Maximum Yield USA August 2017 | Page 34

max facts Micronutrients Market Likely to Surpass US$8.5 billion by 2023 The micronutrients market size was estimated at more than US$4.5 billion in 2014 and with a compound annual growth rate of more eight per cent is likely to surpass US$8.5 billion by 2023, according to a report from Global Market Insights. The Asia Pacific agriculture micronutrients market accounted for over 50 per cent of the total revenue share and will likely see a growth rate of more than eight per cent from 2016 to 2023. In North America, the market size was estimated to exceed US$950 million and is likely to witness gains of more than 8.5 per cent in the same time period. Europe will see more moderate gains of approximately 5.5 per cent up to 2023. Soil applications accounted for more than 55 per cent of the total demand in 2014; foliar applications accounted for more than 22 per cent. Hydroponics applications are likely to witness significant gains over the same forecast period. - gminsights.com Piedmont Farm Grows Hydroponic Business Okra and blackberries are thriving at Ingram Farms. But the latest crop at the Guilford County farm isn’t growing out of the ground. It’s growing out of cups within a maze of white pipes and are part of the newest venture at Ingram Farms. It’s unique because it’s the only permanent outdoor hydroponic system in Guilford County. The Ingrams take seeds, put them in cups filled with material that can absorb the nutrient rich water that’s flowing through the pipes, and watch the vegetables grow. It’s not as easy as it sounds, however, and involves “a lot of trial and error,” Rhonda Ingram says. This year, Ingram Farms will raise up to a 1,000 cool season plants like lettuce and Swiss chard because a constant flow of water is keeping them cool during the heat of summer, “You can design your own hydroponics for as cheap as $50 using pallets, gutters, a water pump and a Rubbermaid container,” says John Ivey, with Guilford County Cooperative Extension. “This is accessible to anyone that wants to do it.” - myfox8.com Aircraft Evacuated Because of Controversial Fruit An airplane was recently evacuated due to a suspected gas leak from the cargo compartment. However, there was no gas leak. The mistake was simply due to the presence of a fruit that was taken on the plane by a passenger. “Security always has the highest priority. The fire brigade was called and it appeared that the smell came from an Asian durian fruit, which is obviously completely harmless,” stated Tonje Næss, of the airline’s press service. The plane was able to reach its destination a little over half an hour late. The durian is controversial because of its powerful smell. The fruit, also called stink fruit, has such a strong smell that it is forbidden for consumption in hotels and other public places in some Asian countries. - freshplaza.com 32 tapped in