Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Slovenia are on track to meet the 2025 targets for recycling and preparing for reuse of municipal and packaging waste, as set out in the EU's Waste Framework Directive and the Directive on packaging and packaging waste.

These countries have implemented effective waste management systems that include high recycling rates and separate collection of waste, which are prerequisites for recycling.

This plan includes investments in innovation and recycling facilities, demonstrating the government's active role in promoting sustainable waste management practices.

This initiative is part of a broader effort to transition from a linear to a circular economy for plastics.

This involves transitioning to a circular economy, which requires changes in consumer and producer behavior.

This initiative aims to promote recycling as a key strategy for enhancing livelihoods and preserving the environment.

Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Slovenia are on track to meet the 2025 targets for recycling and preparing for reuse of municipal and packaging waste, as set out in the EU's Waste Framework Directive and the Directive on packaging and packaging waste.

Title:

Content: Circular Economy : 18 EU Member States at risk of missing waste targets

Which countries are at risk of missing the 2025 targets for preparing for re-use and recycling of municipal and all packaging waste and the 2035 landfill target? The European Commission answered this question in a recently published early warning report. But first the good news. Nine Member States are on track to meet the 2025 targets: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Slovenia.

And just as a reminder, these are the targets set out in the Waste Framework Directive and the Directive on packaging and packaging waste we are talking about:

  • 55% recycling and preparing for reuse of municipal waste;
  • 65% recycling for total packaging waste;
  • and material-specific packaging waste recycling targets (75% for paper and cardboard, 70% for glass, 70% for ferrous metals packaging, 50% for aluminium, 50% for plastic and 25% for wood).

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Bad news for some countries

And now the bad news: 18 Member States are at serious risk of missing one or both of the 2025 targets.

Estonia, Finland, France, Ireland, Latvia, Portugal, Spain and Sweden are at risk of missing the municipal waste target.

Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Greece, Hungary, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Romania and Slovakia are at risk of missing both the municipal waste and the total packaging waste targets for 2025.

In addition, some countries continue to landfill most of their municipal waste and are likely to miss the 2035 landfill target. The Commission is making recommendations to these Member States, building on the ongoing financial and technical support provided to improve waste management performance. These recommendations cover a wide range of actions: reducing non-recyclable waste, increasing re-use, promoting separate collection, developing treatment capacity for sorting and recycling, improving governance, using economic instruments and raising awareness.

"Implementing waste reduction and recycling measures on the ground is key for our circular economy transition. Turning waste into resources helps us on the way to climate neutrality, increases the security of supply of energy and raw materials, and creates local jobs and innovation opportunities. The early warning report allows us, in close cooperation with the Member States, to detect shortcomings, take action ahead of the deadlines for meeting the targets, and share best practices in sound waste management," said Virginijus Sinkevičius, Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries

Waste generation on the rise

On average, Europeans generate 530 kg of municipal waste per person per year (waste from households and similar waste from businesses). Although it is increasingly recycled and less landfilled, municipal waste (MSW) is still one of the most complex waste streams to manage. In the EU, about 50% of MSW is recycled or composted and 23% is landfilled. The amount of packaging waste generated is constantly increasing. Between 2013 and 2020, the amount of packaging waste generated in the EU will increase by 15% to almost 80 million tonnes. Around 64% of packaging waste is now recycled, although this varies by material. More than 75% of paper, cardboard and metal packaging is recycled, but less than 40% of plastic packaging - a problem in most EU countries, many of which are at risk of missing the material-specific target for plastic packaging waste recycling.

The early warning report allows us, in close cooperation with the Member States, to detect shortcomings, take action ahead of the deadlines for meeting the targets, and share best practices in sound waste management.
Virginijus Sinkevičius, Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries

Significant differences between Member States

Looking at the report, one thing is clear: There are considerable differences in waste management performance across the EU. Some countries still have a long way to go to meet the targets agreed in EU legislation and further reforms are needed, in particular to ensure the treatment of biowaste, which accounts for a third of municipal waste, to ensure separate collection of waste - a prerequisite for recycling - and to improve data quality. However, most EU countries have introduced or are in the process of introducing waste reforms to improve recycling rates, some of which are expected to bear fruit in the coming years.

The results were also influenced by external factors, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which reduced or stopped separate collection in some countries. The recent rise in energy prices is also having a negative impact on recycling activities.

The early warning report builds on the Environmental Implementation Review, which had already identified problems with the implementation of EU waste legislation. In particular, almost 2000 illegal or substandard landfills are still operating in the EU, representing a significant source of pollution and greenhouse gases and a missed opportunity for the recovery of secondary raw materials.

These countries have implemented effective waste management systems that include high recycling rates and separate collection of waste, which are prerequisites for recycling.

This plan includes investments in innovation and recycling facilities, demonstrating the government's active role in promoting sustainable waste management practices.

Title:

Content: Addressing the Issue of Plastic Pollution

On the heels of a challenging year dominated by the COVID pandemic, the Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP) and its partner governments have met critical milestones, including:

  • Ghana, Nigeria, Indonesia, and Viet Nam came together as early adopters in the Forum’s Global Plastic Action Partnership
  • Ghana committed to a 100% circular economy for plastics

Africa.com connected with Kristin Huges for a more in-depth look at the work GPAP is doing. Our Q&A follows.

What is the Global Plastic Action Partnership?

The Global Plastic Action Partnership is a public-private partnership aiming GPAP is the World Economic Forum’s multistakeholder platform for shaping a more sustainable and inclusive world through the eradication of plastic pollution.

GPAP was created in 2018 by a group of public, private and civil society leaders with the World Economic Forum because they believed that when we come together, we can create real impact and real change.

Working with all of these organisations at the global and national level, GPAP delivers insights that help governments, companies, and individuals take the steps they need to turn commitments on plastic pollution into action with tangible results.

Our work to reduce plastic pollution and waste is underpinned by the transition to a circular economy for plastics, which directly addresses the root cause of plastic pollution by replacing the “take-use-dispose” model with a closed-looped approach throughout the plastics life cycle.

We focus on 6 impact areas:

  1. informing policy
  2. unlocking finance
  3. transforming behaviour
  4. boosting innovation
  5. harmonizing metrics
  6. promoting inclusivity

How serious is the issue of dumping plastic?

The issue of plastic ending up in nature due to poor behaviour and lack of infrastructure to manage the amount of plastic waste we generate is indeed very serious and is something that has only become worse due to the COVID pandemic. We know that at least 8 million tonnes of plastic waste flow into the ocean every year. Under the ‘business-as-usual’ approach, there will be more plastics than fish in the ocean by 2050. The issue has only been exacerbated by COVID. As restaurants and shops shut down and governments issued ‘shelter-at-home’ orders, many ordered food deliveries, purchased groceries online, and switched to disposable utensils for convenience and for reassurance, we saw the rise of single-use plastic. Many communities are not set up to manage the collection and recycling of this plastic so at best it ends up in landfills, but more often it flows into the environment ending in water sources and eventually the sea.

What are the consequences of ignoring this issue?

The plastic pollution crisis has ballooned over the past decade, but the good news is that awareness of this issue has also risen very sharply among the public. Only 14% of the plastic packaging used globally is recycled. Plastics entering the marine environment is set to double by 2040; without action, more than 1.3 billion tonnes of plastic waste will be dumped on land and in water bodies, and more than 2.2 billion tonnes will be open burned. Since 1950, the world has created 6.5 billion tonnes of plastic waste, 91% of which has not been recycled. Even if current recycling commitments are met, the plastics entering the ocean is on course to rise from 11 million tonnes now to 29 million tonnes by 2040.

