Latest news with #FSCC
The Star
28-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Ploughing and harvesting incentive payments to be completed by July 31, says Mat Sabu
PUTRAJAYA: The government will ensure that all payments for the ploughing and harvesting incentives to farmers are completed by July 31, says Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu. The Agriculture and Food Security Minister said the total amount of the incentive was RM210, comprising RM160 for ploughing and RM50 for harvesting. He added that the matter had been discussed at the Cabinet Committee on National Food Security Policy (FSCC) Meeting 1/2025, chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, on June 16. "The meeting focused on strategic initiatives to strengthen the country's food security and boost the growth of the agriculture and agro-food sectors. "Various other initiatives were also discussed, including strategies to increase the country's self-sufficiency rate (SSR) for beef and buffalo meat to ensure the sustainability of the national food supply,' he said in a statement on Saturday (June 28). The ministry on June 11, announced an increase in the ploughing incentive rate and introduced a harvesting incentive, providing total cash assistance of RM210 per hectare to padi farmers each season, benefiting around 130,000 farmers across the peninsula. Mohamad also said the government welcomed the development of the Malaysian Food Composition Database (MyFCD) as a strategic component of the National Food Security Policy. He said the meeting had also agreed in principle to explore effective strategies to reduce dependence on grain corn imports to ensure the industry's sustainability and growth. "In addition, the proposed amendment to the Protection of New Plant Varieties Act 2004 (Act 634) will be implemented to provide more comprehensive protection for new plant varieties,' he said. Mohamad said policy planning would continue to be strengthened based on the findings of the 2024 Agricultural Census Interim Report for the agricultural sector's growth. He said that, as part of efforts to modernise the agricultural sector, the strategic cooperation between KPKM and the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia would be enhanced with the introduction of the Remote Pilot Certificate of Competency - Agriculture Light (RCoC-AL) syllabus for private unmanned aircraft system.- Bernama
Zawya
25-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
South Africa: Forestry sector webinar highlights career pathways for unemployed youth
In celebration of Youth Month, South Africa's forestry sector placed the spotlight on youth employment opportunities with the launch of the inaugural FSCC Youth Webinar. Hosted by the Forest Sector Charter Council (FSCC) in partnership with Forestry South Africa (FSA), the virtual event brought together public and private sector leaders to unpack how graduates and students can build sustainable careers in the country's forestry industry. Themed "Raise Your Hand to Be Part of the Discussion", the webinar focused on creating awareness around career prospects, bridging graduate skills gaps, and showcasing sector initiatives aimed at tackling youth unemployment. Forestry graduate employment programme Norman Dlamini, FSA's director of business development, delivered the keynote address and presented the Forestry Graduate Employment Programme (F-GEP) – a sector-wide initiative tackling youth unemployment. Designed as a one-year enriched internship, F-GEP is aimed at improving the employability of unemployed forestry graduates while nurturing an entrepreneurial mindset. "It seeks to address critical skills shortages in the forestry sector. F-GEP prioritises graduates who show interest in pursuing scarce and in-demand skillsets," says Dlamini. Through a structured rotation model, participants are placed with industry experts across different areas of forestry operations, including: • Forest fire management • Forest engineering (wheels and mechanisation) • Forestry chemicals • Pests and disease control • Human resources within forestry environments The programme's dual focus on skills development and enterprise creation makes it a unique intervention. 'F-GEP goes beyond traditional internships,' explains Dlamini, adding that while internships expose students and graduates to a workplace, they do not necessarily make them more employable. "We assess individual graduates' technical and interpersonal skills, close the gaps, and prepare them to be employable, entrepreneurial, and industry-ready." Stories that inspire Among the most memorable speakers were Sabelo Sithole, Managing Director of New Age Forest Solutions, and Eutricia Nkuna, FSCC research assistant, who shared personal stories of perseverance, growth, and initiative. Eutricia outlined the key attributes that enabled her to progress from an unemployed forestry graduate to a research assistant, while Sabelo emphasised the importance of proactively seeking out available opportunities. "The conversations were honest, relevant and inspiring," says Dr Blessing Karumbidza, coordinator of the Higher Certificate in Forestry at Tshwane University of Technology. "Eutricia's story, in particular, will serve as a blueprint for others. I hope this webinar becomes a regular feature – quarterly, even – because the doors it opened must stay open." Recognising student engagement In a unique show of encouragement, FSA awarded R1,000 Cape Union Mart vouchers to the students who posed the most insightful questions during each of the six Q&A sessions. "In a small sector like ours, putting your hand up and speaking up can open doors," says Dr Katy Johnson, FSA communication manager and MC for the webinar. "We wanted to reward that confidence and help students realise that their voices matter." With strong engagement, compelling storytelling, and a renewed commitment to youth development, the FSCC Youth Webinar is set to become a cornerstone initiative in the sector's transformation and enterprise development agenda.
