Today's News

13 December 2012

“There is more and more peer reviewed scientific evidence that shows there is a very clear link between increased use of these pesticides and the decline in bee colonies. Just this year, there have been four very major studies that have led countries like France, Germany and Italy to suspend the use of neonicotinoids.”
Caroline Lucas, Green MP, The Today Program, BBC Radio 4, listen now 13 December 2012

The Today Program
Sarah Montague and John Humphrys interview various players in the Neonicotinoids debate. Coverage starts with Caroline Lucas at 00:54. Further coverage, including a comment from Julian Little, spokesperson for Bayer Cropscience, begins at 1:52.
BBC Radio 4, listen now (13 Dec) 

Insecticide regulators ignoring risk to bees, say MPs
A parliamentary inquiry has uncovered evidence that links widespread use of neonicotinoid pesticides to decline in bees.
The Guardian (12 Dec)
Find out about the evidence the Soil Association gave at the Environmental Audit Committee.

Soil Association Scotland joins GM debate
Kaye discusses GM food with guests including Soil Association’s Laura Stewart.
Coverage starts at 1:00
BBC Radio Scotland (12 Dec)

Pesticides: Now More Than Ever
How quickly we forget. After the publication of “Silent Spring,” 50 years ago, we (scientists, environmental and health advocates, birdwatchers, citizens) managed to curb the use of pesticides and our exposure to them — only to see their application grow and grow to the point where American agriculture uses more of them than ever before, writes Mark Bitman.
The New York Times (11 Dec)

Farming minister criticises protests against live animal exports
David Heath says animal welfare campaigners may prevent government inspectors implementing checks.
The Guardian (12 Dec)
Heath announces tougher checks for Ramsgate live exports
Farmers Guardian (13 Dec)

Fracking: Green light for shale gas could infuriate rural communities
Ministers are expected to approve gas “fracking” after the Prime Minister said the controversial technique could help bring down household energy bills.
The Telegraph (12 Dec)

Wildlife in danger from plans to scrap Natural England
Some of Britain’s most precious landscapes are in danger of being built on under the Government’s latest plans to weaken protection of the countryside by scrapping environment quangos.
The Telegraph (13 Dec)

Positive talks to improve take-up of hot meals in country schools
A plan to boost the number of children eating hot meals in schools across South Holland has moved a step forward after a visit from food experts heading up a national scheme. (Food for Life mentioned)
Lincolnshire Free Press (11 Dec)
Find out more about the Food for Life partnership

Marine conservation group says UK lacks ambition to preserve seas
The government has been accused of a "lack of ambition" to preserve the seas, ahead of an expected announcement on Thursday about plans for a series of protected marine areas.
The Guardian (13 Dec)

All in the Mind
Government advisers on the Committee on Toxicity have been sent a new review on organophosphates which suggests that low level exposure causes damage to the brain and nervous system. Dr Sarah Mackenzie Ross tells Claudia Hammond that the evidence suggests that people who have been exposed to low levels of organophosphates have impaired cognitive function.
BBC Radio 4, listen now, coverage starts at 21:00 (12 Dec)

Farming Today
The debate on whether shale gas exploration - or fracking - is the best way to meet the country's energy needs is raging. New research shows that vaccinating groups of badgers against TB has a significant impact even on badger cubs that haven't been vaccinated. The Food and Drink Federation says that it's an exciting time for young people to join the industry, as they aim to boost their number of apprenticeships. Anna Hill joins a carrot farmer in Norfolk to look at his crop in the fields, then follows it into the processing plant.
BBC Radio 4, listen again (13 Dec)

And finally… Art of Nature: African wildlife photographed by Heinrich van den Ber
Wildlife photographer Heinrich van den Berg travelled through his native South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Rwanda and Madagascar for his book Art of Nature.
The Telegraph (13 Dec)