Plastics are undeniably essential, versatile, and affordable; they are the bedrock of medical equipment and protective gear, keeping our frontline workers safe. But there is also a worrying trend: demand for disposable plastic products, driven by the fear of viral transmission, is skyrocketing. While the capacity to deal safely with these materials after use, however, is not.

What is considered global best practices for addressing the issue?

A number of countries have worked with us to develop a roadmap of action to engage in addressing the plastic pollution issue. There is not a single actor or single action that can solve this problem; rather the approach much be systemic, and a myriad of players must engage to wholistically address plastic pollution. In terms of best practices, I would suggest that countries that are taking the steps first to analyse the situation and understand the issue are moving in the right direction. Building on this analysis, we recommend a number of steps be taken upstream and down to support a transition to a circular economy for plastics.

A few of the action areas include:

  • reducing and substituting avoidable plastic use
  • redesigning plastic products and packaging for the purpose of reuse or recycling
  • increasing the collection of plastic waste
  • increasing recycling capacity
  • expanding safe waste disposal facilities to process the existing plastic that can’t be recycled

Which countries around the world are taking a leadership role to mitigate this issue?

At the Global Plastic Action Partnership, we are currently working with four countries, including Indonesia and Viet Nam in South East Asia and Ghana and Nigeria in Africa. Yesterday we also announced a partnership with Pakistan which we are excited to see engage. These countries are each working with us to take bold steps to address plastic pollution.

How effective are their practices?

We are already seeing some reduction in Indonesia as well as investments being made in the country aligned with the recommendations in our action roadmap. Investments have been committed in innovation upstream as well as recycling facilities to support better action downstream. Similarly, Ghana will publish its action roadmap soon and we understand the government is already taking positive steps to bring investments into the country to better support its waste management and promote behaviour change campaigns that will encourage a shift away from the linear take-use-dispose approach and transition more into a circular economy for plastics.

Which African countries are taking a leadership role?

We are currently working with Ghana as well as Nigeria in developing platforms for action to address the issue of plastic pollution. Together, with ministries like the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation of Ghana and the Federal Ministry of Environment for Nigeria we are co-creating solutions that will enable the governments to address the plastic pollution problem and promote a circular economy for plastics.

What role do various stakeholders have to play – individuals, communities, private sector, etc?

Everyone has a role to play. There is not one single actor who can solve this issue. Plastic pollution is truly an issue in which every segment of society needs to step up and play its part. Governments need to set targets and implement programs that will lead to concrete changes and create incentives that shape a positive environment for investing in steps aligned with plastic waste reduction. Businesses need to transition to greener supply chains; consumer goods companies, for example, need to redesign their packaging to use plastics alternatives or plastics that are recycled and recyclable. We are already seeing new business models spring to life, including reuse and refill types of businesses that encourage a circular economy for plastics. Consumers must adopt the principles of ‘reduce-reuse-recycle’ into their daily lifestyles. We have become a society that likes ease and comfort but we as consumers also have an important role to play in reducing plastic waste.  Investors must inject funding into innovations and solutions that have the potential to scale up impact dramatically while also looking to new infrastructure engagement opportunities like recycling plants versus the traditional roads and bridges types of investments.

What are the economics of this work?

In Indonesia, we worked closely with the government, academia, civil society and private sector to create a national action plan for reducing marine plastic debris by 70%. We have since produced a financing roadmap for how to mobilize the $18 billion needed in funding to fully implement this plan, and we are moving these recommended actions forward through five locally-led Task Forces. So we know that significant investments are required to support the efforts of leading governments aiming to address this issue, but the consequences of ignoring the situation and avoiding the necessary investment will end in far worse circumstances.

Who is paying to clean up the oceans?

At the Global Plastic Action Partnership, we are focused more on land-based solutions aiming to address the issue at source. A number of donor organisations and governments are supporting these efforts to assist those countries looking to address the issue and take action for positive impact. Greater investment is needed to ensure we can turn the tide on plastic pollution. Through our national plastic action partnership model we bring together the most influential and committed decision-makers, experts and changemakers to develop a joint approach to tackling plastic pollution in every country – an approach that is locally led, locally driven, and puts the livelihoods and wellbeing of people and communities at the forefront. We still have a lot of work cut out for us and we welcome the engagement and collaboration – from others whether representing the public or the private sector, civil society, academia or international organisations.

The Global Plastic Action Partnership is Making an Impact in Fighting Plastic Pollution

  • GPAP annual impact report illustrates the importance of turning the tide on plastic pollution through collaboration and public-private partnership
  • Despite progress, ocean plastic flows are expected to triple by 2040
  • Sustained collaborative action could stem the tide by more than 80%
  • Read the full report

Learn about the Forum’s impact

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This initiative is part of a broader effort to transition from a linear to a circular economy for plastics.

This involves transitioning to a circular economy, which requires changes in consumer and producer behavior.

Title:

Content: The Abu Dhabi Waste Management Center (Tadweer) has signed four operational contracts with a total value of AED235 million ($64 million).

This aligns with the centers strategic goals of providing added-value services to the customers and the society, dispose of waste safely according to the highest criteria and practices, and build partnerships.

Tadweer signed a three-year contract with the Green Mountains Environment and Transport Service Establishment (GMET) for the management, operation, maintenance, monitoring, and control of the controlled waste landfills in the city of Al Ain and Al Dhafra region.

Under this contract, Tadweer will receive, sort, and bury municipal, commercial, and industrial solid waste in accordance with the set environmental standards.

This contract is in line with the Center's efforts to develop mechanisms and systems that will increase waste diversion from landfills and achieve the Emirate's goals for 2030.

It also signed a three-year contract with Train environmental services for the management, operation, maintenance, monitoring, and control of the Hameem landfill for controlled waste, and the transfer station for municipal solid waste and commercial and industrial waste.

The company will receive solid waste and sort it at designated stations, before disposing of non-recyclable waste safely and properly. In addition, it will increase its environmental control measures for the air and groundwater according to international standards, to ensure a safe and sustainable environment for the residents of the emirate.

In addition, the Center signed new operational contracts for pest control services in the northern region of Al Ain city with Alphamed Abu Dhabi and Eagle Environmental Services and Pest Control.

These contracts will service 74 areas with about 168 vehicles and 902 pieces of equipment and tools. It will provide pest control services according to monthly plans and scheduled work programs, taking into account the seasons and periods of reproduction and spread of pests in order to keep their numbers under control. Services include field surveys, insect investigation, and treatment all year long.

The 8th edition of EcoWASTE 2022, held at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) as part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week in strategic partnership with Abu Dhabi Waste Management Center (Tadweer), concluded its three-day activities today.

The forum included a number of speeches, panels, and interactive sessions on a number of key topics on waste management, circular economy, and more.

The third days panels focused on a number of main topics including landfill reduction strategies, recycling electronic waste, converting organic waste into gas and biofuels and building materials and hydrogen and fuel, the use of agricultural waste in the circular economy, and accelerating the implementation of waste-to-energy plans at the regional level.

Dr Salem Al Kaabi, Director General of Tadweer, took part in a panel discussion on landfill reduction strategies, where he discussed the importance of the diversion of waste away from landfill.

"In the UAE, the federal government and the emirate of Abu Dhabi are placing a major focus on the diversion of waste from landfill, which is key for diagnosing the waste management system. Several factors affect the diversion of waste from landfill, including government policies, projects, as well as public awareness. In order to minimise landfill waste, we need to start with transitioning to a circular economy, which starts with changing the behaviour of the consumer and the producer," he added.

