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The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations launches an app to support Indigenous pineapple farmers in Suriname

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Through the FAO ELEVATE PROGRAMME of the Office of Innovation, smallholder farmers will be equipped with the technology to promote sustainable pineapple farming in Suriname.

ROAD TOWN, British Virgin Islands, Nov. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Dimitra, a global leader in agricultural technology and sustainability solutions, is supporting the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to develop a smartphone application for Indigenous farmers in Suriname. FAO is working in the country to enhance organic pineapple production by leveraging blockchain technology to modernize cultivation practices, boost productivity, and secure market access. Leveraging Dimitra’s traceable and immutable technology, through this app local growers will access advanced techniques including mechanical land preparation and artificial flower induction to produce premium organic pineapples and meet market demands.

Dimitra is deploying immutable blockchain and AI technology to support FAO providing Surinamese farmers with real-time comprehensive farming data on their crop production and supply chains from end-to-end. From creating digital farmer profiles and registration with their demographic and plot details, to tracking crop activities and managing harvests with traceability services, the platform aims to ensure that every step of the pineapple production process—from planting to harvesting—is traceable. By providing a secure record of sustainable practices through actionable data, Surinamese farmers can gain access to advanced technology to transform agricultural practices, enhance market competitiveness, and forge key alliances, opening doors to premium markets that require stringent compliance with international standards. 

FAO has been working in the country since 2018 with UNIDO, ILO and UNFPA through the ASTA Suriname initiative has been driving the pineapple sector’s growth in Suriname, a focal commodity for the country’s economic growth. Backed by the Joint United Nations Sustainable Development Group (UNSDG) Fund, the ASTA Suriname project has conducted in-depth analysis of farms and rolled out initial implementation activities. The project aims to empower indigenous and rural communities across Suriname’s pineapple belt to modernize organic pineapple production, transforming Suriname into a major producer and exporter of high-quality organic fresh and processed pineapples, and moving away from outdated practices with little value-addition and limited exports.

The innovation project proposed by FAO – to develop a digital traceability app to support indigenous pineapple farmers in Suriname – was funded by the 2024 Elevate Grant Programme of FAO, an initiative that fosters innovative initiatives for the agricultural sector targeting smallholder farmers.

The new app, already developed in local language, will be launched with the farmers and key stakeholders in early December 2024.

Jon Trask, CEO of Dimitra said: “Dimitra is dedicated to empowering smallholder pineapple farmers in Suriname with cutting-edge, easy-to-use technology to enhance agricultural productivity, promote sustainability, and ultimately improve the quality of life for these communities. Through the Agrifood Systems Accelerator (ASTA) and the Horticulture Innovation HUB of Suriname – a newly established public-private partnership providing multiple services to farmers in Suriname – supported by the Joint UNSDG Fund, we aim to foster a more resilient and equitable agrifood system globally and give consumers the origin story of their food.”

With 95 percent of its land covered in forest including parts of it forming a portion of the Amazon rainforest, Suriname’s interior regions face economic challenges, leaving many Indigenous, tribal and rural communities in poverty. Through the ASTA Suriname project, farmers are provided with hands-on training, and on-the-ground trial plots to showcase effective techniques like enhancing soil, optimizing inputs, and planting pineapples in beds. By using the app local growers in the country will be exposed to international markets, expanding the country’s economic horizons, and aligning with the responsible consumption and production of the UN’s sustainability goals.

Margherita Bavagnoli, FAO’s International Value Chain Finance Expert, oversees project activities among various Indigenous villages in Suriname: “So far, the ASTA Suriname project has equipped 120 marginalized Indigenous women and youth to take control of and benefit from the evolving pineapple value chain. There was a need to allow Indigenous communities in the country to reach markets, receive agronomic information and access services. This app aims to be beneficial in controlling deforestation, providing access to markets and information to farmers in remote areas, significantly contributing to the realization of the sustainable development goals (SDGs).”  

Jon Trask, CEO of Dimitra Incorporated and Margherita Bavagnoli, FAO’s International Value Chain Finance Expert, are available for interview on request.

About Dimitra

Dimitra is a global Agtech company with a mission to help smallholder farmers across the world. Dimitra works with governments, government agencies, NGOs, and for-profit organizations. The Dimitra platform is built on blockchain technology and incorporates mobile technology, machine learning, IoT devices, satellite and drone imagery, genomics, and advanced farming research. Through our data driven approach, Dimitra helps farmers increase yields, reduces expenses, and mitigates risk. Dimitra believes that every smallholder farmer, regardless of economic standing, should benefit from simple, beautiful, and useful technology.

