Core Insights - Village Farms International, Inc. has won two Gold Stevie® Awards and one Bronze Stevie® Award at the 23rd Annual American Business Awards® for its achievements in sustainable business models and international expansion [1][2][5]. Group 1: Awards and Recognition - The company received the Gold Stevie Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Consumer Products Industries, recognizing the visionary leadership of its CEO, Michael A. DeGiglio, in controlled environment agriculture and the cannabis sector [3]. - Village Farms was awarded the Gold Stevie for Sustainable Business Models, highlighting its commitment to environmentally responsible agriculture, achieving 97% land savings and 86% water reduction, while reducing CO₂ emissions by approximately 475,000 metric tons annually [4]. - The Bronze Stevie Award for Achievement in International Expansion was given for the company's rapid scaling of global cannabis operations, including a 111% year-over-year increase in international medicinal cannabis sales [5]. Group 2: Company Overview - Village Farms operates as a vertically integrated supplier in controlled environment agriculture, focusing on high-value plant-based consumer packaged goods, and is a leading fresh produce supplier in North America [10]. - The company’s subsidiary, Pure Sunfarms, is one of the largest cannabis operations globally and a top-selling brand in Canada, while it also holds an 80% stake in Rose LifeScience, a cannabis products commercialization expert [11]. - Internationally, Village Farms is expanding its cannabis and CBD operations, exporting medical cannabis to markets such as Germany and Australia, and holds one of ten licenses to grow recreational cannabis in the Netherlands [12].

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the agricultural sector in Bahia Core Insights - The agricultural sector in Bahia has shown significant growth and resilience, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, contributing to food security and economic stability [29][36][76] - The report emphasizes the need for policies that enhance competitiveness, sustainability, and inclusivity in the agrifood sector [29][86] Economic Performance of the Agricultural Sector - Brazil's GDP growth has slowed, with a recorded GDP of 7.6 trillion reais in 2020, reflecting a 3.0% annual growth rate, down from 12.6% in 2011 [33] - The agricultural sector's value added has been dynamic, with a 39.9% annual variation in 2020, contributing 5.7% to Brazil's total GDP [36][38] - Bahia's GDP growth decreased from 7.9% in 2011 to 4.1% in 2020, with the agricultural sector increasing its contribution to the state's economy from 6.9% to 9.2% during the same period [73][79] Evaluation of Support for Agriculture in Bahia (2017-2021) - The report utilizes OECD methodology to assess monetary transfers to agriculture, focusing on Producer Support Estimates (PSE), Consumer Support Estimates (CSE), Total Support Estimates (TSE), and General Service Support Estimates (GSSE) [86][90] - The PSE for Bahia is based on market price support and budget support, with a focus on key products like cocoa, cotton, and soybeans, which represent 47% of the state's agricultural production value [100][109] Summary and Recommendations - The report concludes with recommendations for repurposing public policies to foster a competitive, green, and resilient agricultural sector in Bahia, addressing the impacts of past policies and external factors [29][86]

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the agricultural sector in Brazil or Santa Catarina Core Insights - The agricultural sector in Brazil has shown resilience during economic downturns, contributing significantly to GDP and food security, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic [28][36] - Santa Catarina's agricultural sector has experienced dynamic growth, with a notable increase in agricultural exports and contributions to the state's economy [75][56] - The report emphasizes the need for public policy reforms to enhance competitiveness, sustainability, and inclusivity in the agrifood sector [31][75] Summary by Sections Economic Performance of the Agricultural Sector - Brazil's GDP growth has slowed, with a recorded GDP of 7.6 trillion reais in 2020, reflecting a 3.0% annual growth rate, down from 12.6% in 2011 [33][34] - The agricultural sector's value added grew by 39.9% in 2020, significantly outperforming other sectors, and contributed 5.7% to the total GDP [36][40] - Santa Catarina contributed 4.6% to Brazil's GDP in 2020, showing an increase from 4.0% in 2011 [44] Evaluation of Support for Agriculture in Santa Catarina - The report evaluates monetary transfers to agriculture in Santa Catarina from 2017 to 2021, using OECD methodologies to estimate Producer Support Estimates (PSE), Consumer Support Estimates (CSE), and Total Support Estimates (TSE) [82][84] - The PSE for Santa Catarina reflects the annual monetary value of transfers to agricultural producers, while the CSE indicates the impact of policies on consumers [85][86] - The TSE quantifies all gross transfers resulting from agricultural support policies, providing insights into the overall support landscape for the sector [88][89] Recommendations - The report suggests reforms aimed at fostering a competitive, green, and resilient agricultural sector in Santa Catarina, highlighting the importance of adapting public policies to current economic realities [31][75]