Dr. Khalid Khouri, CEO of Cleanco Waste Treatment, said: "We are proud of our pioneering position in the field of operating field incinerators to treat large quantities of hazardous and medical waste in the UAE, in line with local legislation and laws, and in accordance with best practices and international standards, to ensure the safety of society and to protect the environment."

Copyright 2022 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).

Disclaimer: The content of this article is syndicated or provided to this website from an external third party provider. We are not responsible for, and do not control, such external websites, entities, applications or media publishers. The body of the text is provided on an as is and as available basis and has not been edited in any way. Neither we nor our affiliates guarantee the accuracy of or endorse the views or opinions expressed in this article. Read our full disclaimer policy here.

This initiative aims to promote recycling as a key strategy for enhancing livelihoods and preserving the environment.

Title:

Content: Matabeleland North residents complete First Lady initiated waste recycling course

15 Jul, 2023 - 00:07 0 Views
Minister of State Provincial Affairs and Devolution in Matabeleland North, Richard Moyo (with scarf) and other delegates tour some of the stands with products made from recycled glass and plastics at the Recycling as a Business Training Course graduation ceremony in Lupane yesterday. Pictures: Innocent Makawa

The Chronicle

Blessings Chidakwa in Lupane

HUNDREDS of people from seven districts in Matabeleland North yesterday graduated after completing a recycling as a business course initiated by First Lady Amai Auxillia Mnangagwa who is the environment patron in partnership with Ministry of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry.

It was all smiles at Lupane State University as hordes of people drawn from all ages and gender celebrated their lifetime achievement after participating in the training programme.

The colourful event saw various people also displaying some products that are being made out of recycled plastics and bottles including plastic tiles, pavers, wine bottles, glasses and dishes among other products.

Globally, waste recycling is arguably the second biggest industry feeding raw materials into agriculture and clothing sectors among others.

The First Lady, Dr Mnangagwa who is also the Secretary for Environment and Tourism in Zanu-PF has been running the recycling as a business course across the country and Matabeleland North province is the sixth province to benefit from the course meant to capacitate communities.

The other provinces that have benefited are Mashonaland West and Central, Manicaland, Harare and Matabeleland South.

Some of the products made from recycled glass and plastics at the Recycling as a Business Training Course graduation ceremony yesterday

In a speech read on her behalf by Professor Prosper Matondi, chief director for Environment, Climate and Meteorological Services, Dr Mnangagwa said she envisions recycling as a key strategy in enhancing lives in Zimbabwe.

She said there are various options in the country through which a lot of entrepreneurs can be gainfully engaged in the collection, sorting and processing of materials.

Amai Mnangagwa also said some people would be running complementary business supplying necessary materials that are used in the recycling process and value chain leading to benefits sharing.

“This is not my dream alone but the National Development Strategy 1 which underpins promoting recycling initiatives as a major outcome.

“My appeal to the industry is that it is time we fully recognise support and grow the recycling industry and the solution to sustainability,” she said.

Amai Mnangagwa a champion of preserving the environment, said it was key that people should jealously preserve the environment.

“Recycling is not only potentially a billion dollar industry but also works to save the environment. Zimbabwe like any other country produces tonnes of waste products which entrepreneurs can take advantage of to build and grow the recycling business.

“The United Nations and environmental programme estimates the market for waste management from collection through recycling to be some US$400 billion worldwide while the global market for the scrap metal and paper is at least US$30 billion per year according to the World Bank,” she said.

Dr Mnangagwa said it was against such a background of realising that a lot of valuable waste products are still being dumped and polluting the environment that her office worked with the Ministry of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry through the Environment Management Agency to unlock the value in waste products.

The First Lady said this led to the rollout of the training programme to capacitate grass roots communities on the best practices in the management of waste including recovery and recycling as a business.

“We are gathered here to appreciate all those who participated in this rigorous training programme, the training did not happen in Matabeleland North province alone but it touched every district of Zimbabwe in line with the mantra of “Leaving no one and no place behind”.

“I want to urge the graduates that this graduation should not be the end to this noble initiative but this capacity business exercise should be the basis for action on the ground, I challenge you to be beacons of hope and light to the communities you come from by putting into action what you learnt and also spreading wide the same information in your community,” she said.

Minister of State Provincial Affairs and Devolution in Matabeleland North, Richard Moyo thanked Amai for initiating the training programme to capacitate communities to engage in Recycling as a Business.

“I would like to refer to this particular event as historic in that it is indeed the first time the province is witnessing the certification of an achievement in waste management by grassroots communities.

“This gesture fulfils the Second Republic’s Mantra of Leaving No one and No Place Behind towards the attainment of Vision 2030,” he said.

Minister Moyo also acknowledged the support, participation and guidance in the programme and other waste management initiatives elsewhere in the province in particular and the country at large.

“I am delighted to inform you that, Matabeleland North province conducted Recycling as a Business Training workshops in all the seven districts of the province being spearheaded by the Environmental Management Agency in conjunction with Local Authorities, Waste Recycling Companies and other Government Departments.

“To that end, a total of 785 people were capacitated with sound knowledge in the recycling value chain. The training programme was quite inclusive as being witnessed by the graduation today,” he said.

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The digital nomad lifestyle involves working remotely while traveling, allowing individuals to work from anywhere in the world without being tied to a specific location.

This lifestyle is supported by various countries offering digital nomad visas, such as Portugal, Spain, and Croatia, which provide legal frameworks for remote workers to reside temporarily.

Advantages of the digital nomad lifestyle include the ability to explore new cultures, flexibility in work location, and the potential for a better work-life balance.

However, it also presents challenges such as maintaining productivity amidst distractions, managing time effectively, and dealing with homesickness.

Additionally, understanding visa requirements and ensuring access to healthcare are crucial.

The types of work suited to this lifestyle typically include roles that can be performed online, such as IT, digital marketing, writing, and consulting.

Common tools used by digital nomads include mobile hotspots for internet access, productivity apps, and platforms like Citizen Remote, which assist with visa applications and finding accommodations.

Despite its appeal, the digital nomad lifestyle requires careful planning and adaptability to overcome its inherent challenges.

The digital nomad lifestyle involves working remotely while traveling, allowing individuals to work from anywhere in the world without being tied to a specific location.

Title:

Content:   • Your one stop for college news and resources!
Featured, Features, Study Abroad

A Guide for College Students Embracing the Digital Nomad Lifestyle

A digital nomad is someone who works remotely and travels often. Their work doesn’t require them to report to an office or adhere to a strict schedule. Instead, they can work anywhere in the world, doing the job they love.

It’s no wonder this lifestyle is appealing more to college students. They can travel the world while studying and working abroad. That said, being a college student and a digital nomad is a challenge. It’s not like a vacation where all you have to worry about is enjoying yourself.

You have to learn how to balance the fun of traveling with work and school commitments. The following tips will help you do just that.

Understand What the Digital Nomad Lifestyle Will Be Like

You have to understand what the digital nomad lifestyle will be like if you want it to work out. You can assess whether this life is for you, and better prepare for it if you decide that it is.

Here are some critical points to consider about the digital nomad lifestyle:

  • A work-life balance is a must
  • Traveling often can be exhausting
  • You must ensure access to healthcare
  • You need a plan for financial stability
  • You’ll have to adapt to new cultures and languages
  • Knowing visa requirements and other legal requirements is essential
  • You might experience homesickness, especially if you go international
  • Balancing school with work and life in a new place is a big commitment

Dig into these factors and research all you’ll have to do and give up to be a digital nomad. Then, you can make an informed decision about moving forward.