About ASTA

The Agrifood Systems Transformation Accelerator (ASTA) program, led by FAO and UNIDO in collaboration with other UN agencies, aims to transform Suriname into a leading producer and exporter of high-quality organic pineapples. Supported by the Joint SDG Fund and driven by the Government of Suriname and key UN agencies, including FAO, UNIDO, ILO, and UNFPA, the program utilizes an inclusive and sustainable value chain approach. It connects local pineapple actors to new markets, fostering economic development in rural communities with a focus on gender equality, youth engagement, and environmental sustainability. Since 2018, ASTA has been developing Suriname’s pineapple value chain, culminating in a 2024 FAO Elevate grant to establish a traceability platform for producers.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/the-food-and-agriculture-organization-of-the-united-nations-launches-an-app-to-support-indigenous-pineapple-farmers-in-suriname-302301565.html

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Matrixdock Partners with Brink’s for Global RWA Custody, Starting with Gold

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Partnership Enhances Security for XAUm, Matrixdock’s Gold-Backed Digital Asset, with a Focus on Key Asian Financial Hubs

SINGAPORE, Nov. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Matrixdock, a leading platform for tokenized real-world assets (RWA), is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with Brink’s, a global leader in secure logistics and asset protection. This partnership ensures the secure transportation and vaulting of LBMA-certified gold, which underpins Matrixdock’s recently launched XAUm token, with a focus on vaults located in Singapore and Hong Kong, two of Asia’s premier financial hubs.

XAUm, an ERC-20 token fully backed by physical gold, offers investors a trusted and transparent digital asset tied to London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) accredited gold. The partnership with Brink’s guarantees that the gold reserves backing XAUm are securely held in high-security, fully insured vaults in Singapore and Hong Kong, enhancing the credibility and security of the token for investors across the globe, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region.

“Brink’s reputation for excellence in secure logistics, combined with the strategic location of vaults in Singapore and Hong Kong, provides unparalleled security and confidence for our XAUm investors,” said Eva Meng, Head of Matrixdock. “This partnership underscores our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of trust and transparency for our tokenized real-world assets.”

Zac McKenna, Head of Digital Assets at Brink’s, emphasized the importance of secure custody solutions in the growing RWA tokenization space: “At Brink’s, we are proud to support the tokenization of real-world assets by providing the secure infrastructure that makes these digital products credible and reliable. Our collaboration with Matrixdock enables us to bring our extensive expertise in secure logistics to the forefront of the blockchain ecosystem.”

Brink’s, with its extensive experience in secure asset management and its well-established presence in Asia, will ensure that the LBMA gold backing XAUm is safely transported, stored, and protected in its world-class vaults. Ben Van Kerkwijk, Vice President of Brink’s Global Services – Asia Pacific, added: “Our premier vaulting facilities in Singapore and Hong Kong are trusted by top-tier clients around the world. We are pleased to provide the same world-class protection for the physical gold that backs Matrixdock’s XAUm token, further enhancing the security and trust for investors in the region.”

This partnership allows Matrixdock to offer a robust gold-backed digital asset that aligns with the security and regulatory requirements of global investors.

XAUm provides investors with seamless access to the value of physical gold while benefiting from the efficiency, liquidity, and transparency of blockchain technology. By focusing on secure vaulting in Singapore and Hong Kong, Matrixdock strengthens its offering in the growing Asian market for tokenized assets.

For more information, please visit www.matrixdock.com.

About Matrixdock

Founded in February 2023 by Matrixport, Matrixdock is a premier platform that offers access to high-quality Real World Assets (RWA) through advanced tokenization technology. As the first in Asia to introduce a tokenized short-term treasury bill product, STBT, Matrixdock has rapidly emerged as an industry leader, earning the Ecosystem Excellence TADS Award in 2023 for Trading & Liquidity Solutions.

Matrixdock is dedicated to becoming the gateway for clients seeking top-tier RWA investments. With a steadfast focus on building a trusted and secure RWA ecosystem for crypto, Matrixdock provides diversified investment opportunities while setting new standards for trust and governance in the digital asset space.

