Some clues for the future from March…

Dear readers,

Derya Yıldız

Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, which has spread even faster because of its mutations, the agenda is full of other developments that give clues about the future.

One of the most important agenda topics is that the USA will host a Climate Summit. As you may know, one of the first actions of US President Joe Biden after taking office was to return to the Paris Climate Agreement (from which former President Donald Trump withdrew). Biden started to send invitations to leaders of 40 countries in March for the Climate Summit, which he will host on April 22-23. Among those invited are leaders of major global powers, such as Russia and China, with whom the US never gets along with.

Climate change and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions are already a topic that is heavily debated, especially in developed countries. However, it is extremely important that this issue is one of the first issues addressed by a newly appointed US President. The White House announced that the United States would announce an ambitious goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 at the Summit. This development is like a sign that countries/governments will start to take much more responsibility in combating global warming in the upcoming periods.

Another important development in March was the “Action Plan for the Development of the Organic Sector” announced by the European Commission. This action plan concerns animal nutrition and feed industries very closely. The following statement in this plan is very striking for the industry: “In addition to increasing the availability of locally sourced feed proteins, alternative sources of protein for feed should be found to ensure sustainable and diversified animal nutrition. These could include insects, marine feedstocks (e.g. algae), and by-products from the bio-economy (e.g. waste from fisheries and aquaculture).”

Insects and algae, which have been frequently mentioned for sustainable production for a while, have been approved by the European Commission under the title of “organic sector”.

Finally, another development worth following is taking place in the field of cultured meat. It is difficult to predict how this field, which has just started to emerge, will affect the livestock and feed industry in the future.

We will continue to follow and convey the developments to you.

Wish you a pleasant reading.