Today's News

23 November 2012

 “We need our pollinators. Bees alone put fruit and veg on the table through a pollination service worth £165million a year in the UK.”
John Ingham, Environmental Editor, Daily Express 23 November 2012

Sight of butterflies is getting scarcer
Butterflies flitting over flowerbeds and bees buzzing around for pollen and nectar are among the joys of summer. But these soothing sights and sounds are getting scarcer – and yesterday ministers edged towards taming a possible culprit.
The Express (23 Nov)
Britain needs to think more about the birds and the bees
The Guardian (22 Nov)
Find out how you can Keep Britain buzzing and save the bees

More than 30 studies in three years show adverse effects of neonicotinoid pesticides
More than thirty separate scientific studies in the last three years have shown adverse effects on insects such as bees from neonicotinoids, the controversial nerve-agent pesticides, MPs have been told.
The Independent (21 Nov)

Kenya bans GMOs
The Kenyan government has banned imports of genetically modified organisms over health fears. On Wednesday, Health Minister Beth Mugo announced a ban on foods containing GM ingredients, effective immediately, pending tests on the health effects of the foods.
Farming Online (22 Nov)

Defra minister backs use of 'safe' GM crops
Farmers in the UK should be able to use genetically-modified crops, provided they can be shown to be safe for health and the environment, according to a DEFRA minister.
Farmers Weekly (22 Nov)

Crop Protection Association dismisses glyphosate claim
Roundup from Scotts Miracle-Gro defended by Crop Protection Association after being called into question by study paper.
Horticulture Week (23 Nov)

Prince of Wales: It is an 'act of suicide' to ignore green issues
The Prince of Wales warned the current generation is “heading to the terrifying point of no return” when it comes to green issues, with humanity and the Earth soon to suffer some “very grim consequences”.
The Telegraph (23 Nov)

Toxic Threads
Some of the world’s best known fashion retailers are selling clothing contaminated with hazardous chemicals that break down to form hormone-disrupting or cancer-causing chemicals when released into the environment.
Socialphy (22 Nov)
Find out more about organic cotton

New research critical to address future food challenge
Funding for new research which will boost farming practices is vital if the UK is to meet the challenges of feeding an expanding population over the next 20 years, a leading scientist told the Institute of Agricultural Management conference in London.
Farmers Guardian (23 Nov)

EU budget talks to determine fate of CAP reform
Prime Minister David Cameron heads to Brussels today for two days of talks with fellow EU leaders on the EU budget that could have profound implications for the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
Farmers Guardian (22 Nov)
Major cuts to CAP budget 'unacceptable', EU farmers warn
Farmers Guardian (22 Nov)

Farming minister to explain why hundreds of sheep suffered at sea
David Heath summoned by MPs after livestock endured 'absolute misery' in stormy Channel crossing from Ramsgate
The Guardian (22 Nov)

Organic Food Struggling for Identity
A carrot is an unlikely villain for a horror story, but for retailers promoting organic food here, a sweaty package of cut up orange-colored roots can have sinister implications.
The Moscow Times (22 Nov)

Farming Today
As European leaders thrash out the new EU budget, Farming Today heads to Strasbourg to investigate if any common ground can be found among the EU nations. And the Environment Agency offers advice for farmers and landowners trying to deal with waterlogged fields.
BBC Radio 4, listen again (23 Nov)

And finally… British photographer Robbie Shone explores beautiful ice caves in a Swiss glacier
The Telegraph (23 Nov)