Today's News

05 December 2012

 "I think it's a chance for soil scientists to communicate better their passion for soils and the importance of soils in feeding and clothing, and driving the forests that sustain us all.”
Richard Doyle, president of Soil Science Australia on World Soil Day, ABC News, 05 December 2012

World Soil Day
Not many people stop to think about the earth beneath their feet but on World Soil Day scientists at The James Hutton Institute say it is one of the world’s most valuable assets and one we should treasure.
The James Hutton Institute (05 Dec)
World Soil Day an opportunity to sell soil science
ABC Rural (05 Dec)
Find out what the Soil Association is doing for World Soil Day

Supermarkets face large fines for abusing farmers
Ministers are to give a new Groceries Code Adjudicator the power to fine supermarkets if they abuse their suppliers by forcing down wholesale prices to below-cost levels.
The Telegraph (04 Dec)
Adjudicator given powers to fine retailers
Farmers Guardian (04 Dec)

How to buy a 'green' Christmas tree
The Soil Association is mentioned here: Brighten up your living room with a Christmas tree without creating a huge environmental footprint.
The Guardian (05 Dec)

UK pledges £133m more for Africa to tackle climate change
Energy secretary Ed Davey announces additional funding to support renewable energy projects and cut carbon emissions.
The Guardian (04 Dec)
£2bn of UK aid to help Third World go green
The Telegraph (04 Dec)

Sainsbury's own-brand tuna to become 100% sustainable
The supermarket will use Marine Stewardship Council-certified canned skipjack tuna in its own label from next year.
The Guardian (04 Dec)

Bread prices set to rise after bad weather hits UK wheat crop
Flour mills expected to import 2m tonnes – the biggest wheat import since 1980 – to make up for shortfall.
The Guardian (04 Dec)

British dairy companies urged to join in debate on CAP reform
Dairy companies are being urged to share their views on a new analysis by Dairy UK of how Common Agricultural Policy reform will affect British dairy.
The Grocer (01 Dec)

Global wheat project aims to increase yields by 50%
A new global wheat initiative has been launched to raise yields and develop new varieties better able to cope with disease, drought and other stresses.
Farmers Guardian (05 Dec)

Water purifier chemical 'increases food allergy risk'
A by-product of chemicals used to help purify water could be to blame for a surge in food allergies, according to a study.
The Telegraph (03 Dec)

Cheerios humiliated by anti-GMO backlash
Cheerios just faced a humiliating public relations failure thanks to the undiscriminating nature of free speech through social media.
Before It’s News (04 Dec)

Scientists link low level OP use to neurological damage
Scientists have found that low-level exposure to organophosphates (OPs) results in lasting damage to human health.
Farmers Guardian (04 Dec)

Marrows on Mars: China reveals plans to grow vegetables in extra-terrestrial bases
Chinese astronauts are preparing plans to grow fresh vegetables on Mars and the moon after researchers successfully completed a preliminary test in Beijing.
Daily Mail (05 Dec)

Farming Today
Traditional hill farming will struggle to survive without thousands of skilled farmers over the next 20 years. Salmon stocks have come back from the brink of extinction in a river that was once regarded as one of the best in Europe for salmon fishing. And on World Soil Day, Anna investigates the impact of agriculture on UK soil quality.
BBC Radio 4, listen again (05 Dec)

And finally... Sony World Photography awards: the entries so far – in pictures
There's one month to go before the deadline of the open category at the Sony World Photography awards, open to non-professionals. Details of the categories are available here. The winners will be exhibited at London's Somerset House next April. Here is a selection of images already entered
The Guardian (04 Dec)