Master Time Management

You’ll have to take your time management up a few notches if you want to be a digital nomad.

It’s one thing to balance life and school. It’s another to balance life, school, traveling, and potentially, work. You must learn how to divide your days so that you pay each of these things the attention they need. In addition, time management will ensure you don’t burn out.

Start with a routine to build some consistency into your days. Wake up at the same time regardless of your schedule and get ready for your days the same way.

You can establish priority tasks the night before, like your classes, if you’re working, and when you’ll study. Set aside time for breaks, meals, and leisure time as well. Building these activities into your schedule will ensure you actually do them.

Attach times to each task and activity. For example, you have classes from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Next, you’ll have lunch from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. After that, you have work from 1:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Then, you’ll study from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., and the rest of the night is yours.

Manage your time wisely and you can achieve everything you set out for each day.

Learn How to Stay Productive

One of the biggest challenges digital nomads run into is staying productive. All of the fun activities you can do when you travel to a new place can be distracting. It might be hard to stay motivated when you’re homesick. Technical and logistical issues can impact your productivity as well.

So, learning how to maintain peak productivity while studying and working on the road is essential.

Adhering to the routine we mentioned above will help keep you focused. Eliminate distractions while working by turning your phone on Do Not Disturb and muting social media apps. Create a designated workspace. You could also incentivize productivity by promising yourself a fun activity after you complete your work.

Secure your tech setup as well to maintain optimal productivity. Make sure you have the basics, like a good laptop set up with the proper work and school software and noise-canceling headphones.

Another crucial tool to have is a mobile hotspot. A hotspot ensures you can connect to the internet wirelessly on your mobile devices from virtually anywhere. This will come in handy when you travel internationally or to places with spotty internet connections. No matter where you are, you can still access your studies and any work you’re doing online.

Equip yourself with the right tools and techniques to stay productive as a digital nomad.

Choose Work That Aligns With Your Studies and Interests

Digital nomads are known to take many different directions with their work. You have options and can easily make a living while studying and traveling abroad. The key is ensuring the work you do doesn’t distract from your education and pull you away from who you are.

You’ll have a much better experience as a digital nomad if you choose work that aligns with your studies and interests. Rather than taking the barista job at the local cafe, work with your school to see if there are any work-study opportunities where you’re traveling.

You can also take the job search into your own hands. Search for job openings before you head to your destination through online job boards. Ask for referrals from fellow students.

Consider fully remote positions as well. There are many work-from-home jobs available that can accommodate a college student’s digital nomad lifestyle, such as being a tutor or a content writer for subjects related to your major.

Whatever work you decide to do, make sure it doesn’t take away from your studies and aligns with who you are and what you want to be.

Conclusion

Many college students are attracted to the digital nomad lifestyle because it allows them to travel freely while studying and working where they want to. As enticing as this life is, being a digital nomad isn’t void of challenges.

Make sure you understand what you’re getting into, master time management, learn to stay productive, and choose work that aligns with your studies and interests to give yourself a real chance at a successful digital nomad life.

SEE ALSO: How to Choose the Right Student Housing in the U.S.

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What are the criteria of the top 20 digital nomad locations?

This lifestyle is supported by various countries offering digital nomad visas, such as Portugal, Spain, and Croatia, which provide legal frameworks for remote workers to reside temporarily.

Title:

Content: Work

The 7 most popular countries for U.S. workers moving abroad

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VIDEO11:4411:44
Here's why millennials are starting over in Portugal

For many Americans, work hasn't just gone hybrid or remote — it's gone global.

The number of American workers hired by international companies grew 62% last year, according to the State of Global Hiring Report from Deel, an HR platform that specializes in global hiring.

That's based on 300,000 contracts between Deel customers and workers. The majority, 85%, of Deel's contracts are for remote jobs, but there's also interest among a select few to actually move abroad.

For a few years now, a growing share of Americans have moved to Portugal for work and life, thanks to its good weather, affordable living and recent launch of a digital nomad visa.

And interest isn't slowing down: Portugal was the No. 1 country where American users were applying for visas in 2023, according to Deel data.

Here are the top seven countries where Americans are trying to move abroad, based on the number of visa requests being sent through Deel's immigration and visa support feature:

  1. Portugal
  2. Spain
  3. United Kingdom
  4. United Arab Emirates
  5. Canada
  6. Germany
  7. France

Deel users are generally trying to move to Southern Europe, and Americans are especially interested in moving to Dubai.

Expats across Spain and the UAE, in particular, are highly satisfied with their personal, financial, social and work lives abroad, according to global data from online community Internations. As of 2023, the top three cities for expats to thrive in their new lives abroad are all in Spain: Malaga, Alicante and Valencia.

The normalization of remote work has sparked an existential question, says Deel CEO Alex Bouaziz: "Now that people are able to get some of the best jobs remotely and can live anywhere, where are the most appealing places for remote workers?"

Would-be expats have more options to consider places with higher quality of life factors or favorable tax advantages, he says.

"It's interesting how people redistribute themselves," Bouaziz adds, "or consider 'what becomes my center of gravity when it's not work, which I can do anywhere? Where can I live my best life?'"

Many workers are highly interested in location flexibility, whether they want to move around or simply untether their work from where they live. The most noteworthy change in the remote work landscape in the last year was an uptick in companies actively recruiting for work-from-anywhere positions, FlexJobs lead career expert Toni Frana recently told CNBC Make It.

The remote-work job board has seen "a huge increase in job-seekers looking at work-from-anywhere jobs" since the pandemic, Frana says, "and that's hardly died down."

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Check out: U.S. workers are getting scooped up by international companies hiring remote roles

VIDEO7:0407:04
How this millennial making $80,000 in Italy and the U.S. spends her money

Title:

Content: Thousands of digital nomads staying in Croatia, longer stay problematic

NEWS 12.02.2023 15:31

Croatia, a country with a dwindling population, has become a hot destination for digital nomads - mostly young, highly educated and rich foreigners. Thousands of them are staying in the country, but the small number of those wishing to stay longer have to be resourceful as the law does not allow a stay of more than one year.

The global number of digital nomads is estimated at around 35 million. According to some estimates, that number is expected to reach one billion by 2035.

Croatia ranks high on the list of digital nomads’ favourite destinations. Even though data vary, depending on the source of information, a survey conducted by the Nomad List platform shows Croatia is globally the most attractive destination for digital nomads.

Croatia is a small country but what it offers is diverse so it attracts different groups of digital nomads, says Jan de Jong, founder of the Digital Nomads Croatia association.

The Dutch, who lives in Croatia, in 2020 launched amendment of the relevant laws owing to which Croatia introduced, as one of the first European countries to do so, a visa for digital nomads, enabling citizens of third countries to stay in the country for up to one year.

10,000 digital nomads staying in Croatia on a monthly basis

De Jong notes that one of the main reasons why digital nomads come to Croatia, besides infrastructure, which mostly includes the need for a good internet connection and an established community of digital nomads, is the lifestyle Croatia offers, which, in an addition to everything else, is very affordable.

That lifestyle seems to be very affordable to digital nomads, as an average digital nomad makes around €6,500 a month, according to Nomad List.

At the end of January 2023, there were 595 valid visas for digital nomads in Croatia, according to data from the Ministry of the Interior, however, that figure is much below the actual number of digital nomads staying in Croatia because it refers only to third-country citizens staying here for more than three months.

To get a complete picture of the situation, one should take into account EU citizens, who move freely throughout EU territory, including Croatia, without time limitations, as well as the large number of digital nomads from third countries staying in Croatia for less than a month.

