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Bionema Leads £961,000 Biofilm Biofertiliser Project

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Bionema Leads £961,000 Biofilm Biofertiliser Project: As the world faces mounting pressure to reduce synthetic fertiliser use amid climate and soil degradation crises, a groundbreaking £961,000 project led by Bionema Group, a UK-based biocontrol technology developer, is paving the way for a sustainable transformation in nutrient management.

This project is funded by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) through the Farming Innovation Programme, under the Nutrient Management Competition. The programme is delivered in partnership with Innovate UK.

Bionema Leads £961,000 Biofilm Biofertiliser Project

Bionema Leads £961,000 Biofilm Biofertiliser Project

Funded by Innovate UK, the Biofilm Biofertiliser project brings together a consortium of scientific and industry leaders to develop a first-of-its-kind, biofilm-based biofertiliser, offering a scalable, low-cost, and environmentally responsible alternative to chemical fertilisers. This UK-developed innovation is poised to have global relevance as agriculture seeks regenerative, high-impact solutions to feed a growing population without destroying natural ecosystems.

“The global fertiliser crisis is not just about rising prices—it’s about the survival of our soils,” said Dr Minshad Ansari, CEO and Founder of Bionema Group. “This unique biofilm technology enables farmers to drastically cut synthetic inputs while restoring soil health and increasing crop productivity.”

A Unique Microbial Solution for a Global Challenge

By leveraging a novel consortium of UK-native, biofilm-forming plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB), the biofertiliser is designed to reduce synthetic fertiliser usage by 40–50%, while improving nutrient uptake, soil structure, and crop yields by 20–30%.

Formulated as water-dispersible granules (WDG) and encapsulated products, the solution will be easy to apply and have a minimum shelf life of up to 24 months, meeting the operational needs of both large-scale and smallholder farms globally.

Three-year field trials will assess product performance on wheat, potatoes, strawberries, and ornamentals across multiple UK farms. The results are expected to provide a blueprint for international adoption across diverse soil and crop types.

“This project offers a revolutionary approach to improving soil health and reducing nitrogen dependency,” said Richard Glass, Innovation Lead at the UK Agri-Tech Centre. “The environmental and economic benefits could be transformative for farmers in the UK and globally.”

A Collaboration to Scale Sustainability

In addition to Bionema Group’s leadership in microbial R&D and product development, the project consortium includes:

  1. CPI, providing process development, scale-up, and manufacturing support.
  2. UK Agri-Tech Centre, leading knowledge exchange, end-user engagement, and impact dissemination.

“We’re excited to help bring this breakthrough to market,” said Kris Wadrop, Managing Director – Materials at CPI. “By combining our formulation expertise with Bionema’s biological innovation, we’re creating a product that can be scaled in the UK and deployed globally.”

Lasting Impact and Global Relevance

This innovative product addresses critical issues in modern agriculture:

  1. Reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and nitrogen runoff
  2. Strengthens resilience against climate and market volatility
  3. Supports compliance with UK and EU fertiliser reduction targets
  4. Aligns with UN SDGs: Zero Hunger, Climate Action, Life on Land, and Responsible Consumption

By producing and scaling the solution in the UK, the project reduces import dependency and positions the UK as a global leader in biocontrol and biofertiliser innovation.

“This is not just a UK story—it’s a global one,” added Dr. Ansari. “With the right partnerships and investment, we can roll out this sustainable technology to farmers worldwide.”

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Green-tech Exceeds £30,000 Charity Target

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Green-tech Exceeds £30,000 Charity Target: To celebrate three decades in business, Green-tech, a leading supplier in the landscaping industry, launched its ambitious ‘£30k for 30 Years’ charity campaign at the start of 2024.

The company has proudly exceeded its goal, raising a total of £31,000. The Green-tech team was delighted to present cheques for £6,200 each to five deserving charities at a ceremony on Friday, 8th November, at its North Yorkshire headquarters.

Green-tech Exceeds £30,000 Charity Target

Green-tech Exceeds £30,000 Charity Target

Green-tech’s milestone campaign supports five charities making a real difference in communities across the UK: the BALI Chalk Fund, Candlelighters Trust, Perennial Gardeners’ Royal Benevolent Society, Macmillan Cancer Support, and Shelter. These charities address issues ranging from educational support and training to critical cancer care and housing assistance.

