#Compound Feed Market

[ananya5400]

The global compound feed market is projected to reach USD 668.3 billion by 2028 from USD 541.2 billion in 2023, at a CAGR of 4.3% during the forecast period (2023–2028).

[nmsc-market-pulse]

How Is Cargill Shaping the Future of the Compound Feed Market? Strategies, Innovations, and Developments

Introduction:

As one of the largest players in the global agricultural sector, Cargill is significantly influencing the Compound Feed Market with its strategic initiatives, emerging innovations, and developments. The company's approach to feed production and distribution reflects a keen understanding of market demands, technological advancements, and sustainability goals.

Here’s an in-depth look at how Cargill is shaping the future of the compound feed market.

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 1. Strategic Focus on Sustainability and Efficiency

Cargill has made sustainability a cornerstone of its compound feed strategy. Recognizing the growing demand for environmentally friendly practices, the company is actively working to reduce the environmental footprint of its feed production.

Cargill has committed to minimizing greenhouse gas emissions and improving resource efficiency across its operations. This includes optimizing feed formulations to reduce waste and enhance feed efficiency, which not only supports environmental sustainability but also improves profitability for livestock producers.

A key component of Cargill's sustainability strategy is its investment in renewable energy and waste reduction technologies. For example, Cargill has implemented energy-efficient processes and systems in its feed mills to lower energy consumption and reduce emissions. Additionally, the company is exploring ways to repurpose by-products and reduce waste, aligning with global sustainability goals and enhancing the overall efficiency of feed production.

2. Advancements in Feed Technology and Innovation

Cargill is at the forefront of technological advancements in the compound feed industry. The company invests heavily in research and development to create innovative feed solutions that address the evolving needs of livestock and aquaculture. Recent innovations include the development of precision feed technologies and the incorporation of advanced additives such as probiotics, prebiotics, and enzymes.

One notable advancement is Cargill's focus on precision nutrition, which involves using data analytics and modeling to tailor feed formulations to the specific needs of individual animals. This approach helps optimize feed utilization, improve animal performance, and reduce feed costs. By leveraging technology and data, Cargill enhances the effectiveness of its feed products and supports better outcomes for livestock producers.

3. Expansion into Emerging Markets

Cargill is strategically expanding its presence in emerging markets where demand for compound feed is rapidly growing. Regions such as Asia and Africa are experiencing significant increases in livestock production, driven by rising incomes and changing dietary preferences. Cargill's expansion strategy includes building new feed mills, forming strategic partnerships, and acquiring local companies to strengthen its market position in these regions.

In addition to physical expansion, Cargill is also focusing on providing tailored feed solutions that meet the specific needs of these emerging markets. This includes developing products that address local nutritional requirements and adjusting feed formulations based on regional livestock practices. By adapting its offerings to local conditions, Cargill ensures that it remains relevant and competitive in diverse markets.

4. Embracing Digital Transformation

Digital transformation is a major focus for Cargill as it seeks to enhance its compound feed operations. The company is adopting digital tools and platforms to improve feed production processes, optimize supply chain management, and enhance customer engagement. Cargill's digital initiatives include the use of smart technologies, such as IoT (Internet of Things) sensors and data analytics, to monitor and control feed production in real-time.

Cargill's digital platforms also provide valuable insights and support for feed customers. For example, the company offers online tools that help livestock producers track feed performance, manage inventories, and access technical support. These digital solutions improve operational efficiency and help customers make informed decisions about their feed management.

5. Commitment to Animal Health and Welfare

Animal health and welfare are central to Cargill's approach to compound feed. The company is dedicated to producing feed that promotes optimal animal health and performance. This commitment is reflected in its investment in research and development focused on enhancing feed formulations and incorporating health-promoting additives.

Recent developments include the introduction of feed solutions designed to support gut health, boost immunity, and enhance overall well-being. Cargill collaborates with veterinarians, nutritionists, and researchers to develop feed products that address specific health challenges and improve the quality of life for livestock. By prioritizing animal welfare, Cargill not only meets customer expectations but also contributes to the long-term sustainability of the livestock industry.

6. Focus on Innovative Ingredients and Alternative Proteins

Cargill is actively exploring and incorporating innovative ingredients and alternative proteins into its feed products. The company recognizes the need for sustainable and diverse protein sources to meet the growing demand for animal feed. Cargill's research includes the use of insect meal, algae, and other novel ingredients that offer high nutritional value while reducing reliance on traditional feed sources.

