Today's News - 04 May 2012

“Using gross yield as a lens to judge the efficiency of our corn crop is like gauging the health of a steroid-addled bodybuilder by measuring his biceps.”
Tom Philpott on a McGill University analysis of organic/conventional comparative studies – Mother Jones – 2 May 2012
 

BCPC attacks anti-GM wheat stance
An anti-GM lobby group has asserted that the Rothamsted GM wheat trial poses a ’contamination’ threat to the local environment and wheat industry. "BCPC considers that the illegal actions of the type proposed by the lobby group are an ’unjustified attack’ on an experiment which has been researched and controlled" said Dr. Colin Ruscoe, Chairman of BCPC.
Farming UK (3 May)

GM protestors pledge to press on with 'direct action'
Protesters threatening to destroy a trial of genetically modified (GM) wheat later this month have made it clear they have no intention of backing down, following a plea from the scientists behind the trials.
Farmers Guardian (3 May)

Balancing needs and fears in the GM crop debate
The Rothamsted Institute is waging a PR offensive against those opposing GM crops. I wonder which PR agency is working with the institute? The message which GM companies want to send to the public is clear: we're open and reasonable and you [the GM activists] are not. But the truth is quite the opposite. Read the letters sent from the general public on the recent GM crop debate.
The Guardian (3 May)

Africa urged to enhance organic farming
Expanding organic farming area is good for Africa’s needs including nutrition, environmental, farmers’ incomes, employment and markets.
Daily News (4 May)
 
Heavy demand for organic fertiliser
A south-east Queensland agribusiness company says there's global demand for its organic fertiliser. An Indian farm group has bought 20,000 litres of the fertiliser that has doubled the yields of some Queensland farmers.
ABC Rural (2 May)

State cracking down on organic food fraud
Authorities will step up measures to shut down substandard organic food businesses, cracking down on illegal activities such as certification misuse and counterfeiting of organic food products.
China Daily (3 May)

Ocado launches organic, gluten-free hot dog
Online supermarket Ocado has listed the first organic, gluten-free hot dog range, which it claims will change the perception of the traditional convenience food belonging exclusively to the outdoor summer experience.
Meat Info (4 May)

Natural deodorants 'may see rise in demand'
One kind of deodorant which is currently making its mark in the world of underarm care is natural and organic products. At present ten per cent of people use all-natural antiperspirants or deodorants, although only five per cent make sure to always buy organic products. This could be something which is set to change, however, as people begin to shift away from standard brands and onto natural options due to sensitive skin.
My Pure (2 May)

Helping farmers produce more efficiently
A new virtual institute to help farmers produce more efficiently and an updated software ‘tool’, which helps farming and food industries to calculate their carbon footprint, are being launched this week.
Farmers Guardian (4 May)

Farming Today
Charlotte Smith hears advancements in farming seaweed which in turn could be used to feed farmed fish. Hundreds more dairy farmers are facing cuts in their income after milk processors Arla and Wisemans followed Dairy Crest's lead and cut the price they pay for milk by two pence per litre.And should cows on a common be fenced in?
BBC Radio 4, listen again (4 May)