Today's News

08 August 2012

 “Yes, the cosmetics industry does what is legally required, but we’d argue that the serious health implications of the most up-to-date science have not yet filtered down into law.”
Elizabeth Salter-Green, of UK charity the CHEM Trust, commenting in the Daily Mirror, 7 August 2012

Are ingredients in our fake tan and beauty products potentially toxic?
As experts deem fake tans ‘dangerous’, the Daily Mirror look at other toiletries that might well be damaging your health, too.
Daily Mirror (7 August)

Organic September
To celebrate Soil Association Organic September Weight Watchers magazine takes a look at the benefits of natural beauty products and recommends looking for a logo, such as the Soil Association’s, on certified organic products.
Weight Watchers (1 Sept issue)

'Fair fishing' manifesto calls for greater quota share for smaller boats
Alliance of environmentalists and fishermen advocates granting small boats priority access to cod, hake and monkfish.
The Guardian (8 Aug)

Schmallenberg virus could spread across most of UK this year
Virus that causes deformities and stillbirths in farm animals could reach as far as Scotland and Wales, say scientists.
The Guardian (8 Aug)

MEPs table 7,000 changes to CAP reform
European politicians have lodged 7,000 amendments to Common Agricultural Policy reform proposals. The revelation casts further doubt on whether Brussels' aim of a simpler, cheaper, greener policy can be achieved by the proposed start date of 1 January 2014.
Farmers Weekly (8 Aug)

Report highlights lack of confidence in farming sector
Countryside businesses are facing a significant drop in confidence and investment, according to the Country Land and Business Association (CLA).
Farmers Guardian (8 Aug)

Embrace organic farming, Zambia
Organic Producers and Processes Association of Zambia (OPPAZ) has called on the farmers in the country to venture into organic farming to reduce the cost of production. OPPAZ technical officer Brian Siame said there has been an increase in the demand for organic products both within and outside the country.
Zambia Daily Mail (7 Aug)

Organic farming scheme launched in Karnataka, India
As part of encouraging organic farming, Karnataka Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar has launched a scheme to encourage organic farming. Farmers will be sent to Cuba and Israel to study the organic farming model in these countries.
Hindu Business Line (5 Aug)

Farming Today
RSPB Scotland fear cuts to agri-environment schemes in Scotland will have a detrimental impact on wildlife and threatened bird species. Whilst the Scottish Government say it's confident that there is sufficient funding to meet demand, conservationists argue that the environment is disappearing slowly down the table of priorities when it comes to politics and the money pot. The Institute of Animal Health warns that Schmallenberg disease may spread north during the next lambing and calving season. Plus the British confetti harvest that's been washed away by the rain. And from barley to beer, Anna Hill learns about old brewing traditions - by using her ears!
BBC Radio 4, listen again (8 Aug)

And finally…Testers fear reality of genetically modified Olympians
There have been "marathon mice", "Schwarzenegger mice" and dogs whose wasted muscles were repaired with injected substances that switch off key genes. It may not be long before we get the first genetically modified athlete.
Reuters feature (8 Aug)