These alternative proteins help address environmental concerns and support sustainable feed production. By investing in the development and commercialization of these ingredients, Cargill is positioning itself as a leader in the transition towards more sustainable and innovative feed solutions.

7. Enhancing Supply Chain Resilience

Supply chain resilience is a critical focus for Cargill, especially given the global challenges and disruptions experienced in recent years. The company is implementing strategies to enhance the reliability and efficiency of its supply chain, including diversifying its sourcing, optimizing logistics, and investing in supply chain technologies.

Cargill's approach includes building strong relationships with suppliers, improving inventory management, and leveraging digital tools to enhance supply chain visibility. These efforts help ensure a steady supply of high-quality feed ingredients and reduce the risk of disruptions, supporting the company's ability to meet customer demands and maintain market leadership.

Conclusion

Cargill's strategic initiatives, innovations, and developments are significantly shaping the future of the compound feed market. Through a focus on sustainability, technological advancements, market expansion, digital transformation, animal health, innovative ingredients, and supply chain resilience, Cargill is driving progress in the feed industry.

As the market continues to evolve, Cargill's approach serves as a model for how leading companies can adapt to changing conditions, meet emerging challenges, and capitalize on new opportunities in the compound feed sector.

[animal-care]

Exploring Innovations Revolutionizing the Animal Feed Industry

Introduction

The global animal feed market was valued at over USD 460 billion in 2021 and is projected to exceed USD 650 billion by 2028, registering a compound annual growth rate CAGR of 4% during the forecast period. The Animal Feed Market is experiencing dynamic changes driven by evolving consumer preferences, technological advancements, and sustainability initiatives. This in-depth analysis delves into the latest innovations shaping the animal feed industry, providing insights into key trends, opportunities, and challenges for stakeholders.

Innovations Driving the Animal Feed Market:

Alternative Protein Sources:

With the escalating demand for sustainable and plant-based diets, alternative protein sources for animal feed formulations are gaining momentum.

Innovations in insect protein production, algae cultivation, single-cell proteins, and microbial biomass offer sustainable alternatives to conventional protein sources like soybean meal and fishmeal.

These alternative protein sources not only promote environmental sustainability but also provide essential nutrients for animals while reducing reliance on scarce resources.

Precision Nutrition:

Advancements in precision nutrition technologies are reshaping feed formulation and delivery, enabling customized diets tailored to individual animals' specific nutritional requirements.

Technologies such as near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), metabolomics, and predictive modeling enable real-time monitoring of animal health, performance, and nutrient utilization, leading to more efficient feed management practices.

The precision nutrition segment is anticipated to witness substantial growth, driven by increasing investments in digital technologies and data analytics, with the market expected to surpass USD 3 billion by 2028.

Alternative protein sources are expected to capture a significant market share, with insect protein alone projected to reach USD 1.5 billion by 2028.

Functional Feed Additives:

Functional feed additives, including probiotics, prebiotics, enzymes, organic acids, and botanical extracts, are gaining prominence for their potential to enhance animal health, immunity, and performance.

These additives support gut health, improve nutrient absorption, and mitigate the adverse effects of stress, pathogens, and environmental challenges on animal welfare.

Innovations in encapsulation and delivery technologies are enhancing the stability and efficacy of functional additives, ensuring their effectiveness throughout the animal's digestive tract.

Blockchain and Traceability:

Blockchain technology is increasingly being harnessed to enhance transparency, traceability, and accountability in the animal feed supply chain.

Through blockchain-based platforms, stakeholders can track feed ingredient journeys from farm to fork, ensuring compliance with quality standards, safety regulations, and sustainability criteria.

Blockchain facilitates seamless data sharing and verification across the supply chain, mitigating the risks of fraud, contamination, and mislabeling, thereby safeguarding animal and human health while bolstering consumer trust.

Challenges and Opportunities

Regulatory Hurdles:

Despite the potential benefits of innovative feed technologies, regulatory hurdles and approval processes can impede their adoption and commercialization.

Stakeholders must navigate complex regulatory landscapes and demonstrate the safety, efficacy, and sustainability of novel feed ingredients and additives to gain regulatory approval and market acceptance.

Cost Considerations:

The adoption of innovative feed technologies may involve higher initial costs and necessitate investment in research and development.

