Today's News - 15 January 2013

 
"Indian farmers are better than scientists.It was amazing to see their success in organic farming. Agriculture scientists from across the world should visit their farm land to learn and be inspired by them."
Joseph Stiglitz, India Daily News (15 Jan)

Richard Kay: Prince of sales bucks his critics
Last week, it was revealed the Duchy had achieved record sales under the stewardship of Waitrose, which was forced to rescue the brand in 2009.
The Daily Mail (14 Jan)

Neonicotinoid ban could cost farmers 'millions'
Farmers could be hit for millions of pounds if restrictions on neonicotinoid seed treatments are introduced in the UK, a new report warns. Featuring comment from the Soil Association’s Peter Melchett.
Farmers Weekly (14 Jan)
Farmers Guardian (14 Jan) 
Read the full Soil Association response

‘Agroecology Alliance’ launched at alternative farming conference
There was passion and realism on display at this year’s Real Farming Conference, the feisty rival to the establishment Oxford Farming Conference. Michael Wale reflects on a tale of two conferences. Featuring comment from Helen Browning, director at the Soil Association. 
Natural Products (14 Jan)

Fast food and takeaways linked to surge in child asthma and allergies
An international collaboration of scientists has found that young teenagers in particular are nearly 40% more likely to have severe asthma if they eat burgers and other types of fast food more than three times a week.
The Guardian (15 Jan) 

EFSA Releases Data on Monsanto's Genetically Modified Corn
The European Union's risk assessment body for food and food safety said Monday it has released on its website data on a type of genetically modified corn made by Monsanto Co. (MON) due to the level of public interest.
Fox Business (14 Jan)
The Soil Associations position on GM

Will Governments Get to Grips with Antibiotic Use?
The use of antibiotics on farm has been causing concern among consumers, farmers, politicians and lobby groups for some time and it is starting to become a major crusade for some to restrict their use, writes Chris Harris.
The Cattle Site (14 Jan)
Read the full Soil Association comment 

Non-GMO corn has its place
The convergence of several factors appears to be pushing some growers away from paying the higher price for traited seed when conventional seed might perform just as well.
AG Professional (11 Jan)

Citizens were lied to over GM study
The first study to test the effects of eating a GM food and its associated pesticide over the animals' lifetime of two years. The study found that GM maize and Roundup caused severe organ damage and increased tumour rates, as well as earlier death.
Public Service Europe (14 Jan)

Indian farmers better than scientists: Nobel laureate Joseph Stiglitz
Nobel laureate Joseph E. Stiglitz is impressed by the organic farming practices in Bihar's Nalanda district, terming its practitioners "better than scientists" and calling for their experiences to be researched so that these can be replicated elsewhere.
India Daily News (15 Jan)

Activists call for no GMO foods at President Obama Inauguration (Video)
Hundreds of safe food activists will hold a "GMO Free Inauguration" by sharing organic & non-GMO food and hot drinks via a roving musical assembly. The group will call upon President Obama to follow through with his 2007 campaign promise to label foods with genetically engineered (GMO) ingredients.
Examiner (14 Jan)

Organic Food in the UK Industry Market Research Report Now Updated by IBISWorld
After a recession led retraction in revenue over the five years through 2012-13 the organic industry is expected to return to growth over the five years to 2017-18 as consumers regain their taste for organic produce as the economy recovers.
San Fransisco Chronicle (14 Jan)

U.K. consumer attitudes study reveals preference for GM labelling
A survey from the U.K.’s Food Standards Agency (FSA) has found consumers show a slight preference for genetically-modified (GM) food labeling.
Fresh Fruit Portal (15 Jan)
Read the Soil Association response to this story 

EFSA Releases Data on Monsanto's Genetically Modified Corn
The European Union's risk assessment body for food and food safety said Monday it has released on its website data on a type of genetically modified corn made by Monsanto Co. (MON) due to the level of public interest.
Fox Business (14 Jan)

Farming Today
The Moo Man, a film about a UK dairy farmer, is up for an award at Sundance Festival.
BBC Radio 4, listen again (14th Jan) 

And finally… A photo of a giant squid. (No, really. It’s giant.) NPR, (13 Jan)