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Twenty-twenty was an eventful year to say the least. As the tumultuous year comes to a close, the world is still reeling from the deadly Covid-19 pandemic, which has impacted every aspect of life and business.

But there was more to this year than disease and strife. Big deals were done, innovations launched, and progress towards sustainability was made.

To read the roundup of the most important stories of the year, published in PKN's Nov-Dec 2020 issue, click here.

Food & Drink Business

Asahi Beverages is the latest company to partner with Charles Sturt University (CSU) to support Australian farmers recognise and implement climate smart practices, with scientists from the Cool Soil Initiative tracking carbon emissions from the barley used in beer.

New Zealand based agtech company, Halter, has completed a $314.5 million Series E funding round, achieving a new $2.86 billion valuation. The company plans to use the funding to expand commercialisation of its virtual fencing and animal management system in Australia and the United States.

A senate inquiry into CSIRO funding and resourcing has warned Australia’s sovereign research capability is under pressure from job cuts, declining real funding, ageing infrastructure and uncertainty over the national science agency’s strategic direction.