Stakeholders must carefully evaluate the cost-benefit ratio of implementing new technologies, considering factors such as feed efficiency improvements, animal performance gains, and long-term sustainability benefits.

Conclusion

Innovation is driving profound changes in the Animal Feed Market, offering transformative solutions to meet the evolving needs of livestock producers, consumers, and the environment. By embracing cutting-edge technologies and addressing regulatory challenges, stakeholders can unlock new opportunities for sustainable and profitable animal nutrition solutions while ensuring the health, welfare, and productivity of animals.

[kenresearch1]

Discover the Compound Feed Industry, with insights into trends, challenges, and the dynamic landscape driving this essential component of modern agriculture.

[karanresearchlayer]

Compound Feed Market is about to cross over 35 billion US dollars by 2030

Compound feed, also known as complete feed or concentrated feed, is a mixture of various feed ingredients and supplements that provide all the necessary nutrients required by livestock animals such as cattle, poultry, pigs, and fish. Compound feed is formulated to meet the specific nutritional needs of different animal species and stages of growth and production.

The ingredients used in compound feed may include cereals, oilseeds, pulses, minerals, vitamins, and other additives such as probiotics and enzymes. The feed ingredients are carefully selected and balanced to ensure that the animals receive the optimal levels of energy, protein, fiber, minerals, and vitamins needed for growth, maintenance, and production.

Compound feed is available in different forms such as pellets, crumbles, and mash, and it can be fed to livestock animals as the sole source of nutrition or in combination with other feeds such as forages or grazing.

The use of compound feed has become increasingly popular in modern animal agriculture as it provides a convenient and efficient way to meet the nutritional requirements of livestock animals, resulting in better growth, improved feed efficiency, and increased production. However, it is important to use high-quality and properly balanced compound feed to ensure optimal animal performance and health.

[blueweaveconsultingblog]

Asia-Pacific Compound Feed Market Size, Share, Forecast 2022-2029

BlueWeave Consulting, a leading strategic consulting and market research firm, in its recent study, estimated Asia-Pacific compound feed market size at USD 81.69 billion in 2022. During the forecast period between 2023 and 2029, BlueWeave expects the Asia-Pacific compound feed market size to grow at a CAGR of 4.22% reaching a value of USD 115.12 billion by 2029. The increasing demand for high-quality animal protein products as a result of population increase and rising disposable incomes is a major driver driving the growth of the Asia-Pacific compound feed industry. In addition, environmental and health concerns prompted a transition toward more sustainable and organic feed sources. In addition, technological advancements in feed formulations and production techniques improved nutritional content and feed efficiency. Adoption of novel ingredients and additions, together with the expansion of the livestock industry, contributed to the overall development of the Asia-Pacific Compound feed business.

Asia-Pacific Compound Feed Market – Overview

Compound feed, also known as manufactured feed, is a nutritionally balanced mixture of various ingredients designed to meet the dietary requirements of livestock and poultry. This ready-to-eat feed includes cereals, grains, protein-rich sources (e.g., soybean meal), vitamins, minerals, and additives. Produced through precise formulation and processing, compound feed ensures optimal growth, health, and productivity of animals, while reducing wastage and cost inefficiencies associated with individual ingredient feeding. It plays a crucial role in modern livestock farming, supporting efficient and sustainable meat, milk, and egg production. Properly balanced compound feed enhances animal welfare and fosters food security by supporting the livestock industry's growth and productivity.

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Impact of COVID-19 on Asia-Pacific Compound Feed Market

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted Asia-Pacific compound feed market, causing disruptions across the region. The stringent lockdown measures and supply chain disruptions led to shortages of raw materials, increasing production costs for feed manufacturers. With movement restrictions affecting logistics, the distribution of feed products faced challenges, affecting livestock farmers. Also, reduced consumer purchasing power due to economic uncertainties impacted the demand for animal products, affecting the overall feed market. Despite these challenges, the industry witnessed a shift towards more resilient and sustainable practices to mitigate future risks posed by similar global crises.

Asia-Pacific Compound Feed Market – By Ingredient

Based on ingredients, Asia-Pacific compound feed market is divided into Cereals, Cakes & Meals, and Animal B-products segments. The largest segment in the Asia-Pacific Compound feed market is cereals, which encompasses various grains and cereals used in animal feed production. This segment is characterized by its significant market share and widespread use in the region. The other segments, cakes & meals and animal B-products are also important components of the market but do not match the dominance of the cereals segment. As demand for livestock and poultry products continues to grow in the region, the cereals segment is expected to maintain its leading position in the compound feed industry.