The Ministry of the Interior says that it does not keep a record of the latter two categories of digital nomads, so their number can only be estimated.

Judging by trends for individual cities, including Zadar, Split and Zagreb, on the Nomad List platform, de Jong concludes that roughly 5,000 digital nomads arrive in Croatia a month. If every digital nomad is estimated to stay in Croatia for two months, one can say that around 10,000 digital nomads are staying in Croatia every month.

Meanwhile, after Croatia was one of the first European countries to introduce visas for digital nomads, other European countries have followed suit.

In addition to the basic requirements, such as remote work or self-employment and a certain minimum monthly income, which in Croatia amounts to €2,300, while in Iceland it is more than €6,000 – the visa for digital nomads also regulates the longest allowed stay in the country.

Croatia is one of the countries with more restrictive rules because if a digital nomad likes the country and wants to stay for more than a year, they must leave the country for at least six months in order to be able to apply for a visa again.

On the other hand, in other European countries the visa can mostly be extended, depending on the country, for example, in the Czech Republic a digital nomad visa can be extended for a period of three years in total.

Purpose of visa country’s tourist promotion

Even though de Jong says that the purpose of the visa for digital nomads was never to allow permanent stays, he notes that a certain number of digital nomads contact his association looking for advice on what to do if they want to stay in the country.

Asked if there is a legal way to extend the visa, the Ministry of the Interior says that that option does not exist and that it cannot even be extended with a permit for extended tourist stay.

The ministry explains this with the fact that the sole purpose of visas for digital nomads was “Croatia’s tourism promotion.”

One of those who got caught in that legal limbo is Steve Tsentserensky, a copywriter from Ohio, USA, who was among the first digital nomads to get a visa in Croatia.

During his six-month stay in Zagreb, he fell so much in love with the city that he decided to return for a longer period of time.

Asked how he would do that, because the law restricts his stay, unless he marries a Croat, establishes a company or finds employment, he says that he will do what is feasible to regulate his stay and probably again apply for a visa for digital nomads.

He stresses, however, that it would be good if the visa could be extended for a longer period of time, without applicants having to leave the country because they all have the possibility to reapply after the expiry of the six-month period, and the conditions are completely the same.

Another digital nomad, a woman from the USA, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said that after the expiry of her visa she did not want to leave the country and that, even though she kept the same job for which she receives a US salary, she found the solution in a fictitious employment contract.

Somebody offered me a work permit, she says cautiously. She considered other ways as well, such as starting a business, and was also advised to marry, but she believes that with the work permit she has also found a way to contribute to the community she lives in by paying taxes, because as a digital nomad she does not have to do it.

Both Americans like the relaxed lifestyle of Zagreb residents, which is why they want to stay for some time.

They did not say how long, but the woman said that she is actively learning Croatian and not thinking about leaving the country.

When they stay longer, they become immigrants

Caroline Hornstein-Tomic, a researcher at the Ivo Pilar Institute of Social Sciences, says that digital nomads are usually highly educated people, mostly in their 30s, who are also excellent consumers.

“If they decide to stay longer, they become a kind of immigrants,” she says and adds that there is still no research in Croatia on how digital nomads impact local communities, but that that impact certainly exists.

They boost tourism as well as other sectors of the economy, they have encouraged the development of infrastructure and the establishment of numerous hubs, as well as services that meet their need to get along in the new country, she says.

Hornstein-Tomic says that she has interviewed some of the nomads who have been staying on Dalmatian islands, and that she has heard about their positive experiences with the local community.

“Those who have decided to stay longer are interested in local jobs or business development, and they also do volunteer work, so apart from financial resources, they also have knowledge that they like to share,” says Hornstein-Tomic.

Commenting on the demographic potential of that group, de Jong says that digital nomads follow new trends and no longer go to countries where they have better-paying jobs but rather those where they like the lifestyle, bringing their well-paid jobs with them.

He thinks that the current remote work revolution will continue and that a reversal of the trend is not likely.

That trend can be the biggest opportunity for Croatia, from where around half a million people have emigrated over the past ten years looking for better-paying jobs, says de Jong, who has lived in Croatia for the past 16 years.

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What are critical aspects of the digital nomad lifestyle?

Knowledge of visa and other legal requirements

What are the criteria of the top 20 digital nomad locations?

A digital nomad visa program or the equivalent

What are critical aspects of the digital nomad lifestyle?

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What are the criteria of the top 20 digital nomad locations?

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In an increasingly interconnected world, the allure of working abroad has never been stronger. The prospect of exploring new cultures, gaining international experience, and broadening one’s professional horizons is undeniably enticing. However, beneath the surface of this exciting opportunity lies the complex challenge of setting up a shop in a foreign country. That’s where Citizen Remote can help.

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We may earn revenue from the StackSocial products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs.

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What are critical aspects of the digital nomad lifestyle?

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What are the criteria of the top 20 digital nomad locations?

However, it also presents challenges such as maintaining productivity amidst distractions, managing time effectively, and dealing with homesickness.

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Content: Fiverr’s 2nd Annual Study Reveals Anywhere Workers Are Traveling More, For Longer, and Are Earning More, Because of a Shifting Economy

Report Shows More Women Are Choosing the Anywhere Worker Lifestyle For its Flexibility and Autonomy and Are Tired of The Typical 9-5

TEL AVIV-JAFFA, ISRAEL

NEW YORK, June 08, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fiverr International Ltd., (NYSE: FVRR), the company that is revolutionizing how the world works together, has announced its second Anywhere Worker Study, releasing insights looking into the current trends of Anywhere Workers. With data from across the world, 2000 Anywhere Workers (i.e. people who work remotely while traveling from at least two locations, domestic or international, throughout the year), reveal that they are choosing to travel more and for longer periods of time.

As the global workforce continues to evolve, remote work continues to gain momentum and remains a highly valuable option and enables this group of workers to incorporate both work and travel into their lifestyle seamlessly. The reasons they choose to become Anywhere Workers range from having the desire for more flexibility, excitement, and adventure, to having grown tired of the typical 9-5 job setting, or having experienced a personal transition in their life, to being inspired by someone else’s Anywhere Worker experience. They range across all age groups, but the majority of them fall within the millennial age range, where they have a fair amount of work experience and have found full-time remote positions that offer them the flexibility to work and travel as they please.

“Work and travel are becoming increasingly blended as the global workforce evolves,” said Gali Arnon, CMO at Fiverr. “It’s incredible to see this type of work becoming more common across the globe. This growing group of workers are taking control over their careers while enriching their lives experiencing what the world has to offer. From full-time workers to freelancers, being an Anywhere Worker has never been easier and the opportunities are endless.”

Key Insights Include:

  • Anywhere Workers are traveling more now than ever and for longer
    • Over 80% of Anywhere Workers continue to plan on living this lifestyle for up to 5 years.
    • 83% of Anywhere Workers move at least once from one location to another every 6 months, up 10% compared to last year.

  • More women are leaning into the Anywhere Worker lifestyle because they are prioritizing flexibility and autonomy in their lives
    • Nearly 36% of female Anywhere Workers prioritize more flexibility and autonomy in their lives, compared to 33% of men.
    • 34% of women Anywhere Workers chose to live a life of travel and work because they were tired of working in a 9-5 setting and staying in one location, compared to 31% of men.

  • Anywhere Workers are earning more or the same since committing to this lifestyle
    • Almost all (94%) said their earnings have increased or remained stable.
    • Anywhere Workers that have experienced financial issues previously decreased by 15% compared to last year (64% vs 79%).

