Today's News

18 December 2012

“Consumers have the right to know how their food has been produced, and we call on the minister to immediately introduce compulsory labelling. The resistance raises the question: what is the GM industry afraid of?”
Rob Sexton, CEO Soil Association Certification, The Grocer, 18 December 2012

'Frankenstein food' a good thing? It's all great GM lies
There is no doubt that it was a declaration of the Government’s colours on genetically modified farming when Environment Secretary Owen Paterson rounded on critics of GM technology as ‘humbugs’ last week, and insisted GM food should be grown and sold widely in Britain. (Soil Association mentioned)
Daily Mail (17 Dec)

Compulsory labels are a must for GM products
“Sir, it is of great concern that Owen Paterson dismisses the potential health risks of GM crops on the basis that consumers have already been exposed to GM through animal feeds,” writes Rob Sexton, CEO of Soil Association Certification.
The Grocer (15 Dec)

Welsh Dairy Trioni scores organic milk deal with China
Welsh organic milk supplier, and Soil Association licensee, Trioni is set to make waves in the Far East after securing a deal to supply its branded organic UHT milk to China.
The Grocer (15 Dec)

Consumerism Christmas – the sustainability dilemma
I really do not want to be bah humbug as I love December for its promise of Christmas: carols and roaring fires, warm mince pies and our very special annual trip to Clearwell Caves to visit the big man himself. There is something deeply lovely about children's wonderment and the general feeling of goodwill that permeates the season, writes Vicky Grinnell-Wright.
The Guardian (17 Dec)
Have a look at the Soil Association guide to an ethical Christmas

Genetically modified food-crops: blessing or curse?
There is immense pressure on developing countries to adopt genetically modified (GM) crops in the shortest possible time to supposedly ensure food security and boost agricultural productivity.
The Express Tribune (17 Dec)

Brazil GMO planting to increase by 14 percent this season
Brazil will increase the amount of land planted with genetically modified soy, corn and cotton by 14 percent this season from a year ago as it shoulders a growing share of the world's agricultural output, local analytics firm Celeres said on Monday.
Reuters (17 Dec)

David Cameron's local hunt convicted after RSPCA prosecution
Members of the David Cameron's local Oxfordshire hunt have been convicted of hunting foxes illegally in a prosecution brought by the RSPCA.
The Guardian (17 Dec)

Could Scottish salmon farming be transformed by moving to dry land?
Scottish salmon is facing a challenge to its reputation as one of Britain's best loved everyday luxuries, with scares over diseases and sea lice, heavy use of pesticides and seal killing raising fears about its environmental impact, writes Severin Carrell.
The Guardian (17 Dec)

Indian research council in GM crop scandal
A committee set up to investigate a scandal surrounding India's first public-sector GM crop (a genetically modified cotton plant), have indicted scientists involved for deliberately misleading regulators.
Farming Online (17 Dec)

Who's Banking on GMO Apples?
What if you could buy a Granny Smith apple that tasted just like the real deal but wouldn't discolour if left on your plate? Would you care if the apple's genes were manipulated to reduce production of the enzyme responsible for browning?
Huffington Post (17 Dec)

Organisers confident Washington State non-GMO initiative will hit signature goal
A Washington state ballot initiative that seeks to require GMO labelling is nearing its goal of 320,000 signatures, a goal organizers are confident that it will reach.
Food Navigator (17 Dec)

New programme to 'inspire and develop' young farmers
The Royal Welsh Agricultural Society is setting up a Young Members Forum as a means of promoting the society’s aims and objectives to the younger generation.
Farmers Guardian (18 Dec)
Find out about the Soil Association’s Organic Apprenticeship Scheme.

Farming charities call for funding help
Farming charities are facing a winter of tremendous pressure with many producers struggling due to lack of forage and high feed prices.
Farmers Weekly (17 Dec)

Farming Today
An Oxfordshire based hunt have been fined for hunting foxes illegally. As winter lambing begins the threat of the Schmallenberg virus looms large. And as EU fishing talks get underway in Brussels, Farming Today hears fishermen's concerns that there may be cuts to the number of days they can spend at sea.
BBC Radio 4, listen again, (18 Dec)

And finally… Week in pictures: 8-14 December 2012
BBC News (14 Dec)