Competitive Landscape

Asia-Pacific compound feed market is fiercely competitive. Major companies in the market include Charoen Pokphand Foods, Cargill Inc., Land O Lakes Purina, Alltech Inc., Archer Daniels Midland, ForFarmers, DeKalb Feeds, Kent Feeds, Weston Milling Animal Nutrition, and Nutreco NV. These companies use various strategies, including increasing investments in their R&D activities, mergers, and acquisitions, joint ventures, collaborations, licensing agreements, and new product and service releases to further strengthen their position in Asia-Pacific Compound feed market.

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[insightslicelive]

Compound Feeds And Additives Market to Flourish with an Impressive CAGR during 2022-2032 | BASF, DSM, Ajinomoto, Novozymes

Compound Feeds And Additives Market to Flourish with an Impressive CAGR during 2022-2032 | BASF, DSM, Ajinomoto, Novozymes

“ The Compound Feeds And Additives Market research report provides detailed observation of several aspects, including the shift in rate of growth, regional scope and recent developments by the primary market players. The report offers Porter’s Five Forces, PESTLE analysis to provide a complete research study on the global Compound Feeds And Additives market. The research study discusses about…

[solarpunks]

Invisible Solar

Invisible Solar is a new PV technology that take on the appearance of any building material. Each Invisible Solar module is more than a photovoltaic panel, it also is an active architectural element with various functionality.

Disguising solar panels as ancient Roman tiles in Pompeii

"They look exactly like the terracotta tiles used by the Romans, but they produce the electricity that we need to light the frescoes," says Gabriel Zuchtriegel, Director of the Archaeological Park of Pompeii. This solution is part of a more comprehensive strategy to turn costs into savings opportunities and to embrace sustainable development.

Technically called "traditional PV tiles", the invisible solar panels used in Pompeii come from Camisano Vicentino, a little Italian town with slightly more than 10 000 inhabitants, halfway between Padua and Vicenza. They were created and patented by the family business Dyaqua.

How They Work

Operating of Invisible Solar modules is based on the low molecular density. Each module is composed of a non-toxic and recyclable polymeric compound we properly developed to encourage the photon absorption.

Inside the module there are incorporated standard monocrystalline silicon cells. The surface, that is opaque at the sight but translucent to sun rays, allows the light to enter and feed the cells.

Oh my goodness. 

Solar voltaic’s designed for historic contexts that offers architectural and aesthetic integration? 

AND they are already installed in Pompeii and not marketing vapourware?

AND they are made by a small Italian family business? 

Be still my beating solarpunk heart 🥰 ☀️

via @stml​ in a forum.

[mikasasrippedtoenail]

The average woman spends -

• $28 on makeup

• $34 on haircuts

• $15 on hair products

• $11 on hair removal

• $23 on moisturizing skincare

•$17 on anti-aging products

• $ 5 on eyebrow threading

• $85 on teeth whitening

■The cost of common cosmetic surgeries:

• Breast augmentation: $6,450

• Liposuction: $6,000

• Nose reshaping: $5,046

• Eyelid surgery: $4,525

• Tummy tuck: $5,798

● The yearly cost of getting a botox : $1200 ● The yearly cost of getting lip fillers : $800

□Yearly cost without Botox/fillers/surgery: $2616

□ Yearly cost with Botox/fillers/surgery $4891

In a study by Advanced Dermatology, it was revealed that the average woman spends $285 more than men on grooming services. While men spend more on gym membership, supplements and haircuts, women spend on skincare, hair products and colour.

If you compound the aboves costs, women spend - $156,960 and $450,420 respectively on unnecessary beauty procedures in their lifetime. Some women might even spend millions of dollars in their lifetime on their appearance. This extra expenditure feeds pockets of (male) CEOs of beauty companies who thrive off of women's insecurities. The more women fall into these traps, the more unrealistic the beauty standards will become.