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the agricultural sector in Brazil and São Paulo Core Insights - The agricultural sector in Brazil has shown resilience and growth, contributing significantly to GDP despite overall economic slowdowns, with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8.6% from 2011 to 2020 [35] - Agricultural exports increased by 35.6% in 2022 compared to the previous year, highlighting the sector's importance in the economy [54] - The report emphasizes the need for policies that enhance competitiveness, sustainability, and inclusivity in the agrifood sector [27] Economic Performance of the Agricultural Sector - Brazil's GDP was recorded at 7.6 trillion reais in 2020, with a growth rate of 3.0%, a significant decrease from 12.6% in 2011 [31] - The agricultural sector's value added grew by 39.9% in 2020, indicating its dynamic role in the economy [35] - In 2020, the agricultural sector contributed 5.7% to Brazil's total GDP, an increase of 1.6 percentage points over ten years [37] Evaluation of Agricultural Support in São Paulo (2017-2021) - The report utilizes OECD methodology to assess monetary transfers to agriculture in São Paulo, focusing on Producer Support Estimates (PSE), Consumer Support Estimates (CSE), Total Support Estimates (TSE), and General Service Support Estimates (GSSE) [79] - The analysis covers the impact of state government agricultural policies on producers and consumers, excluding national policies [79] - The PSE for São Paulo includes market price support and budget support, with a focus on key products like orange, soybeans, sugar, beef, and pork [100]

Core Viewpoint - The Global Campus Gen-Z Leaders Exchange program has been launched to foster international dialogue and collaboration among Generation Z leaders through various activities and initiatives [1][7]. Group 1: Program Components - The program includes two main components: the Z-Leaders Online Forum and the Z-Leaders Tour, engaging over 50 university media reporters and young representatives globally [3]. - The Z-Leaders Online Forum commenced on April 9th, featuring live discussions on global issues such as climate change, emerging industries, digital cultural dissemination, and AI applications [4]. - The Z-Leaders Tour will provide participants with opportunities to visit Chinese cities, enterprises, universities, research institutions, and cultural landmarks to experience China's development firsthand [6]. Group 2: Objectives and Initiatives - The initiative aims to create a global youth communication platform that is cross-language, multi-temporal, and multi-dimensional [3]. - Plans have been announced to establish a permanent Global Youth Alliance to connect students from prestigious universities worldwide, along with a Global Youth Cloud Initiative to tackle collective challenges [7].

Core Insights - Greif, Inc. has been awarded a Gold Stevie Award for Achievement in Management – Manufacturing and a Silver Stevie Award for Company of the Year - Large Manufacturing at the Annual American Business Awards [1][2] Company Overview - Greif, Inc. is a global leader in industrial packaging products and services, producing a variety of packaging solutions including steel, plastic, and fiber drums, as well as intermediate bulk containers and other specialty products [8] - The company operates over 250 facilities in 37 countries and employs more than 14,000 people, aiming to be the best customer service company in the world [8] Awards and Recognition - The Stevie Awards recognize exceptional performance in the workplace, with over 3,600 nominations submitted this year from various organizations [3][4] - The awards ceremony will take place on June 10 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York [5] Leadership and Innovation - Ole Rosgaard, President and CEO of Greif, emphasized the collective effort of the team in achieving sustainability and cultural goals, highlighting the company's commitment to continuous improvement [7] - Judges praised Greif for redefining its role in the industrial packaging industry through a holistic approach that integrates sustainability, innovation, and corporate culture [7]

