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Cyprus Nears US Visa Waiver Program As Refusal Rate Drops Below 3%

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

November 28, 2024

Cyprus has achieved a significant milestone in its efforts to join the US Visa Waiver Program, with the 2024 visa refusal rate for Cypriot citizens reported at just 2.16%. This figure, announced by the US Department of State, is well below the program’s required threshold of 3%, marking a crucial step toward visa-free travel for Cypriots.

Progress Towards Inclusion

Deputy Minister to the President, Irene Piki, highlighted the importance of this development, stating that Cyprus has met a “key prerequisite” for its inclusion in the program. She credited the progress to successful technical consultations between Cyprus and the United States over the past year.

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Piki reaffirmed the government’s commitment to securing Cyprus’ inclusion in the program by 2025, allowing Cypriots to travel to the US for tourism and business without the need for a visa.

Support from US Officials

US Ambassador to Cyprus, Julie Fisher, also acknowledged the milestone, describing it as a significant step forward. She expressed optimism that Cypriots would soon enjoy the benefits of visa-free travel to the US.

What’s Next?

The Cypriot government plans to continue its focused efforts to meet all remaining requirements, ensuring the process stays on track. This achievement underscores the growing cooperation between Cyprus and the US, paving the way for stronger ties and easier travel.

As Cyprus moves closer to this goal, the prospect of visa-free access to the US represents an important development for both business and leisure travellers.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Elevating Infant Nutrition: Nara Organics Unveils Premium Organic Formula

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

July 30, 2025

The Origins Of A Vision

When Esther Hallam welcomed her daughter Nara into the world, she immediately confronted a formidable challenge: identifying a trustworthy, high-quality organic infant formula. In a U.S. market dominated by cost-cutting practices—such as the use of skim milk supplemented with oils to meet nutritional standards—Hallam observed a disconnect between established availability and uncompromised quality. Research linking corn syrup to obesity and palm oil to reduced calcium absorption only reinforced her resolve to seek a safer alternative.

Redefining Industry Standards

Frustrated by the limitations of existing options, Hallam devoted seven years to developing an organic, whole-milk formula with the expertise of leading scientists and pediatric nutritionists. Nara Organics distinguishes itself by offering the highest percentage of milk fat of any formula on the U.S. market and a significantly reduced reliance on plant-based oils. The carefully selected blend of organic sunflower, coconut, and rapeseed oils not only meets nutritional needs but also minimizes potential health risks inherent to additives like palm oil, soy, and corn syrup.

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Manufacturing Excellence In Germany

Rather than manufacturing domestically—a decision influenced by previous concerns over Cronobacter contamination in American facilities—Nara Organics leverages the advanced, oxygen-controlled production environment of a German facility, widely regarded as the birthplace of powdered infant formula. Chief Marketing Officer Meika Hollender detailed that their unique manufacturing process, which minimizes oxygen exposure during can sealing, substantially extends shelf life and preserves formula integrity, setting a new standard in infant nutrition.

Strategic Investment And Market Impact

Backed by $32 million from prominent investors including AlleyCorp, BBG Ventures, Corazon Ventures, Gingerbread Capital, and Torch Capital, Nara Organics has also garnered support from high-profile celebrity investors such as Serena Williams, Gina Rodriguez, and Nicky Hilton. This robust investment positions the company at the vanguard of an organic infant formula market projected to grow from $20.7 billion in 2023 to $37 billion by 2032.

Enhancing Consumer Accessibility And Community Commitment

Nara Organics is available for purchase directly via its website, subscription models, and a dedicated mobile app that assists parents in tracking essential aspects of infant care. To underscore its commitment to community well-being, the company is donating over 1,400 cans of formula to the Good+ Foundation, which strives to alleviate multi-generational poverty by providing essential services to under-resourced families.

By merging state-of-the-art production with a commitment to organic, high-quality ingredients, Nara Organics is poised to redefine the benchmarks of infant nutrition in a competitive, evolving market.