  • Europe and the US are the prime locations for Anywhere Workers
    • Spain is the most popular country to visit as an Anywhere Worker, followed by Portugal and Italy.
    • In the US, New York City and Texas are the top destinations for work and travel.

To learn more about Fiverr’s second Anywhere Worker study, click here.

Research conducted by Censuswide, on behalf of Fiverr (Digital Nomads) using a sample of 2000 total Digital Nomads who have worked in one of the following markets in the past 12 months: Portugal, Spain, Indonesia, Mexico, United States and Italy between 03.05.2023 - 17.05.2023. Censuswide abides by and employ members of the Market Research Society which is based on the ESOMAR principles.

About Fiverr
Fiverr’s mission is to revolutionize how the world works together. We exist to democratize access to talent and to provide talent with access to opportunities so anyone can grow their business, brand, or dreams. From small businesses to Fortune 500, over 4 million customers worldwide worked with freelance talent on Fiverr in the past year, ensuring their workforces remain flexible, adaptive, and agile. With Fiverr’s Talent Cloud, companies can easily scale their teams from a talent pool of skilled professionals from over 160 countries across more than 600 categories, ranging from programming to 3D design, digital marketing to content creation, from video animation to architecture. Don’t get left behind - come be a part of the future of work by visiting fiverr.com, read our blog, and follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

Press Contacts
Holly Steffy
press@fiverr.com

Sveva Biocca
press@fiverr.com

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Global avocado consumption has significantly increased in recent years, driven by rising international demand.

This surge has economic benefits for producing countries, such as Kenya, which has become Africa's largest avocado exporter, contributing to economic growth and providing financial resources for local farmers.

In Kenya, there is a focus on sustainable practices, such as avoiding planting in sensitive ecosystems and investing in green technology to mitigate drought impacts.

In Mexico, the leading exporter to the U.S., avocado production is facing challenges due to insufficient rainfall and high temperatures, which affect yields.

The environmental impact includes concerns about water use and deforestation, as avocado farming requires significant water resources and can lead to habitat destruction if not managed sustainably.

Socially, the avocado boom has empowered smallholder farmers in Kenya by providing access to international markets, resulting in substantial payouts to local communities.

However, in Mexico, the industry faces social challenges, including cartel-related violence affecting the supply chain.

Overall, while the avocado industry offers economic opportunities, it also necessitates careful management to address environmental and social concerns, ensuring that production aligns with sustainability and ethical practices.

Global avocado consumption has significantly increased in recent years, driven by rising international demand.

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Finally, the long-awaited avocado bonanza arrives

MONEY & MARKET
By Graham Kajilwa | January 10th 2022
By Graham Kajilwa | January 10th 2022
MONEY & MARKET

If there were to be a list of the three things that bother Kenyans today, the crazy prices of avocados would feature without a doubt.

Of late, these prices have hit the roof. An acute shortage in some markets has raised the standard of this fruit to an almost luxurious product.

A few years before avocado was as glorified as a super fruit, the price for a reasonable size of this ‘green gold’ was as low as Sh10 or at most Sh30 from the local vendor.

To some villagers, it was used to feed animals with farm gate prices being as low as Sh5 per piece. But now, the price of a fruit is averaging Sh60.

Currently, an avocado that costs Sh20 or Sh30 is not even attractive to the eye. While the prices of avocados have been steadily rising even in the international markets, the recent absence of the fruit has been prompted by the Directorate of Horticulture’s decision to restrict exports.

Fresh Produce Consortium of Kenya Chief Executive Okisegere Ojepat attributed the high prices of avocados in the local market to the restricted export of the fruit, leading to controlled harvesting.

Due to restriction, limited avocados are being exported until later next month as farmers are required to only sell mature fruits. “For that reason, there is little in the market,” said Ojepat.

He explained that the supply in the local market is dependent on international supply as the fruits Kenyans buy are mostly those which do not meet international export standards.

Some of them are small in size, have scratches or bruises. “For that reason, you can be assured if there is not much export, the domestic market feels the heat,” he said. The Jumbo variety is what is mostly sold in the local market. However, this is the only variety now with an open market.

While announcing the decision to restrict export of avocados last month, the Director, Horticultural Crops Directorate, Benjamin Tito, said this would ensure farmers do not export immature fruits. “We are shipping too much but what (the money) we get in return is too little,” said Tito at a press conference.

He said harvesting and exporting of immature avocados has negatively affected the image of the country in overseas markets, in addition to interfering with the cropping cycle of the trees - hence reducing the projected volumes.

According to the Fresh Produce Exporters Association of Kenya, avocado is the topmost fruit being shipped out of the country.

According to the association’s 2021 report, shipment out of the country has been increasing: rising from 3,406 in 2017, 5,833 in 2018, 8,525 in 2019 to 9,666 in 2020. In terms of volume, the figure has been going up from 38.7 million in 2017 to 71.7 million in 2020.

Data from the Horticultural Crops Directorate paints the same picture as shipment in kilogrammes increased between January and July last year to 67.1 million kilos. The period between June and July 2021, however, saw a drop to 9.8 million and 4.6 million kilos respectively, from the double-digit in May of 10.9 million kilos.

Currently, fruits constitute 34 per cent of shipments of fresh produce from Kenya, with avocado having the lion’s share.

“The Kenyan avocado recorded 9,990 shipments in 2020, shipping to 57 destinations from 35 in 2017,” reads the Fresh Produce Logistics 2021 report by the Fresh Produce Exporters Association of Kenya.

The report names avocado as among the fruits that have demonstrated consistent growth over the last five years, with others being mango, passion fruit, raspberries and pineapples.

“On avocados and nuts, Kenya has only exploited 38 per cent of its potential, which means there is still room to grow,” it adds.

The US and Pacific are some of the areas that have the potential to buy Kenya’s avocados.

Avocado Society of Kenya Chief Executive Ernest Muthomi said globalisation had increased demand for the fruit. The universality of the fruit and its use as a spread for bread or smoothie also plays a key role.

“This craze is international,” he said. “And the growing of avocados in Kenya is fueled by this – the international demand. That is why you hear some funny stories of some few Kenyans exporting immature avocados.” He said while Kenyans are also eating avocados just like anyone else in the world, the international prices as stated seem more attractive to a local farmers and exporters, hence the preference for exports.

Prices in the last three years as been a fruit go for Sh25 at the beginning. “Now we are talking about Sh40 or Sh45 for a big size fruit,” he said. The average price per box for export is Sh400 when you get it directly from the farmer.

Pressure on local prices will continue, owing to huge demand globally. It might take 50 years for global demand to be met since there are market openings in India and China.

“Some of it (shortage) is being fueled by the processing of local avocado into other products. Like some are using avocado to process oil,” he said.

As more factories are set up with international demand rising, scarcity is likely to continue unless production goes up.

“Avocados are going to be expensive,” he said. “But thank God people are planting them in areas where they have not been growing before, like Uasin Gishu, Trans Nzoia and Bomet.”

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How has avocado consumption changed in recent years?

This surge has economic benefits for producing countries, such as Kenya, which has become Africa's largest avocado exporter, contributing to economic growth and providing financial resources for local farmers.

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Content: Columnists

Let’s aim at powering Kenya to top of global superfoods exports table

The global trade agenda is changing quickly from where product and price dominated the conversation to where a company’s values and purpose are intertwined and a big part of the decision to buy products.

In the international market, Kenya now takes its place as the largest avocado exporter in Africa.

