Today's News

14 September 2012

 “Organic products on sale in the UK today are great value for money. Organic for us is the ultimate in sustainable food production and will be for the next 100 years. It’s about the choices you’re making – do you want to support sustainable British farming, or do you not?”
Tim Mead, owner of Yeo Valley – Farming Today – 14 Sept 2012

Global food security challenge creates food industry opportunities, says UK government
Responding to the Environmental Audit Committee's Sustainable Food report, the government has recommended incentivising research institutions to train food and agricultural scientists; establishing an independent body to evaluate the impact of genetically modified crops on the environment; and examining the scope for clear and consistent labelling on the sustainability of food products.
Waste Management World (13 Sept, 2012)
Read the Soil Association’s full comment.

Growing media task force pledges to improve sustainability
The Defra-appointed Sustainable Growing Media Task Force has called on Defra Ministers to ensure that Government supports “the broader approach to a sustainable future rather than a pre-occupation with peat and reduction targets.” The Soil Association, which is backing the phasing out of peat, said the government and industry approach adopted in the report “does not go far enough in recognising that new approaches will be needed in a new era of resource and climate constrained agriculture, rather than simply more of the same.”
Farming Online (13 September)

Enjoy the best natural flavours and go organic
To celebrate Organic September, Jane Clare reviews a range of organic wines. The Soil Association’s standard says organic wine is made using organically-grown grapes from vineyards that support biodiversity, and that wine makers use the minimum amount of additives and processing acids. Organic wines help to protect wildlife and also carry a much lower carbon footprint.
Liverpool Post (13 Sept, p.45)
Read more about Soil Association standards.
Greenwich goes green for Organic September
The stallholders and shops of Greenwich Market are celebrating all things green on 28 September as part of the Soil Association’s Organic September.
Families South East (September, p.3)
Find out how you can get involved with Organic September.

Organic farm wins national award
Darlington based Acorn Dairy has been awarded Best Organic Dairy Award 2012 by the industry body The Soil Association, beating fierce competition from around the country. The farm prides itself on animal welfare.
Newcastle Journal (14 Sept, p.36)
Find out more about the Organic Food Awards.
Read more about Acorn Dairy.

Minimising antibiotic usage with integrated gut health management
Feed products designed for intestinal health have emerged to contribute to health management practices, generally focusing on promoting the growth of beneficial microbiota and reducing pathogens.
World Poultry (14 Sept)
Find out more about the Soil Association’s work on antibiotics.

Animal exports suspended by Thanet council
Animal rights campaigners welcome move, which comes after debacle in which over 40 sheep had to be killed. Philip Lymbery of the charity Compassion in World Farming commented: "We now look to Defra to finish it off, once and for all. We call on Defra to take permanent action to stop the live animal export trade reopening, in Ramsgate or anywhere else."
The Guardian (15 Sept)

Doubt on funding for on-farm renewables
DEFRA secretary Owen Paterson has cast doubt on the future of public funding for on-farm renewable energy projects – suggesting it will be the subject of a government review.
Farmers Weekly (13 Sept)

The new Corn Laws
The economist argues that trade restrictions to hold down food prices exacerbate the problem they are trying to solve.
The economist (15 Sept)

Farming Today
Following news of a downturn in sales of organic produce in the supermarkets, Farming Today speaks to two Soil Association licensees bucking the trend. Riverford, an organic meat and veg-box scheme based in Devon and Yeo Valley, Britain's largest organic dairy.
The 'crown jewels' of the nation's footpaths could be at risk of damage according to The Ramblers Association without a rethink. Also in the programme as Britain's largest processor of bottled milk announces a two-and-a-half pence price rise - Charlotte Smith asks whether, when it comes to the price they are paid, the tide is turning for milk producers.
BBC Radio4, Listen Again (14 Sept)