Artificial Intelligence
AppHarvest completes deal with Rabo AgriFinance to fuel expansion of high-tech indoor farm network
MOREHEAD, Ky., June 16, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — AppHarvest, Inc. (NASDAQ: APPH, APPHW), a leading AgTech company, public benefit corporation and Certified B Corp focused on delivering fresh fruits and vegetables more sustainably using up to 90% less water than open-field agriculture and only rainwater, today announced it has completed a deal with Rabo AgriFinance, a subsidiary of Rabobank, to secure $75 million to fuel expansion of its rapidly growing network of high-tech controlled environment agriculture (CEA) facilities in Central Appalachia.
Under the credit facility, AppHarvest has entered into a 60% loan-to-value mortgage at an anticipated fixed rate of between 4 to 5% for 10 years with amortization of debt over 20 years for its flagship farm in Morehead, Ky., which began its first shipments of produce in January of this year. The first farm is expected to be capable of producing more than 40 million pounds of tomatoes annually and currently is serving some of the top national grocery store chains and food service outlets such as Kroger and Wendy’s.
AppHarvest has announced that its development plan calls for a network of 12 high-tech farms by the end of 2025. The company expects to expand production next year to include leafy greens and strawberries.
“The market is showing significant interest in the AppHarvest business model that’s driven by environment, governance and sustainability (ESG) principles to build a climate-resilient food system with more predictable yield and quality. This credit facility represents a new milestone in terms of our funding and demonstrates that we are capable of securing attractive non-dilutive financing for the network of 12 high-tech indoor farms we’re working to develop by the end of 2025,” said AppHarvest Founder and CEO Jonathan Webb.
AppHarvest reported its first quarterly performance on May 17 announcing that net sales for the first quarter of 2021 was in line with guidance and reiterated that the company remained on track for its long-term guidance. The company has two high-tech farms under construction—one in Berea, Ky. designed to grow leafy greens, and another in Richmond, Ky. planned for tomatoes. As announced on May 17, two more projects also are expected to begin construction this year.
“Our priorities are achieving operational excellence and our financial targets, optimizing our capital structure for capital-efficient growth and building a trusted, high-tech sustainable foods company with the highest ESG principles,” said AppHarvest President David Lee. “In addition to the Rabo AgriFinance deal, we are far along in negotiations for approximately $200 million of development financing for two of our facilities that are currently under construction. These deals demonstrate the viability of high loan-to-value, non-dilutive, and low-rate financing for our facilities and business. This capital will support our continued development of 12 high-tech farms by the end of 2025, which remains on track.”
“As one of the largest agricultural lenders in the United States, we see partnering with AppHarvest as a natural fit to help fund their farms of the future,” said Shawn Smeins, Head of Rural North America for Rabo AgriFinance. “We believe the AppHarvest model shows great promise with its aim to create a climate-resilient food system that addresses environmental challenges with a sustainable approach, which is in-line with our values. We are pleased to partner with AppHarvest on their long-term growth plans.”
About AppHarvest
AppHarvest is an applied technology company in Appalachia building some of the world’s largest high-tech indoor farms that grow non-GMO, chemical pesticide-free produce using up to 90% less water than open-field agriculture and only recycled rainwater while producing yields up to 30 times that of traditional agriculture on the same amount of land with zero agricultural runoff. The Company combines conventional agricultural techniques with cutting-edge technology including artificial intelligence and robotics to improve access for all to nutritious food, farm more sustainably, build a more reliable domestic food supply, and increase investment in Appalachia. The Company’s 60-acre Morehead, Ky. facility is among the largest indoor farms in the world. For more information, visit www.appharvest.com.