Imports of Hass avocado into Europe alone last year were approximately 728,000 tonnes, and Kenyan exports accounted for 40,000 tonnes, about five percent.

But what’s our competitive advantage with other producing countries and why should consumers favour our products over others?

The world is demanding that businesses demonstrate values and purpose aligned to more than just products to climate action, sustainability, and quality agricultural practices and that we are good corporate citizens.

Despite the agricultural business complexities, we have many Kenyan companies doing the right thing and doing it well.

We need to publicise this well, whether we are the private sector, public sector, academia, or national branding agents.

This is how to explain what sets us apart. As superfood producers, we should not plant our crops in sensitive ecosystems and don’t abstract irrigation water from fragile water sources.

Firms need to invest heavily in irrigation and green technology-based systems to mitigate the worst impacts of drought.

Countries such as Israel, Australia, and the United Kingdom have done it.

Companies can build dams and fill them through natural runoff.

Still, superfood production is much more multi-dimensional than just water; it is also about being able to answer the call for climate action, amongst other vital topics.

In Kenya, we have a conducive environment to competitively and sustainably grow superfoods, including fruits and nuts such as Avocados, Macadamia, and blueberries, among others.

The superfoods bid may sound ambitious, but the journey of a thousand miles begins with a step.

Still, we must be committed to undertaking this in a manner that enshrines the commitment to quality, sustainability and traceability.

What are the positive effects of the global demand for avocados on the countries and regions that produce and export them?

What are the positive effects of the global demand for avocados on the countries and regions that produce and export them?

In Kenya, there is a focus on sustainable practices, such as avoiding planting in sensitive ecosystems and investing in green technology to mitigate drought impacts.

What strategies can make global avocado trade more ethical?

In Mexico, the leading exporter to the U.S., avocado production is facing challenges due to insufficient rainfall and high temperatures, which affect yields.

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Content: Mexican avocado production to fall in 2021-22 - FreshFruitPortal.com

Mexican avocado production to fall in 2021-22

Mexican avocado production is forecast to fall by eight percent year-on-year in the 2021-22 season, according to a USDA GAIN report.

The country is expected to produce 2.33 million metric tons (MMT) between July 2021 and June 2022, following a record volume year in the previous season.

"Growers state that they are expecting needed tree recovery after record productivity and production (especially in Michoacán) in the MY 2020/21 season," the report said.

"Additionally, insufficient rainfall and high temperatures are likely to reduce production and yields in non-Michoacan producing states."

Mexico is forecasted to export 1.33 MMT in 2021-22, eight percent lower than the previous season, on lower production. Exports to the U.S. are forecasted at 1.04 MMT.

Michoacán, the only state with phytosanitary approvals to export to the U.S. typically exports approximately 85 percent of production.

According to the USDA, profit margins for export to the U.S. are typically more than 50 percent higher than supplies sold to the domestic market. Michoacán also exported 22 percent greater volumes in 2020/21 than the previous MY to non-U.S. markets, on increased production. Canada, Japan, and Spain were the main destinations.

International demand for avocados from Mexico continues to increase, and producers without access to the U.S. market continue to seek international markets with higher profitability than the domestic market. Jalisco exported 26 percent more volume than the previous marketing year in 2020/21, mainly to Japan, Canada, France and Spain.

Planted and harvested areas are forecasted at 227,126 hectares (ha) and 225,910 ha respectively, with a national yield of 10.30 metric tons per hectare (MT/ha).

Harvest reaches peak from October to February, with average supply from March to May, and low season from June to September.

Annual per capita consumption is seven kilograms (approximately 15 pounds) per person. While a staple in Mexican cuisine, avocado consumption has not grown in recent years because of high prices driven by increased international demand.

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What are the countries and regions that produce and export avocados?

The environmental impact includes concerns about water use and deforestation, as avocado farming requires significant water resources and can lead to habitat destruction if not managed sustainably.

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Content: SAN DIEGO — San Diego County is producing fewer avocados, according to its annual crop report. Farmers are having to deal with climate change issues and rising costs.

“It’s been pretty much a ride, but there’s been highs and lows,” Ben Holtz, owner of California Avocados Direct, told FOX 5 Friday.

Ben Holtz is a fourth-generation avocado farmer at the business. On 100 acres of land, the company has thousands of trees growing 19 different kinds of avocados.

But recent heat waves are making farming harder.

“Once you get over 100, they are really stressing; 108, they are tremendously stressing,” Holtz said, showing an avocado that has been sunburned. “They burn and all these little tender new growth leaves, they just shrivel and torch up. It’s like somebody took a blowtorch and a flame right to them.”

“There’s a period where after a heat spell, you got seven days until you get to hear the rain happen,” Holtz continued. “And the rain is where all the little tender fruit that the tree wants to release will start dropping on the ground.”

It has been a loss of thousands of dollars for them.

“Sometimes it’s 10% of what the tree is holding, it can be very significant,” Holtz said. “It’s a hard thing to swallow but you have to work with the highs and lows.”

Burnet Wohlford, owner of Heritage Ranch, has three farms: two in Escondido and one in Valley Center. He has hundreds of acres between the properties, growing avocadoes, grapefruit, dragon fruit, lemons and limes. He says he lost more than 60% of his avocados in 2021 due to the heat.

“We need to make the business climate a lot easier to do business here in California,” he told FOX 5.

Wohlford is also a board member of the San Diego County Farm Bureau. The report released by the county showed avocado value generated $82.8 million in 2021, down from $152.9 million in 2020.

Production also decreased, with trees producing two tons an acre in 2021, but four tons in 2020.

“I think what needs to be done is a lot more work up in Sacremento to help secure our water,” Wohlford continued. “We need to build more reservoirs actually catching the rainwater.”

Farmers said that water rates are going up and the quality is saltier.

“Unlike other industries, there’s no discount for buying more. It’s the same price for the first gallon and it is for the 10 millionth gallon,” he said. “If you want to stay in business for the longevity, got to keep doing what you’re doing if you want to survive.”

For farmers like Holtz, that means getting avocado trees that are more modern and are tested to adapt to the changing environment.

“Since we can’t change the water, now we are trying to change the tree,” Holtz said. “So, we are going to make the tree deal with water we have.”

What negative impact has the increased global demand for avocados had on the environment?

Socially, the avocado boom has empowered smallholder farmers in Kenya by providing access to international markets, resulting in substantial payouts to local communities.

Title:

Content: Sustainable farming holds the key to economic prosperity

Agriculture holds the key to economic transformation for Kenya and the East African region. However, the challenge lies in practising sustainable agriculture to unlock its true value from food production to agro-processing.

As the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27) takes place in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, as a region and human race, we have many challenges ahead.

Some, are brought on by climate change, population pressure and political or financial instability within our economic and geopolitical space. Still, as a country and region, we have many unique advantages including political goodwill which, if used wisely, will allow us to build a robust agricultural economy.

Let me start by dealing with a favourite topic of mine, irrigation and water security. At Kakuzi, we have 19 dams which collect rainfall - allowing us to use the water for irrigation during dry season.

The critical part of our water security is not just the dam but the catchment itself.

If we don’t preserve the water catchment fields, our dams won’t fill with water, or they could silt up. In short, sustainable and secure irrigation requires that we sacrifice something, in this case, acres and acres of land, which act as water catchment areas.

These fields are preserved with natural habitat and managed to avoid soil erosion, bush clearance or overgrazing. In these fields, we must overcome the temptation to dig up the land and plant crops.