About Brink’s

The Brink’s Company (NYSE:BCO) is a leading global provider of cash and valuables management, digital retail solutions, and ATM managed services. Our customers include financial institutions, retailers, government agencies, mints, jewelers, and other commercial operations. Our network of operations in 52 countries serves customers in more than 100 countries.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2566272/Matrixdock_Brinks_XAUm_Gold_Partnership.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/matrixdock-partners-with-brinks-for-global-rwa-custody-starting-with-gold-302315224.html

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Snag top-notch smart home gadgets at unbeatable prices: EZVIZ drops Black Friday deals on its all-time bestsellers and flagship innovations

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People can score huge savings on EZVIZ’s award-winning security products and robot vacuums, making their homes safe and comfortable before New Year arrives.

HOOFDDORP, Netherlands, Nov. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — EZVIZ, a leading smart home company known for its high-quality gadgets, is ramping up the thrills of Black Friday shopping by kicking off its special sale into high gear. Simplifying the stressful process of handpicking products and comparing bargains across brands and platforms, EZVIZ adds massive discounts to its extensive product portfolio, helping people build a multi-device smart system from scratch. Even busy but picky homeowners can quickly find essential devices like a garage security camera, a pet monitor or a multi-purpose vacuum cleaner, at hard-to-resist prices with unmatched functionality.

EZVIZ’s Black Friday sale runs from November 22 to December 2 in its official store on Amazon UK. For any family in need of peace of mind or gift ideas for the upcoming holidays, here are some hard-to-miss offers:

H9c Dual Pan & Tilt Wi-Fi Camera (3K) – now£99.99, was£129.99

A star innovation of the year that advances the dual-lens technology to become highly smart and responsive. The H9c Dual combines a 3K wide-angle lens and a pan-tilt 3K telephoto lens in one housing. The duo works independently to secure two directions, or reacts to each other to complete the tracking of a single important activity.

EP3x Pro Dual-Lens Battery Video Doorbell – now£99.99, was£129.99

A truly smart doorkeeper that doubles up your vision with subscription-free detection features, all with easy installation. Seamlessly stitching the view of a main 2K lens and a 1080p down-facing lens, the EP3x Pro sees visitors and delivered packages from top to bottom. Flexible for any home, it uses a large battery and has an included solar panel for additional green power. 

CP2 Peephole Door Viewer – now£49.99, was£69.99

A simple yet reliable option to turn an existing peephole into a smart, sharp camera. The CP2 attaches to most doors and allows real-time viewing via the large indoor screen or remotely via the EZVIZ App. All family members, including seniors and children, can see who’s outside without having to worry about blind spots, and feel protected and safe in a cost-effective way.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2557647/EZVIZ_2024_Black_Friday_PR_Picture.jpg 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/snag-top-notch-smart-home-gadgets-at-unbeatable-prices-ezviz-drops-black-friday-deals-on-its-all-time-bestsellers-and-flagship-innovations-302315226.html

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innDex bolsters team with new COO appointment – their global mission to transform the industry shows no signs of slowing

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LONDON, Nov. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — innDex have announced the strategic appointment of Charlie Versi as Chief Operating Officer, “marking a significant step in the company’s ongoing mission to empower the construction industry with simple and powerful solutions”. Charlie brings 20 years of experience within development and contractor businesses, including 10 years leading in-house software development and procurement. 

innDex have recognised that continuing to build this blend of technology and construction delivery expertise in-house, is vital in navigating today’s construction challenges. 

Reflecting on the move to innDex, Versi shared, “the last 12 months has reinforced the fact that the construction industry continues to face significant challenges and a need to evolve. innDex has positioned itself as a key technology partner, at the forefront of tackling many of these issues  through innovation and strong industry partnerships. I’m thrilled to join a team that’s deeply committed to addressing the underlying inefficiencies that fundamentally impact productivity in  the construction industry.”

innDex Co-Founders George Smithies and Aaron Vousden both saw an opportunity to bring Versi in, to drive multiple positive impacts inside the organisation as well as support their continued efforts to partner closely with the industry that is under increasing pressure to perform in difficult conditions. They believe this strategic hire, coupled with a shared vision for a proactive, technology-led approach, will support innDex’s growth and their continued focus on addressing  the fundamental causes of the sector’s productivity challenges.

Co-Founder George Smithies added, “Our mission to empower construction professionals remains  the core driver of our business. innDex was built by industry experts committed to revolutionising  project delivery—not just through small improvements, but by embracing a forward-thinking, tech driven mindset. Having Charlie join was the obvious next big step for us, we’re excited to strengthen an already incredible team, during a rapid time in our growth.”

Contacts: Marketing and Communications Coordinator – Uyen Danguyen@inndex.co.uk 

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2565698/innDex_COO_Charlie_Versi.jpg

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