Today's News - 07 November 2012

“The European Commission must reject HTGE. It must support farmers and the environment and protect constituents rather than fold to the heavy handed lobbying tactics of the agroindustry.”
Kumi Naidoo, Executive Director of Greenpeace International, The Guardian 07 November 2012

Soil association warns of health risk from pig farm
A campaign group, including the Soil Association, has collected more than 25,000 signatures in an attempt to combat plans for a giant pig farm in South Derbyshire.
Derby Evening Telegraph (06 Nov)
Find out more about the Soil Association’s Not in my Banger Campaign

European Commission could open GM pandora's box
Greenpeace Executive Director Kumi Naidoo writes that the EC could soon approve glyphosate-resistant GM crops but reports from the US and Argentina show devastating effects include more pesticides and farmers locked into seed contracts.
The Guardian Blog (07 Nov)

Genetically modified food labeling initiative, Prop 37, appears set to fail
With 63.8 percent of precincts reporting statewide, Proposition 37, an initiative to require labeling of genetically modified foods, appears headed for defeat.
Peninsular Press (06 Nov)
Prop. 37: Genetic food labels losing
SF Gate (06 Nov)
Prop 37: Safer food or invitation for lawsuits?
The Christian Science Monitor (06 Nov)

Making the most of arable crop insect pest predators
Natural insect predators will be the pest controllers of the future, according to University of Hull scientists who are working to help farmers accurately and quickly assess levels of parasitism by insect predators which control crop pests such as aphids.
Farmers Guardian (06 Nov)

Victory for farmers over NVZ challenge
A group of 80 farmers may have saved millions of pounds after mounting a successful challenge to a Nitrate Vulnerable Zone designation.
Farmers Weekly (06 Nov)

Animal welfare concerns reduce during recession
Almost one-fifth of consumers think animal welfare is less important during the recession, according to Which?.
Farmers Weekly (06 Nov)

CAP vote delay threatens hill farmers
Hard-pressed hill farmers are among thousands of UK producers who could suffer after MEPs delayed an important CAP reform vote.
Farmers Weekly (06 Nov)

New online calculator to remedy P&K shortfalls
A new online calculator aims to help growers correct soil nutrient problems, as data reveals nearly one-third of British soils show serious deficiencies in phosphate and potash.
Farmers Weekly (06 Nov)

Poultry sector well-placed to grow
British egg and poultry producers are well-placed to benefit from the expanding global market for their produce, despite the rising cost of feed, competition from overseas and the threat of exotic disease.
Farmers Weekly (05 Nov)

Dairy farmer gangmaster appeal heard in Bristol
One of the dairy farmers caught up in the long-running gangmaster legal case has appealed against his conviction for hiring labour from an unlicensed labour provider.
Farmers Guardian (06 Nov)

UK beaches are dirtiest in a decade, figures show
The surge in sewage, farm and city waste being flushed into the sea is the result of very wet weather, Environment Agency says.
The Guardian (06 Nov)

Farming Today
No episode posted today.

And Finally… US election: Obama victory celebrations – in pictures
Barack Obama celebrates four more years in the White House as Republican Mitt Romney concedes defeat after a closely fought election. Obama's victory was met with jubilation across the country
The Guardian (07 Nov)