Today's News

21 December 2012

“Yesterday I went to the International Film Festival on Organic Farming. I was surprised to learn about the power of soil. This day and age, we are too removed from the earth. At the end of the day, it all comes down to earth, the birth place of everything. I was very moved.”
Ama San, Japan, Global Voices, 21 December 2012

MRSA found in our milk: Superbug strain can cause serious infections in humans and is resistant to antibiotics
A potentially deadly MRSA superbug has been found in British milk for the first time.
The superbug – already a problem in farm animals on the Continent – can cause serious and occasionally deadly infections in humans and is becoming a cause of udder infections in dairy cows. (Soil Association mentioned)
Daily Mail (21 Dec)
Read the Soil Association press release

Meet the Weeds That Monsanto can't beat
When Monsanto revolutionized agriculture with a line of genetically engineered seeds, the promise was that the technology would lower herbicide use—because farmers would have to spray less. In fact, as Washington State University researcher Chuch Benbrook hasshown, just the opposite happened.
Mother Jones (20 Dec)

Innovative shop Unpackaged is at the forefront of a consumer revolution
It sells everything you could ever need for a great meal. There's only one catch – it won't give you anything to take it all home in.
The Independent (19 Dec)

Film Festival on Organic Farming in Japan
The festival showcased 12 films about the environment, farmers and organic farming including “Yet We Sow: Voices of Organic Farmers after Fukushima“, a short film documenting organic farmers in Fukushima.
Global Voices, watch now, (20 Dec)

Keep Britain Buzzing interview
The Soil Association’s Amy Leech is interviewed on Ujima Radio.
Ujima Radio (20 Dec) Coverage starts at 48.45
Find out what you can do to Keep Britain Buzzing

Organic farming pays off for Nairobi farmers
For nearly four years, Sally Niaisiae, an elderly mother of six does not remember making a trip to the local market to buy vegetables as she did before.
Coastweek (20 Dec)

Stay home and keep gardening
A sun-soaked holiday taking in some of the world’s most beautiful gardens is a lovely idea, given the growing year we’ve had – but only until you join up your thinking, writes John Walker.
John Walker’s renewable gardening (19 Dec)

Opinion: Russia’s adoption of organic food standards – pros, cons and prejudice
Will Russia feed Europe with organic foods? It probably will, but definitely not in the near future.
Fresh Fruit Portal (20 Dec)

County Farm’s festive vegetables sprout up in Asda
Festive sprouts will bring a splash of colour to the dining table this Christmas thanks to a Lincolnshire farm.
Lincolnshire Echo (20 Dec)

George Brown wins Farmers Apprentice
A 21-year-old Cambridge University graduate with no farming background has been revealed as the winner of the Farmers Apprentice 2012.
Farmers Weekly (20 Dec)

Farming Today
Nearly half of EU member states will be producing illegal pork from the start of January as the sow stall ban comes in to force. Starlings from abroad swoop in and eat feed for dairy cows, one farmer says it could change how he farms A top European vet says there is no need for a vaccine against the Schmallenberg disease. As Christmas approaches, Charlotte Smith discovers how new varieties of brussell sprouts aim to reach new markets.
BBC Radio 4, listen again (21 Dec)

And finally... Andrew Osokin's macro photographs of snowflakes and ice formations
Andrew Osokin's macro photographs of snowflakes and ice formations. The Moscow-based photographer captures detailed photos of the intricate structures of individual snowflakes and ice crystals that are in the process of melting away.
The Telegraph (21 Dec)

We wish all our subscribers a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year. The Today’s News service will resume on 3rd January 2013.