Today's News
20 December 2012
"People in Shanghai are definitely becoming more interested in organic farming. People are curious to see the farms, to order fresh vegetables and also they just want something fun and new to do on the weekends."
Kimberly Ashton, Founder of Sprout lifestyle, Shanghai, Global Times, 20 December 2012
Fisheries minister 'delighted' with EU quota deal
Richard Benyon says he has secured 'the best possible deal for the UK fishing industry' after fending off quota cuts
The Guardian (20 Dec)
Our GM policy is starving Africa
Genetic modification sells newspapers. In recent months, five UK tabloids and broadsheets have led with a front page article on GM.
Farmers Weekly (20 Dec)
Read about our position on GM
How to manage post-harvest loss
Much of the food grown in developing countries never makes it past the farm gate, contributing to food insecurity. Caspar van Vark reviews the techniques used to address PHL
The Guardian (14 Dec)
European science agency backs GM pollen use in food
Europe’s top food safety regulator has delivered a scientific opinion backing Monsanto’s application to place genetically modified (GM) pollen on the market for use 'in or as foods.'
Food Navigator (19 Dec)
Organic Astronaut: Chris Hadfield heads into space
Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield will embark on a 5-month mission to the International Space Station. But what will he be eating while he’s up there? Healthy, organic products, obviously.
Food Beat (19 Dec)
Organic addicts
With a growing number of organic farms around Shanghai, day trips to these rural retreats are becoming ever more popular with city dwellers.
Global Times (19 Dec)
Poultry scare hits Yum Brands’ reputation
Yum Brands, which owns the popular fast-food chain KFC, saw its reputation in China shaken on Wednesday by allegations that its suppliers injected antiviral drugs and growth hormones into poultry in ways that violated mainland food safety regulations.
Financial Times (19 Dec)
Full product transparency gives consumers more informed choices
Labelling products with their whole life cycle impact allows consumers to make more sustainable decisions and beats current labelling processes.
The Guardian (18 Dec)
CEO of Nature’s Path Talks About GMOs
Recently, I had the pleasure of speaking with Arran Stephens, CEO of Nature’s Path. For those who don’t know, Nature’s Path is the largest organic breakfast foods company in North America, and one of the biggest supporters of the initiative to have genetically modified foods labeled. (Nature’s Path donated $660,000 to Prop. 37.) Nature’s Path is an independent business, owned by Stephens and his family, writes Aimee Dansereau.
Care2makeadifference (19 Dec)
Consumers continue to clamour for organic food
U.S. consumers spent about $30 billion on organic foods and beverages last year, up 9.4% from 2010 and significantly more than the $1 billion they spent in 1990, according to data from the Organic Trade Association.
Smartblog (18 Dec)
CAP reform plans reduced to 100 amendments
The European Parliament's agriculture committee has reduced the European Commission's CAP reform proposals to just 100 "compromise' amendments.
Farmers Weekly (19 Dec)
http://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/19/12/2012/136843/CAP-reform-plans-reduced-to-100-amendments.htm
Research grant to aid pest predators
Harper Adams University has secured £180,000 to fund two new PhD studentships.
Farmers Guardian (19 Dec)
Prince Charles donates £150,000 to farming charities
Farming support groups have welcomed a six figure windfall from Prince Charles this Christmas to help struggling farmers.
Farmers Guardian (18 Dec)
Farming today
Farmers are receiving food handouts, as a charity tells us that rural poverty is on the rise. There are calls for a ban on importing ash wood in an effort to prevent the spread of ash dieback disease. And Sarah Swadling visits a Prime Stock show in Truro.
BBC Radio 4, listen again, (20 Dec)
And finally…The Best Astronomy Images of 2012
The Universe is beautiful.
Slate (19 Dec)