About Rabo AgriFinance
As a leading financial services provider for agricultural producers and agribusinesses in the United States, Rabo AgriFinance adds value using industry expertise, client-focused solutions, and by creating long-term business relationships. Rabo AgriFinance offers a comprehensive portfolio of services that gives producers the right products to prepare for, and take advantage of, market opportunities. This comprehensive suite of services includes loans, insurance, input finance and effective risk management products. Rabo AgriFinance is a subsidiary of Rabobank, a premier bank to the global agriculture industry and one of the world’s largest and strongest banks. Rabobank is an equal opportunity provider.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements included in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements generally are accompanied by words such as “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “should,” “would,” “plan,” “predict,” “potential,” “seem,” “seek,” “future,” “outlook,” and similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. All statements, other than statements of present or historical fact included in this press release, regarding AppHarvest’s intention to build high-tech CEA farms, the anticipated benefits of and production at such facilities, AppHarvest’s future financial performance, as well as AppHarvest’s growth plans and strategy, ability to capitalize on commercial opportunities, future operations, estimated financial position, prospects, plans and objectives of management are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on various assumptions, whether or not identified in this press release, and on the current expectations of AppHarvest’s management and are not predictions of actual performance. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as, and must not be relied on as, a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction, or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and will differ from assumptions. Many actual events and circumstances are beyond the control of AppHarvest. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including those discussed in the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on May 17, 2021 under the heading “Risk Factors,” and other documents AppHarvest has filed, or that AppHarvest will file, with the SEC. If any of these risks materialize or our assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements reflect AppHarvest’s expectations, plans, or forecasts of future events and views as of the date of this press release. AppHarvest anticipates that subsequent events and developments will cause its assessments to change. However, while AppHarvest may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, AppHarvest specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing AppHarvest’s assessments of any date subsequent to the date of this press release. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed upon the forward-looking statements.
APPHARVEST CONTACT: Travis Parman, [email protected]
RABOBANK CONTACT: Brandon Souza, [email protected]
IMAGE/VIDEO GALLERY: Available here
Reveals necessity in every industry
NEW YORK, April 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Released today, The State of Public Web Data Report 2024, details a comprehensive analysis on how organizations leverage public web data to drive innovation, enhance customer experience, and develop AI models.
Bright Data commissioned an independent third-party to carry out the first survey of this kind which details the emergence of public web data as the most valued data type. Nearly every organization surveyed uses and benefits from public web data through quicker decision-making, boosting revenue, and meeting customer needs.
The need for public web data in AI is clear in all industries, with more than half of respondents using public web data to build AI models for customer service or to meet internal needs such as fraud detection and risk assessment.
Although necessary to build AI machines, 72% of respondents are worried that public web data will no longer be accessible in the next 5 years. The lack of a legal framework to protect this data emerged as a top concern.
Other key insights from the report:
89% of respondents recognize public web data is crucial or very important to the global economy.82% of respondents say public web data is critical to the future of their organization.79% of respondents agree that large organizations and or big tech hide too much of their public web data.88% of respondents believe public web data is critical for the development of AI models.”Our findings reveal a clear consensus among industry leaders: leveraging public web data is key to unlocking growth and fostering innovation,” said Or Lenchner, CEO of Bright Data. “Public web data is not a ‘like to have,’ it’s a ‘must have’ to conduct business and maintain a competitive market. We understand from our own experience with 20,000 customers that once a business realizes the potential of public web data they will look to discover new ways to leverage this tool to lead against the competition.”
About Bright Data: Bright Data is the #1 web data platform. Fortune 500 companies, academic institutions, non-profits, and small businesses rely on Bright Data’s solutions to collect public web data in the most efficient, reliable, and flexible way to make faster, more informed business-critical decisions.
Contacts:[email protected]
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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/first-comprehensive-report-on-public-web-data-released-by-bright-data-302124673.html
ITU Standardization Sector (ITU-T) Recommendation X.1281 – APIs for interoperability of identity management systems
BRUSSELS, April 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The Secure Identity Alliance (SIA) announced today that its OSIA specification, is recognized as international standard by the International Telecommunication Union’s Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T). This milestone establishes OSIA as official ITU standard (ITU-T Recommendation) for the global infrastructure of information and communication technologies (ICT).
The specification that is now an ITU-T Recommendation is: ITU-T X.1281 – APIs for interoperability of identity management systems.
ITU-T is the standardization arm of ITU, the United Nations specialized agency for ICT. The Secure Identity Alliance specifications were approved as official ITU-T Recommendations by ITU members including 193 countries and the world’s front-running ICT companies on 1st March 2024. The new ITU-T Recommendation is under the responsibility of ITU’s standardization expert group for security, ITU-T Study Group 17.
“We are very proud that the OSIA specification is recognized as an international standard by ITU-T. This milestone demonstrates the maturity of OSIA and its potential to foster interoperability and promote fairness in the identity management systems market,” said Debora Comparin, Chair of the OSIA Initiative.
Prof. Heung Youl Youm, Chairman of ITU-T Study Group 17, said, “The recognition of the OSIA specification as an official ITU-T Recommendation underscores its critical contribution to the advancement of global ICT infrastructure. We are thrilled about the ongoing collaboration between ITU-T SG17 and the SIA, aimed at developing standards for secure identity management.”