Yahoo
03-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
MariMed Completes Acquisition of First State Compassion, Strengthening Market Position in Delaware
NORWOOD, Mass., March 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MariMed Inc. ('MariMed,' or the 'Company') (CSE: MRMD) (OTCQX: MRMD), a leading multi-state cannabis operator, announced today it has completed its acquisition of First State Compassion Center ('FSCC'), the leading cannabis operator in Delaware, in accordance with the terms of the previously announced Omnibus Agreement entered into with FSCC in July 2023. The acquisition integrates FSCC's cultivation and processing facilities, and two dispensaries into MariMed's fully vertical operations, further enhancing the Company's revenue and profitability. The approval of MariMed to become the owner of FSCC was facilitated by the state permitting FSCC to transition from a not-for-profit to a for-profit business. The timing is ideal for MariMed, as Delaware is expected to commence adult-use cannabis sales later this year. A recent report by the state estimated that Delaware's legal cannabis market could grow to $215 million in annual sales. MariMed and FSCC have worked together since 2014, when MariMed assisted FSCC in securing its original cannabis license and began providing FSCC with management and real estate services. FSCC distributes MariMed's award-winning portfolio of brands in Delaware. According to Lit Alerts, MariMed's Betty's Eddies™ fruit chews and Vibations™ drink mix are the top-selling edible and beverage brands, respectively, in Delaware. Nature's Heritage™ flower, which FSCC began selling in Delaware in the spring of 2024, is already number four among flower brands sold in the state. Becoming the owner of FSCC completes an important component of MariMed's strategic growth plan. With this development, the Company has now completed the acquisition of its previously managed businesses in Massachusetts, Illinois, Maryland, and Delaware, the results of each of which are now consolidated in the Company's financial statements. 'We are thrilled to welcome FSCC to the Marimed family,' said Jon Levine, MariMed's Chief Executive Officer. 'We have worked closely with FSCC's incredible team to support its growth trajectory from the very beginning, resulting in it being the top operator in Delaware today. We expect by fully integrating its operations, we will further build FSCC's and our brands' dominance in the market, while also improving our balance sheet.' ABOUT MARIMEDMariMed Inc. is a leading multi-state cannabis operator, known for developing and managing state-of-the-art cultivation, production, and retail facilities. Our award-winning portfolio of cannabis brands, including Betty's Eddies™, Bubby's Baked™, Vibations™, InHouse™, and Nature's Heritage™, sets us apart as an industry leader. These trusted brands, crafted with quality and innovation, are recognized and loved by consumers across the country. With a commitment to excellence, MariMed continues to drive growth and set new standards in the cannabis industry. For additional information, visit IMPORTANT CAUTION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS:The information in this release contains 'forward-looking' statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which are subject to several risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this release, including without limitation statements regarding projected financial results for 2024, including management's belief that it will report its fifth consecutive year of positive operating cash flow, anticipated openings of dispensaries and facilities, timing of regulatory approvals, plans and objectives of management for future operations, are forward-looking statements. Without limiting the foregoing, the words 'anticipates', 'believes', 'estimates', 'expects', 'expectations', 'intends', 'may', 'plans', and other similar language, whether in the negative or affirmative, are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Forward-looking statements are based on our current beliefs and assumptions regarding our business, timing of regulatory approvals, the ability to obtain new licenses, business prospects and strategic growth plan, and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. Our actual results may differ materially from those contemplated in these forward-looking statements due to various risks, uncertainties, and other important factors, including, among others, reductions in customer spending, our ability to recruit and retain key personnel, and disruptions from the integration efforts of acquired companies. These factors are not intended to be an all-encompassing list of risks and uncertainties that may affect our business and results of operations. These statements are not a guarantee of future performance and involve risk and uncertainties that are difficult to predict, including, among other factors, changes in demand for the Company's services and products, changes in the law and its enforcement, and changes in the economic environment. Additional information regarding these and other factors can be found in our reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. In providing these forward-looking statements, the Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update these statements publicly or otherwise, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. All trademarks and service marks are the property of their respective owners. Media Contact:Zach GalassoDPA CommunicationsEmail: zach@ Phone: (978) 604-5423 Company Contact:Howard Schacter, Chief Communications OfficerEmail: hschacter@ Phone: (781) 277-0007Sign in to access your portfolio
