From the editors of Feedstuffs
Center for alternative meat and protein launches
The University of California, Davis, has launched its new Integrative Center for Alternative Meat and Protein (iCAMP). The center will work toward large-scale commercialization and technological advancement of alternative proteins, including cultivated meat, plant- and fungal-based foods, and innovative hybrids that combine conventional meat products with alternative proteins.
Bringing together leading researchers and academic institutions, industry professionals, advocacy groups and food innovators, the center aims to make the global food system more sustainable.
On Jan. 17, iCAMP launched with an Innovation Day at the UC Davis Robert Mondavi Center for Wine and Food Science. Scientists, program leads and partners shared research and collaborations to advance food innovation in alternative meat and proteins.
iCAMP will research ways to enhance consumer acceptance of and preference for alternative proteins, whether cultivated meat, plant- or fungal-based proteins.
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Veterinary Pharmaceutical Solutionsacquiring Diamond Animal Health
Veterinary Pharmaceutical Solutions (VPS) has announced the acquisition of Diamond Animal Health, a key contract manufacturer of animal health solutions, from Mars Corporation. VPS’s acquisition of Diamond Animal Health was completed in partnership with private investment firm Granite Creek Capital Partners, L.L.C.
The acquisition is a strategic move, VPS said, that expands its position beyond its status as the market leader in livestock pharmacy compounding. Diamond Animal Health is a proven partner in contract manufacturing and research of animal vaccines and pharmaceuticals. Further, the acquisition is an opportunity for Diamond Animal Health and Veterinary Pharmaceutical Solutions to grow together and significantly broaden their capabilities in the animal health industry.
“This acquisition marks an exciting new chapter for both Veterinary Pharmaceutical Solutions and Diamond Animal Health,” said Dean Warras, chief executive officer of both entities. Read more
Mexico, U.S. reaffirm commitmentto prevent exotic animal diseases
More than seven decades after the establishment of the Mexico-United States Commission for the Prevention of Foot and Mouth Disease and other Exotic Animal Diseases (CPA), the governments of Mexico and the United States reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining their technical-scientific partnership, in order to reduce the risk of entry and spread of pests and diseases that could put livestock farming in the North American region at risk.
Within the framework of the presentation of the book “History of the CPA, 75 years after its creation”, the general director of Animal Health of the National Agri-Food Health, Safety and Quality Service, Juan Gay Gutiérrez, highlighted that the commission represents the joint effort of two countries that protect their productive activities to guarantee food supply for their populations.Read more
Growmark, CHS exploring opportunities for further collaboration
The Growmark and CHS Boards of Directors announced Jan. 12 that they have jointly agreed to conduct an exploratory process over the coming months to identify opportunities for the two cooperatives to further collaborate to better serve owners, customers and the cooperative system into the future.
The two farmer-owned cooperatives have had a long-standing relationship. Teams from Growmark and CHS have collaborated on strategic projects in ways that benefit their farmer-owners, cooperative-owners and customers.
CHS and Growmark are currently collaborating to improve agriculture, invest in technology and bring new solutions to customers. In 2021, the two cooperatives formed Cooperative Ventures, a venture capital fund focused on supporting advancements in breakthrough technologies for the agriculture industry.
"Continuing our long history of adding value to our members and customers, while ensuring a strong and vibrant cooperative system for the future, is critical to the Growmark System," said Growmark Chief Executive Officer Mark Orr. "Our partnership with CHS in Cooperative Ventures is a great example of cooperation amongst cooperatives that benefits the shareholders of both companies."
Jay Debertin, president and CEO of CHS, commented, "We believe that by working together we can better serve our farmer- and cooperative-owners. Ultimately, we aim to better meet customer demand for our owners' products around the world and increase the value of the cooperative system.”Read more
Lallemand completes acquisition of Evolva
Lallemand Inc. has confirmed the closing in December 2023 of the acquisition by its subsidiary Danstar Ferment AG of Swiss biotechnology business Evolva AG from Evolva Holding AG. The transaction which was originally announced to the Swiss Stock Exchange on November 21, 2023 was approved by Evolva Holding shareholders at an extraordinary general meeting on December 21, 2023. Evolva is focused on the research, development and commercialization of natural ingredients derived from yeast,Read more