● Meadian House cost - $227,000

● Average car cost - $48,000

● Average Overseas Vacation cost - $3250

● Cost of a nice hobby in a lifetime - $72,000

●Cost of a book collection(150 books) - $1800

Making women waste money on useless items allows men to hoard capital. Moreover, there is a huge gender gap in trading. Men are much more likely to invest extra income into the stock market than women, however, when women do invest they tend to perform much better when it comes to trading owing to their diligence and loss assessment.Female ownership of monetary property and real estate is paramount to their liberation. Society has created an ecosystem that dissuades women from possessing capital. What's worse is that when crisis hits, it's women that have to give up their savings for their need of money is disregarded as they rely on their husbands for financial support. Women amassing wealth and knowledge is the key for their freedom.

[aspiringwarriorlibrarian]

It's important to note that while the airdrops are the fastest way to feed people in Gaza right now, they are woefully insufficient for actually holding off the threat of famine or in dismantling the gangs that are seizing and reselling aid. The only way to do that will be to flood the market beyond what can be seized and for that we need to expand the land routes and establish sea routes for aid around Israeli red tape that's been strangling it. The administration has promised to do this, likely in response to the "uncommitted" vote organized in the Michigan primary, so now our job is to keep the momentum and make sure they follow through.

Some aid is better than no aid, but the problem will only compound unless we have those routes. So we need to push for that in addition to denying Israel military aid.

And since I've seen it a couple times, no, the aid was not dropped on beaches or washed out to sea, and no, there were no US soldiers on the ground waiting to receive it. Those have been confused with other stories of airdrops.

[animal-care]

Exploring Innovations in the Animal Feed Market Forecast 2028

Market Size and Growth

The Animal Feed Market is witnessing robust growth globally, fueled by the increasing demand for high-quality animal protein, growing livestock populations, and rising consumer awareness about animal nutrition and welfare. According to recent market research reports, the global animal feed market was valued at over USD 460 billion in 2021 and is projected to exceed USD 650 billion by 2028, registering a compound annual growth rate CAGR of 4% during the forecast period.

Key Drivers of Market Growth

Rising Meat Consumption:

The growing global population, rising disposable incomes, and changing dietary preferences are driving an increase in meat consumption worldwide.

As a result, there is a corresponding rise in demand for animal feed to support the production of livestock, poultry, and aquaculture species.

Expansion of Livestock Production:

Developing economies, particularly in Asia-Pacific and Latin America, are witnessing rapid urbanization and industrialization, leading to the expansion of intensive livestock farming operations.

This trend is driving the need for efficient and nutritious animal feed formulations to support the health, growth, and productivity of livestock and poultry.

Technological Advancements:

Innovations in feed processing technologies, such as extrusion, pelleting, and micronization, are improving the digestibility, palatability, and nutritional value of animal feeds.

Advanced feed additives and supplements, including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and growth promoters, are enhancing animal performance and health outcomes, driving market growth.

Regional Market Insights

Asia-Pacific:

Asia-Pacific dominates the global animal feed market, accounting for the largest share of both production and consumption.

Rapid urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and increasing meat consumption in countries like China, India, and Vietnam are driving market growth in the region.

North America:

North America is a mature market for animal feed, characterized by high levels of automation, stringent quality standards, and advanced feed formulation practices.

The region benefits from a well-developed livestock industry, strong regulatory frameworks, and a focus on sustainability and animal welfare.

Europe:

Europe is witnessing a shift towards sustainable and organic animal farming practices, driving demand for organic and natural feed ingredients.

Regulatory initiatives promoting antibiotic-free production, animal welfare standards, and environmental sustainability are shaping the European animal feed market landscape.

Conclusion

The Animal Feed Market is poised for significant growth in the coming years, driven by factors such as rising meat consumption, expanding livestock production, and technological advancements in feed formulation and processing. As the industry continues to evolve, stakeholders must stay abreast of emerging trends, regulatory developments, and consumer preferences to capitalize on growth opportunities and address challenges effectively. By embracing innovation, sustainability, and collaboration, the animal feed industry can play a crucial role in ensuring food security, nutrition, and environmental sustainability for future generations.

[bitchesgetriches]

Wait… Did I Just Lose All My Money Investing in the Stock Market?

The stock market is not a fucking game. Which is why I get all grumpy and cantankerous at apps that try to gamify investing by encouraging rapid buying and selling (lookin’ at you, Robinhood). This system is not designed for the average person to get rich by day trading.

Rather, the whole system is designed so that you and I, normal Earth humans, can invest for the long term and eventually profit from the whole exercise. We’re supposed to buy and hold for years at a time, patiently feeding money into the investment monster at regular intervals and waiting for it to poop out compounding returns. It’s not a get-rich-quick machine.