Over the course of 2024, the Green-tech team completed six major challenges to raise funds. The year of activities kicked off with a ‘Big Sleep Out’ at Green-tech’s site in March, despite the cold and rain, and concluded with a trek across the Yorkshire Three Peaks in August. Other events included the Roundhay Half Marathon, the physically demanding Total Warrior event, the Knaresborough Bed Race, and a virtual John O’Groats to Land’s End bike ride, where more than 60 team members cycled over 2,000 miles in just five days, far surpassing their initial goal of 874 miles.

Kris Nellist, Managing Director of Green-tech, expressed his pride and gratitude: “Our team’s dedication to supporting these charities has been incredible. This year, we wanted to mark our 30th anniversary not only by celebrating our achievements but also by giving back to the communities we care about. I couldn’t be prouder that we exceeded our target. The funds raised will go a long way in supporting these fantastic charities and their vital work.”

The charities have also voiced their appreciation for Green-tech’s donations:

  • Phil Swainston, Corporate Partnership Manager at Perennial, noted, “This donation from Green-tech will allow us to continue offering critical support to the horticultural community, from financial and wellbeing advice to career training. Their support means a lot to us.”
  • Iain Blackwood Hobbs, Partnerships Executive at Candlelighters, said, “We’ve enjoyed following Green-tech’s journey throughout this campaign. Their donation will make a big impact for families across Yorkshire dealing with childhood cancer, helping us provide the practical, emotional, and financial support they need.”
  • Richard Kay, Trustee of the BALI Chalk Fund, added, “Green-tech’s support helps us further our mission of providing training and certification for students entering the horticulture industry. On behalf of the trustees, a huge thanks to Green-tech for this generous contribution.”
  • Laura Holohan-Keith, Relationship Fundraising Manager at Macmillan Cancer Support, said, “Green-tech’s support will allow us to continue helping people affected by cancer in North Yorkshire. We’re so grateful for their efforts and commitment.”
  • Ellie Tomlin, Regional Community Fundraiser at Shelter, remarked, “We are delighted by the amazing fundraising efforts from Green-tech. There are currently 2,680 children in Yorkshire living in temporary accommodation who need our help. Thanks to this incredible donation, we can continue to support all those without a safe and stable home. Thank you so much to everyone that’s contributed!”

Supporting charitable initiatives and community projects is integral to Green-tech’s ethos. Their ‘£30k for 30 Years’ campaign represents this commitment, combining a major anniversary with meaningful contributions to organisations that touch lives across the UK.

As Green-tech prepares to enter its fourth decade of business, it remains focused on driving innovation and sustainability within the landscaping and environmental sectors. With a commitment to excellence and forward-thinking solutions, Green-tech aims to lead the industry in delivering high-quality products that meet the market’s evolving needs.

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FairWays Foundation nears $300,000 in grants

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FairWays Foundation nears $300,000 in grants: As it enters its second grant cycle, the global foundation has now awarded over $272,000 / £200,500 worth of funds since launch.

Having received a 50% increase in grant applications over year one, The FairWays Foundation has awarded over $166,000 / £122,400 worth of funds in its second grant cycle.

FairWays Foundation nears $300,000 in grants

FairWays Foundation nears $300,000 in grants

The funds have been awarded to a varied cross-section of environmental projects in both the USA and UK.

The funds are available as a result of Aquatrols committing to transferring a percentage of sales to The FairWays Foundation. In the USA, Aquatrols customers are also able to donate points earned through the Approach points redemption platform, if they so wish. This has been seen as another way for the green industry to support conservation and environmental efforts.

Successful grant projects range from butterfly and bird garden rehabilitation, riparian restoration and establishing pollinator wildflower patches to assistance for turf acreage verification, a wash pad bioswale and general ecology improvements on course.

To view more information about all the projects that are being supported this year, click here.

Matt Foster, CEO & President of Aquatrols and President of The FairWays Foundation said “I could not be prouder of the efforts from the team at The Fairways Foundation. In 2 years, we will have awarded just under $300k to industry operators dedicated to making a difference in their community. That is no small commitment. We also understand making a difference locally takes tremendous grit from a local champion. It might be a green keeper or parks manager or a program volunteer. Regardless, without their will these projects would never move forward. Our message to those individuals out there with a will for a healthier environment is The Fairways Foundation can help with the way to get there. Please apply.”