“As Editor of the OSIA standard in the ITU-T Study Group 17 Q10, I am pleased to have contributed to this successful recommendation by the ITU,” said Abbie Barbir, Rapporteur for ITU-T’s working group on ‘Identity management and telebiometrics architecture and mechanisms’ (Q10/17). “The collaboration with the SIA continues on OSIA and other structuring initiatives and standards development.”
Engr Abisoye Coker-Odusote, CEO, National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Nigeria & Chair of the OSIA Advisory Committee, said, “As the Chair of the OSIA Advisory Committee, comprised exclusively of government representatives, we take great pride in our five years of collaboration guiding the working group in the development of the OSIA specification. OSIA establishes equal marketplace conditions, fosters collaboration, and ensures product compatibility post-mergers and acquisitions. The OSIA standardized interfaces drive innovation, enabling new local market models and reducing fraud within multiple ID systems. Additionally, OSIA addresses integrator/vendor lock-in, allowing governments to maintain control over their identity systems and pursue national development agendas seamlessly.”
“The Secure Identity Alliance has always supported standards and its members have contributed to thousands of standards globally, which are now used in the ICT market. Standards are key to unlock the full power of Identity to enable people, economy and society to thrive,” concluded Didier Trutt, Chairman of the SIA.
X.1281 is at publication stage and can be accessed here: https://www.itu.int/ITU-T/workprog/wp_item.aspx?isn=18778
OSIA v6.1.0. twin specification can be accessed here: https://osia.readthedocs.io/en/v6.1.0/index.html
OSIA qualification programme can be accessed here: https://globalplatform.org/osia-qualification-program/
For more information on the Secure Identity Alliance and the OSIA Initiative, visit http://www.secureidentityalliance.org and www.osia.io
For more information on ITU-T SG 17 visit https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-T/studygroups/2022-2024/17/Pages/default.aspx.
About the Secure Identity Alliance:
Secure Identity Alliance (SIA) is a global non-profit association that serves as the voice for public and private actors and organizations active in the secure identity ecosystem and adjacent industries. SIA’s mission is to unlock the full power of identity so that people, economy, and society thrive. The association supports the development of the activities of its members across four broad pillars: Identity for Good, Outreach, Open Standards Development and Industry Services and Solutions. www.secureidentityalliance.org
About OSIA:
A digital public good, OSIA is an open standard set of interfaces (APIs) that enables seamless connectivity between building blocks of the identity management ecosystem – independent of technology, solution architecture or vendor. More information at www.osia.io
Follow the Secure Identity Alliance at on X @secureidentity1 and LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/secure-identity-alliance/
About ITU-T SG 17
The ITU Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T) is one of the three Sectors (branches) of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). It is responsible for coordinating standards for telecommunications and Information Communication Technology such as X.509 for cybersecurity, Y.3172 and Y.3173 for machine learning, and H.264/MPEG-4 AVC for video compression, between its Member States, Private Sector Members, and Academia Members.
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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/osia-becomes-an-official-international-telecoms-union-itu-standard-302124668.html
STOCKHOLM, April 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — SciBase Holding AB (“SciBase”) (STO: SCIB), a leading developer of augmented intelligence-based solutions for skin disorders will participate at the Redeye Medtech event.
On April 24 at CET 9.50 CEO Pia Renaudin will present the latest developments in SciBase at Redeye. The presentation is live broadcasted and can be followed at https://www.redeye.se/events/974326/redeye-theme-medtech-2 where the replay and the presentations will be available afterwards.
For additional information, please contact:Pia Renaudin, VD, tel. +46732069802, e-mail: [email protected]
Certified Advisor (CA):Vator SecuritiesTel: +46 8 580 065 99Email: [email protected]
About SciBase:
SciBase is a global medical technology company, specializing in early detection and prevention in dermatology. SciBase develops and commercializes Nevisense, a unique point-of-care platform that combines AI (artificial intelligence) and advanced EIS technology to elevate diagnostic accuracy, ensuring proactive skin health management.
Our commitment is to minimize patient suffering, allowing clinicians to improve and save lives through timely detection and intervention and reduce healthcare costs.
Built on more than 20 years of research at Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden, SciBase is a leader in dermatological advancements.
The company has been on the Nasdaq First North Growth Market exchange since June 2, 2015. Learn more at www.scibase.com. All press releases and financial reports can be found here: http://investors.scibase.se/en/pressreleases
This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com
https://news.cision.com/scibase/r/scibase-will-present-at-the-redeye-medtech-event-on-april-24-th-,c3966053
The following files are available for download:
https://mb.cision.com/Main/12371/3966053/2751965.pdf
Redeye presentation
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/scibase-will-present-at-the-redeye-medtech-event-on-april-24th-302124656.html
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