Industry Overview - The global agriculture drones market is projected to grow from $2.01 billion in 2024 to $8.03 billion by 2029, indicating significant growth potential driven by the adoption of aerial data collection tools in agriculture [1] - The cereals and grains segment is experiencing substantial growth, with drones playing a crucial role in optimizing yields through aerial surveys, crop health monitoring, and soil condition assessments [2] - The overall agriculture drone market is expected to grow from $6.10 billion in 2024 to $23.78 billion by 2032, at a CAGR of 18.5%, fueled by demand for precision agriculture and advancements in drone technology [4] Company Developments - ZenaTech, Inc. has received FAA Part 137 approval for its ZenaDrone 1000, allowing it to conduct commercial agricultural operations, including crop spraying and precision agriculture [2][3] - ZenaTech plans to utilize a Drone as a Service (DaaS) model to sell its solutions, targeting larger commercial farms and agribusinesses [2] - Unusual Machines, Inc. reported a fourth-quarter revenue of over $2.0 million, marking a 31% increase quarter-over-quarter, with total revenue for FY2024 reaching $5.65 million, exceeding its target by 13% [11] Technological Advancements - The ZenaDrone 1000 features advanced technology, including AI, sensors, and purpose-built attachments for crop spraying, designed for stable flight and heavy lift capabilities [5][6] - Sidus Space has unveiled a near real-time vessel detection and classification capability through its LizzieSat® satellite platform, enhancing space-based maritime intelligence [12][13] - AgriFORCE Growing Systems Ltd. has made progress in its Radical Clean Solutions division, receiving a U.S. patent for a chemical-free solution to reduce mold and extend the shelf life of produce [14][15][16]

Core Insights - Credit Acceptance Corporation has been recognized as a 2025 Spring Culture Excellence Top Workplaces award winner in five categories: Work-Life Flexibility, Leadership, Innovation, Purpose & Values, and Compensation & Benefits [1] - The company emphasizes a remote-first approach and meaningful leadership development, with 93% of team members agreeing that it is a great place to work [2] - This recognition follows other accolades, including ranking 2 on the 2025 Top Workplaces USA list and 34 on the 2025 Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® list [3] Company Overview - Credit Acceptance provides innovative financing solutions that enable automobile dealers to sell vehicles to consumers regardless of their credit history [5] - The financing programs help consumers improve their credit scores, allowing them to transition to more traditional sources of financing [6] - The company is publicly traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol CACC [6] Awards and Recognition - The Top Workplaces Awards are based on a survey by Energage, measuring 15 Culture Drivers that predict high performance against industry benchmarks [4] - Recent recognitions include being named in Fortune's Best Workplaces for Women™, Best Workplace for Financial Services and Insurance™, and Best Workplace for Millennials™ [3]

Core Insights - Verde AgriTech Ltd has appointed Guilherme Medeiros as Chief Marketing Officer, effective March 2025, to enhance its marketing strategies and brand visibility [1][3] - Mr. Medeiros has nearly a decade of experience in agribusiness, having held significant roles at Syngenta Biologicals, ICL, and Stoller, where he implemented innovative marketing strategies and demand generation initiatives [1][2] - The appointment is seen as a strategic move to support Verde's expansion in Brazil and globally, focusing on low-carbon solutions and customer engagement [3] Company Overview - Verde AgriTech is dedicated to advancing sustainable agriculture through the innovation of specialty multi-nutrient potassium fertilizers, aiming to increase agricultural productivity and enhance soil health [5] - The company utilizes proprietary technologies to develop solutions that address global challenges such as food security and climate change, with a commitment to carbon capture and eco-friendly fertilizers [5] Leadership Transition - The company expressed gratitude to Newton Nagumo, the previous CMO, for his contributions in shaping Verde's marketing strategy and will continue to support the company as a member of the Advisory Committee [4][5] - Mr. Medeiros's role will be pivotal in driving marketing innovation and supporting new product introductions, marking a turning point in Verde's journey [3]

Recognition Highlights Mercury's Commitment to Team Members Growth and Company CultureLOS ANGELES, April 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Mercury Insurance has been awarded a spot on the Forbes list of America's Best Midsized Employers for 2025. This prestigious recognition is made in collaboration with Forbes and Statista, the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider.Forbes and Statista selected America's Best Midsized Employers 2025 through an independent survey from a vast sample of over 217 ...