The FairWays Foundation is now looking for ambassadors to help reach those who wish to champion environmental projects but are unable to proceed due to lack of resources. Find out how you can get involved here.

The 2022 funding cycle opens in April 2022. Find out how to apply.

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JCB serves up 10,000 meals

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JCB serves up 10,000 meals: JCB’s ‘Food for our Communities’ initiative today served up a major milestone as the 10,000th meal was despatched from the company’s kitchens for those in need in Staffordshire.

Since the launch of the scheme  – the idea of Carole Bamford, wife of JCB Chairman Lord Bamford –  catering staff at the World HQ in Rocester have been busily preparing cottage pies, macaroni cheese and bolognese dishes for disadvantaged families and individuals across the region during the Coronavirus crisis.

JCB serves up 10,000 meals

JCB serves up 10,000 meals

Today the 10,000th meal was cooked and despatched from the JCB kitchen – just a month after the initiative started. So far, the team has used around two tonnes of potatoes, more than one tonne of minced beef and almost half a tonne of both pasta and onions to prepare the dishes.

In India – where JCB has factories in Delhi, Pune and Jaipur – the scale of the initiative is even greater and staff there have now prepared a staggering 100,000 meals.

Carole Bamford, wife of JCB Chairman Lord Bamford, said: “I’m very proud of all the work the teams in the UK and India are undertaking. Their efforts are making a real difference to the lives of so many people in our communities.”

Thousands of the meals made in Staffordshire are being distributed across Stoke-on-Trent by the Burslem-based Hubb Foundation, to children and families in need across the city.

Founder Carol Shanahan said: “You cannot underestimate the impact the JCB ‘Food for our Communities’ initiative is having on families in our city. Those receiving the food are just so very grateful that companies like JCB are stepping in to help at this time. It’s simply amazing.”

Since launch, the project has been expanded to include sandwiches and so far, more than 2,000 have been made for distribution to the homeless in Stoke-on-Trent and for inclusion in food parcels for vulnerable people in the Uttoxeter area. JCB is also supplying St. Michael’s Church Support Group in Rocester with 100 meals a week for villagers who are in need.

JCB Chef Alastair Rowe said: “It is very rewarding for the whole team to be involved in this project. We have had some wonderful feedback which shows our communities really do appreciate what JCB is doing at this time.”

As well as providing thousands of meals, JCB has also donated vital PPE to front line workers and JCB and its employees have volunteered to produce facemasks for the NHS. Inspired by these efforts,  JCB-sponsored athletes, slalom canoeist Adam Burgess and triple jumper Ben Williams, took on a marathon weight lifting challenge and have so far raised more than £2,400 for the Royal Stoke Hospital.

JCB’s kitchens in Staffordshire are being supported with the provision of food from organic farms at Daylesford in Gloucestershire. Daylesford – founded by Carole Bamford – has supplied organic beef mince to the project, with staff working seven days a week to support the food aid initiative.

In the UK, JCB is also working with Stoke-on-Trent City Council, which is distributing JCB meals to vulnerable adults and children across the city.

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Toro give $500,000 to Coronavirus efforts

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Toro give $500,000 to Coronavirus efforts: The Toro Company (Parent company of Hayter Limited) yesterday announced that it is giving $500,000 to assist families and communities worldwide that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Grant funding from the Toro Foundation will span all regions where The Toro Company operates, and will focus on providing food, health and humanitarian assistance to helping people adversely impacted.

Toro give $500,000 to Coronavirus efforts

Toro give $500,000 to Coronavirus efforts

“Supporting our customers and communities is an important part of our culture and core to who we are as a company,” said Rick Olson, chairman and chief executive officer of The Toro Company. “Now more than ever, it is critical that we come together to respond to the unprecedented challenges posed by COVID-19 and to support those most vulnerable in our communities.”

The contributions include commitments to several global nonprofits that are assisting in the relief efforts. This includes the American Red Cross and the International Committee of the Red Cross, Feeding America, the World Food Program, the United Way Worldwide, and United Way organizations in communities where The Toro Company’s employees live and work.

An additional element of the global giving effort includes a special program for its employees who wish to personally give to designated COVID-19 relief organizations. Under the program, The Toro Company will match employee contributions to a nonprofit organization of their choice in support of relief efforts.

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