering techniques for cultivating seven types of edible mushrooms, including oyster mushrooms, Ganoderma, and termite mushrooms, significantly boosting their income. "Ordinary farmers only need about 10 square meters of idle land around their homes to grow Juncao oyster mushrooms. By planting four batches a year, they can harvest nearly 1,200 kilograms of mushrooms, with total earnings estimated at up to 20,000 Fijian dollars ($8,818), which is far higher than the average annual income of local farmers," explains Su Ribai, an expert from the China-Pacific Island Countries Juncao Technology Demonstration Center. Today, as Juncao technology cooperation flourishes in Fiji, more than 600 farmers have joined the Juncao cultivation initiative, covering over 500 hectares. The China-Pacific Island Countries Juncao Technology Demonstration Center has become a vital base for developing the Juncao industry in PICs, helping more farmers like Chand to prosper through mushroom cultivation. They express sincere gratitude for the "prosperous mushrooms" and the "grass of happiness" from China. "Upon testing, we found that the soil salinity in this area was as high as 1.9 percent, with an average level of 1.67 percent. We then selected a highly salt-tolerant Juncao variety and conducted targeted trials. After four months of growth, the soil's salt content dropped significantly, down to around 0.3 percent," Lin explains. A cure for soil erosion The light drizzle continued to nourish the giant Juncao grass lining the "Juncao Avenue" of the center. Standing as tall as the average human, Lin explained the grass would continue growing at a rate of 5 to 8 centimeters per day in November. Fiji's water system is well developed, with rivers like the Rewa and Sigatoka providing vital irrigation water for agriculture. However, this abundance of water brings its own challenges. "We prosper from water, but we also suffer because of it," said Sant Kumar, a former agricultural staffer now running a hectare of farmland on the outskirts of Nadi. His land borders the Nadi River. During the rainy season, the rushing water carries sediment, constantly eroding the banks. Bank erosion has become a major problem in Fiji's riparian areas. Vast amounts of fertile soil are lost, making the land increasingly barren exacerbated by water-caused soil erosion. This also severely damages the local ecosystem. "The government pours millions into river management each year, but with little success," Kumar lamented. At a technical training session, Kumar learned about the giant [Juncao] grass extensive root system and its remarkable ability to stabilize soil. He decided to try planting it along his farm's riverbank on a trial basis. "It acts like a net, firmly securing the fertile soil," he said. Now, lush giant Juncao grass lines the riverbank, effectively preventing landslides. "Giant Juncao grass also brings extra economic benefits!" Kumar highlighted. During the interview, Kumar pointed to the mango trees lining the bank. "The soil, improved by Juncao [grass] is perfect for fruit cultivation. Combining Juncao with fruit trees has generated significant income," Kumar said. He also recommended that the local government can actively promote this sustainable model to achieve a win-win situation for both the economy and the ecology. Statistics show that lands planted with Juncao grass experience a 97.05 percent to 98.9 percent reduction in soil erosion compared to cornfields, and a decrease of around 80.0 percent to 90.9 percent in water loss. "Mushroom grass holds immense potential in ecological restoration and sustainable development," said Su. Its extensive root system makes it a "natural barrier" against soil erosion and a "good remedy" for land salinization. Cultivate more talents The China-Pacific Island Countries Juncao Technology Demonstration Center now serves multiple functions including production research, processing and promotion, training demonstrations, and technological education. It is capable of handling all aspects of fungi-grass cultivation, including breeding, planting, processing, production, storage, packaging, and sterilization. In recent years, with the deepening cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, this "grass of happiness" has not only entered countless homes in Fiji, but has also helped a large number of local talents grow into the backbone of the Juncao industry, injecting new vitality into the modernization of local agriculture. Although Fiji has wild mushrooms, there was still a void in large-scale commercial cultivation, said Praveen Chand, head of the vocational center of the Votualevu College, which serves as a collaborative demonstration base for the demonstration center. Getting the local community to know about, accept, and participate in promoting Juncao technology was quite a challenge at the beginning, he said. "We adopted a 'taste before you plant' approach." "We distributed freshly picked Juncao [mushrooms] for free to the trainees, and invited chefs to prepare various delicious Juncao dishes, allowing them to experience the taste and nutritional benefits of Juncao [mushrooms] firsthand," recalled Chand. After several years of development, Juncao technology has gained a strong reputation in Fiji, and the market is expanding rapidly. "Now, whenever our base enters the Juncao harvest season, the first customers are often our trainees. They not only eagerly purchase Juncao [mushrooms], but also actively recommend them to their friends and family," said Chand. "This positive cycle provides strong support for the sustainable development of Juncao industry." At the demonstration center, a Juncao production line with an annual output of 300 tons caught people's attention. The facility is equipped with advanced technology, including automatic mixers, bagging machines, boilers, vacuum pressure sterilizers, sterile inoculation lines, and environmentally controlled cultivation and Juncao production systems. Upon entering the workshop, the sound of machinery filled the air as several local workers fed bundles of Juncao into the machines for grinding, followed by mixing and bagging - all done seamlessly. The collaboration between China and Fiji in Juncao technology vividly illustrates China's commitment to "teaching people to fish." To date, over 50 training sessions have been successfully held in Fiji, training more than 2,700 local technical personnel in Juncao cultivation. Experts from the project team frequently venture into remote and rugged areas to provide demonstration planting and technical guidance. A large number of trainees have gained practical skills in mixing materials, cooking Juncao dishes, and soil-covered cultivation of oyster mushrooms. Lin said they had also set up vivid "Juncao classes" for over 1,000 local primary and secondary school students to spark their interest in the innovative achievements of Juncao technology. "Additionally, we have sent 77 Fijian personnel to China for further study and training in this tech," he added. "We also held the first Juncao technology training course, which cultivated 34 key technical personnel from 11 PICs." Chand is one of the Fijian talents to study advanced Juncao cultivation technology in China, and later established partnerships with Chinese suppliers. After returning to Fiji, he successfully set up the country's first 42-meter-long Juncao seedling room at his school. Juncao cultivation is a true reflection of the collaboration between China and other developing countries for mutual development and revitalization, said Chinese Ambassador to Fiji Zhou Jian. As a demonstration project of South-South cooperation, Juncao cultivation technology has been promoted in 106 countries and regions worldwide, contributing to 13 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals set by the United Nations and providing Chinese wisdom and solutions for poverty alleviation and ecological protection in many countries. https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202411/1322555.shtml
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