Which is why we don’t ever recommend a practice of rapid buying and selling. You are not the Wolf of Wall Street, my dude. Stick your money in an index fund and sit on it for years. Set it and forget it. If you can, schedule automatic investments and ignore the whole damn thing for months or years at a time.

Keep reading.

If you liked this article, join our Patreon!

[ambiguouspuzuma]

The Poisoner

Many of their titles were misnomers. Irina was the Royal Poisoner, but she'd never poisoned any royals. The Royal Executioner hadn't taken any of their heads, at least not for a century or so. The Royal Treasurer didn't exactly cherish his profligate princes. Irina's role was to produce poison for the royals - not to use it against them. But that didn't stop people from asking.

"We'll take tea in the Rainforest Room."

She lived in her own compound, away from the palace. A place to produce her poisons: gardens, greenhouses, laboratory. For some reason, the royals hadn't wanted that in the home where they ate and slept. Irina was mostly left to her own devices, but she did get the occasional visitor - private commissions, from mercenary companies or markets with a vermin infestation. Or would-be traitors.

It was a sunny day, and the Rainforest Room was even hotter than usual. Irina sipped her iced tea, and gestured to this morning's guest. "Are you sure you don't want yours?"

"I'm good," he said, not touching the cup she'd poured. He'd watched her do it, from the same pot as her own, but for some reason people couldn't bring themselves to trust her.

"Can I offer you something stronger? What's your poison?"

"Actually, that's why I'm here," Lord Zhabin said - the Royal Treasurer himself. Irina had recognised him instantly, even though he'd gone to the trouble of dressing down for the journey. Even his idea of rags looked expensive.

"I figured as much," she told him. It was never just a social call. "And who for?"

"Well, I... that's none of your concern." He was already sweating; pulling at his collar, shifting in his seat.

"You know the penalty for treason, of course." Irina thought she'd make him sweat a little more. She'd had her suspicions from the start, but his obvious discomfort had her convinced. His frustration with the princes and their excess was well-known, and he wasn't one to suffer fools for long.

"I'm sure you manufacture it," Lord Zhabin said, looking around the room. Irina grew everything that killed: hellebore and hemlock, leopard's bane and golden rain. The Rainforest Room was the jewel at the centre of her compound, a humid box for the most exotic of her specimens - imports that no-one else would even recognise.

"Oh, not for a nobleman like yourself. They'll usually want to make more of an example, I'm sure. The Royal Executioner will take your head for all to see. My work is more... subtle."

Irina rarely strayed from her sanctuary, and even her produce was kept to the shadows. She was called upon when a public execution wasn't possible, or desirable. Some deaths had to happen behind closed doors, with official deniability. Irina could provide the means for that, however it had to happen - fast or slow, like a wasting sickness or heart attack. She knew the poison, and she knew the dose.

"Well, that's what I'm counting on." He wiped the sweat from his brow. "Listen, I'm not admitting to anything, but you have to admit that the realm is struggling. Public finances frittered away on opulence and hedonism. Our coffers are near emptied, and that makes us vulnerable. Your remit is to assassinate enemies of the state, is it not? Let's just say that some people would have a more relaxed definition."

"Would they?" She could do it, if she wanted. The princes were two of her most regular customers, seeking mind-altering substances in small measures. It would be easy to arrange an overdose. But they were two of her most regular customers, and they'd been good to her.

"Yes, I... I mean they..." Lord Zhabin eyed the cup again, suspicion in his unfocused gaze. "What have you given me? I didn't drop a touch. Touch a drop. Touch anything."

"Oh, I don't need to feed you poison to fog your mind," Irina said. "Not when the fog can do it all by itself."

"The humidity. The vapour..."

"Laced with a toxin I've been working on. Just a trace, mind, but this room is such a good delivery mechanism. It even gets your pores to open up."

"But what about you?" He was shaky, trying to string the thoughts together. "You're in the room. You have pores."

"Thank you for noticing." She took another sip of tea. "Are you familiar with the concept of dosage? Mole fraction? Parts per million?"

He focused only on the action. "You took an antidote?"

"Only tea," she said. "It's important to stay hydrated. This room will dry you out, increasing the proportion of toxins in your blood. That's when it becomes deadly. Look, you're sweating right through your rags. You might as well have been bleeding out."