The next key challenge for agriculture after water is energy and not just the cost but also availability. In Kenya, our key export crop of tea requires energy to turn it from lush green leaves to dry tea; bear in mind that 4.5 kilos of green leaf converts to 1 kilo of black tea as the rest is water.  As we encourage farmers to grow more green tea leaves, we must also consider how to dry leaves.

-Chris Flowers is the Kakuzi Managing Director.

In every tea-growing country, the energy for drying tea is a significant issue, whether it’s coal in India, gas in Bangladesh or fuel wood for us in East and Central Africa. Engineers have calculated the energy required, and it’s staggering. We must find sustainable solutions for this, as it’s not an easy or quick fix.

We all know the impact of energy prices on fertiliser, which is just another reason why we need to minimise our use wherever we can. Composting and mulching at Kakuzi to improve soil health and enhance soil fertility is a crucial component of our agricultural practices. Given that only 10 per cent of a macadamia nut is the edible kernel, a lot of biomass is available for conversion to energy or compost.

Teaching farmers sustainable agricultural techniques and when to apply different nutrients and in what quantities is part of what we do. Our online avocado academy ‘Kakuzi Avocademy’ is designed as an e-learning portal for farmers. Through the e-learning platform, we strive to advance shared prosperity values allowing smallholder farmers to learn and make the best crop husbandry decisions.

For many years now, I have been saying that we must explain how farmers can sell their fruit for the best value before we can tell them to plant an avocado tree.

Unfortunately, the fact is that the supply-demand equation for a perishable product such as avocados is a reality. Produce a product with limited marketability in a period of oversupply at your peril. This is precisely what happened in the avocado market earlier this year.

An oversupply of fruit in Europe through large Peruvian shipments and late European and North African production meant minimal marketing options for Kenyan smallholder fruit.

As I mentioned above, discerning customers choosing to eat a superfood such as macadamia or avocado want to know what they are eating and how it was produced. This is not because good Kenyan fruit is of substandard quality but simply because a lot of fruit from the country doesn’t have traceability credentials. If we as producers cannot demonstrate these traceability credentials, then high-value markets are limited and becoming more so.

We should also avoid the trap of thinking that emerging markets in the far east are less stringent than our traditional European markets. Sending substandard fruit to an emerging market can only depress demand, not enhance it.

Further up in the Rift Valley in the tea fields of Nandi and beyond, agricultural interest, mainly crop diversification, is also rising. The number of people seeking advice on avocado and macadamia potential in the region predominantly known for tea is growing.

Undoubtedly, this is the best time to get on the agribusiness side of things. As the name suggests, agribusiness means agricultural production for consumption and sale to raise much-needed financial resources. Like any other business, Agri-preneurs must carefully consider profit and loss fundamentals.

Considering profit and loss means engaging the investing community in the agricultural space to appreciate the role of credit access, mechanisation, technology and human resource management for efficiency.

Having been on the agricultural front my entire life, I can attest to this field-based industry’s value and potential to power rapid economic transformation. Kakuzi is an example of a leading agribusiness firm involved in commercial agricultural endeavours, including livestock rearing and agroforestry beyond our renowned avocado and macadamia production.

In Kenya, the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda 2022 - 2027 rightly notes that the agricultural sector has the highest growth multiplier effect on other economic sectors due to strong backward and forward linkages. There can be no denying that agriculture is our most globally competitive sector but getting it right is complex. Patience, long-term thinking and getting the fundamentals of sustainability, quality and traceability correct is the key.

Sometimes numbers tell the value of an agricultural enterprise better. For example, last year, notwithstanding the challenges of an “OFF” year cycle, Kakuzi PLC exported  Sh94 million worth of HASS avocados for our smallholder farmers. The previous ON-year cycle had seen us ship HASS Avocado cartons worth Sh152. 2 million for smallholder farmers.

In this venture geared at supporting smallholder farmers access quality international markets, we made payouts amounting to more than Sh31.4 million for the smallholder farmers from Kakuzi’s local community in Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Nyeri, Meru and Trans-Nzoia counties.

This is but one of the proof points that agribusiness is a viable economic avenue that can empower our farmers if we do it correctly.

However, we must remain alive to the vagaries of climate change as a risk factor to agricultural production and work towards building resilience.

Chris Flowers is the Kakuzi Managing Director.

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What are the positive effects of the global demand for avocados on the countries and regions that produce and export them?

What strategies can make global avocado trade more ethical?

local sourcing
supporting smaller companies

However, in Mexico, the industry faces social challenges, including cartel-related violence affecting the supply chain.

Title:

Content: Chipotle, other large chains corner dwindling avocado supplies after Mexico import ban

In the fight for limited avocado supplies, Chipotle and other large chains are at an advantage compared to small businesses – many of which could be days away from running out of inventory as imports from Mexico remain suspended.

Restaurants that rely heavily on avocados grown in Mexico are now scrambling for sources of the popular fruit after US authorities temporarily suspended imports. Some 83% of annual US avocado supply is delivered from the state of Michoacán in Mexico.

Corporate chains such as Chipotle have the resources to pay top dollar for available avocados or seek supply from other locales such as Peru for a short-term fix. But smaller chains and local restaurants have few options once their current supplies of avocados run out.

Neville Baay, the co-owner of El Barrio, a restaurant in Birmingham, Alabama, told Bloomberg that it may be forced to pull guacamole, its top-selling item, from the menu if prices continue to rise.

“The Chipotles and Taco Bells of the world can ride with the current,” Baay told the outlet. “We have to take our lumps and hope it doesn’t get too bad.”

Salsarita’s Fresh Mexican Grill, a chain of 75 restaurants, has about a week’s supply left and plans to pull avocado-based menus from its menu once it is exhausted.

“We’ll use what we have. I’m not going to look for any type of alternative, we’re just going to announce to our customers that guacamole is not available until further notice,” Salsarita’s CEO Phil Friedman told Bloomberg.

The US Department of Agriculture has yet to provide a timeline for when the ban on imports from Mexico may be lifted. Officials said the suspension, which was enacted effective Feb. 11, would remain in place “as long as necessary” after plant inspectors received an unspecified “verbal threat.”

It’s unclear who was responsible for the threat, but the state of Michoacán has contended with violent clashes and turf wars involving cartels in recent years.

Deep-pocketed companies like Chipotle may be in a better position to acquire avocados than small businesses, but they are also experiencing difficulties during the import ban.

As The Post previously reported, Chipotle’s CFO Jack Hartung described the situation as a “challenge,” noting the company’s avocado sourcing partners had “several weeks” of remaining supply.

“We’ll continue to closely monitor the situation and adjust our plans accordingly,” he said.

Chipotle has attempted to diversify its avocado sourcing in recent years as prices continue to rise. Recent supply chain disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic have only increased costs.

Chipotle’s Chief Restaurant Officer Scott Boatwright told Bloomberg the chain is “working every angle” to secure avocado supply.

Claudia has worked as a journalist for various print-based magazines for more than 5 years. She brings together substantial news pieces from various parts of the US and rest of the World.

What negative impact has the increased global demand for avocados had on the social structure and the economy of the countries that produce them?

What strategies can make global avocado trade more ethical?

Overall, while the avocado industry offers economic opportunities, it also necessitates careful management to address environmental and social concerns, ensuring that production aligns with sustainability and ethical practices.

What are the obstacles for global avocado trade?

What negative impact has the increased global demand for avocados had on the social structure and the economy of the countries that produce them?

What strategies can make global avocado trade more ethical?

What are the obstacles for global avocado trade?

What negative impact has the increased global demand for avocados had on the social structure and the economy of the countries that produce them?

What strategies can make global avocado trade more ethical?