[mariacallous]

Sipping pints of Guinness, swapping football shirts and purring about respect and new dawns, the British and Irish prime ministers seemed determined to inject long-absent warmth into the relationship between their countries when they met on Saturday. The thaw is overdue; Keir Starmer’s visit to Dublin was the first by a British PM in five years. In 2019, Boris Johnson’s visit came amid manifold anxieties about securing a Brexit deal, prompting a declaration from the Irish government that “the people of this island, North and South, need to know that their livelihoods, their security and their sense of identity will not be put at risk as a consequence of a hard Brexit. The stakes are high. Avoiding the return of a hard border on this island and protecting our place in the single market are the Irish government’s priorities in all circumstances.”

The distrustful atmosphere was a product not just of the June 2016 British vote to leave the EU, but a broader Tory ignorance about what the border in Ireland represented. The failure to consider that issue during the Brexit referendum campaign was compounded by simplistic distortions and assertions. The border was then resurrected as a touchstone, much to its discomfort, as imagined irascibly in the Twitter feed @BorderIrish: “I was just minding my own business, being a largely invisible little border that no one had thought about for years … after decades of misery … and then along comes Brexit, like some gobshite taking its first lesson, crashing all over the place.”

Unfortunately, it was worse than that for most Irish observers, who saw Brexit as many gobshites, driving multiple cars in too many directions with no knowledge of the destination. Ireland seemed a rock of political stability, maturity and calm as the Tories imploded. A deal was eventually struck that infuriated unionists as Northern Ireland remained half in and half out of the EU.

Brexit poisoned the well of British-Irish relations. The Tories’ romantic and selective view of Britain’s imperial past led to much renewed flexing of Irish nationalist muscles, a reminder of the continuing relevance of the observation by the then British ambassador to Ireland, Alan Goodison, in 1983 that in Anglo-Irish relations there was “a raw nerve which never sleeps”.

The desire to now reset appears genuine. Starmer, with an oft-expressed fondness for Ireland, a history of involvement with Northern Ireland issues and a strong component of staff with Irish links, is well placed to reduce strains. But we should not get carried away. One message that has resonated through the years is the advice given to another British Labour prime minister, James Callaghan, who, when he was home secretary, was urged to avoid “getting sucked into the Irish bog”.

That bog might be less perilous than it once was, but it still creates wariness in Britain.

Although the fervid days of the Troubles and violence are over and power-sharing has been restored in Northern Ireland, there are ongoing concerns about the prospects of Irish unity, immigration and the legacy of the Troubles. Starmer has committed to repealing the contentious Legacy Act, introduced by the Conservatives, which closed down criminal investigations into the Troubles. But what will replace it remains unclear.

Starmer is circumspect about Irish unity. And while historically there was the British Labour slogan “Justice for Ireland”, in practice there was much detachment and hesitancy about getting embroiled in Ireland.

Starmer’s Dublin visit generated healthy promises, including a formal annual summit between the two countries, protecting and developing an estimated yearly £100bn trade and business relationship, and nurturing cooperation on energy, climate change, sport, education and culture. There was also the assertion of the importance of both governments being co-guarantors of the Good Friday agreement.

None of this should be dismissed; geography as well as history has always been central to British-Irish relations, and what is being attempted is a recognition of the scale of our entwinements. But while a dose of British humility will be welcomed in Ireland and Starmer appears genuine, the Irish appetite for adapting to shifting British currents and priorities has waned.

Brexit fundamentally altered Irish foreign policy. The Irish public have consistently been enthusiastic about EU membership. Brexit deepened that; at the height of tensions in 2019, a Eurobarometer poll suggested Ireland topped the EU table for having a positive image of the EU at 63%. Only 7% had a negative image, hardly a surprise given the solidarity with Ireland shown by its EU partners amid the Brexit fallout.

Ireland’s foreign policy anchor lies heavily in EU waters. Security, the climate crisis, migration, economic and defence issues for Ireland demand more focus on Europe. The late historian Ronan Fanning identified a constant feature of the Anglo-Irish relationship when he observed in the most fraught days: “Britain looms larger in the Irish consciousness than Ireland in the British.” That endures, but it has faded somewhat.

When Starmer speaks of a British-Irish partnership reaching “its full potential”, he is also seeing that as a route to a warmer British relationship with the EU. That potential is somewhat limited; nor is the Irish consciousness quite as consumed by Britain as it once was.