Today's news - 22 January 2013

  “Research in the Netherlands has shown that young children fed on organic dairy products, whose mothers also consume organic dairy products, had a 36% lower incidence of an increasingly common allergic condition, eczema.”
Peter Melchett, Soil Association policy director
The Guardian (21 Jan)

Uncovered, the 'toxic' gene hiding in GM crops: Revelation throws new doubt over safety of foods
A virus gene that could be poisonous to humans has been missed when GM food crops have been assessed for safety. GM crops such as corn and soya, which are being grown around the world for both human and farm animal consumption, include the gene. Featuring Peter Melchett of the Soil Association.
Mail Online (21 Jan)
Read about the Soil Association’s position on GM here

GM food: A better way of farming or a health risk?
In an age where our resources are on the wane and our population is on the rise – there will be more than 9bn people in the world in 40 years – the numbers are worrying. But where do these statistics leave genetically modified (GM) food? Should we be concerned about modifying the DNA of crops such as soya, maize and oilseed rape to improve output when we aren’t using up what we already have? With comment from Peter Melchett, policy director of the Soil Association.
Metro (22 Jan)

Eco-nosh wins national gong for At-Bristol
The At-Bristol cafe has received a national award for its contribution to the centre's sustainability. The cafe, which sits alongside the popular science centre on Millennium Square, now boasts a Silver Food for Life Catering Mark from the Soil Association.
Thisisbristol.co.uk (21 Jan)
Read more about the Soil Association Catering Mark

Letter: Eczema in children
The latest research linking allergies and asthma to fast food is another important indication of the risk to child health posed by highly processed food. From Peter Melchett of the Soil Association.
The Guardian (21 Jan)

Report Shows Growth Potential for Food Co-ops
A new report from the Soil Association highlights the growth potential of food co-ops and buying groups to support access to affordable, ethical and sustainable produce. Comment from Traci Lewis, project manager at the Soil Association.
The Poultry Site (22 Jan)

Mackerel no longer an 'ethical' choice because of overfishing
Mackerel, once promoted by celebrity chefs as an "ethical" fish, could disappear from British dinner tables after being taken off a list of what can be eaten with a clear conscience because of overfishing.
The Telegraph (22 Jan)

Fish caught close to the Fukushima nuclear plant was 2,500 times over the legal safe radiation limit
The murasoi fish, which is comparable to a rockfish, was found in the area surrounding the now-closed power plant.
The Independent (21 Jan)

Organic eggs 'still declining'
Recent statistics indicate that demand for organic eggs is still declining. Figures compiled by Kantar Worldpanel for the 52 week period up to October 28 this year showed that organic egg sales were down by 35.3 per cent year on year - and this was on top of previous falls in organic sales figures. Featuring comment from Finn Cottle of the Soil Assiciation.
The Ranger (16 Jan)

Beef: An organic beef system built from scratch
Building a successful beef business from scratch takes a huge amount of effort but it should also prove to be enormously rewarding, as Jane Brown discovers.
Farmers Guardian (21 Jan)

Farmers urged to act now against liver fluke
Sheep producers must act now to mitigate against fluke levels and avoid losses this lambing season, animal health experts are warning.
Farmers Weekly (21 Jan)

Wet weather increases risk of Johne's disease
Cases of Johne's disease could increase this year as a result of wet soil conditions following a washout 2012.
Farmers Weekly (21 Jan)

Greater protection of UK's seas could deliver economic benefits, report finds
Greater protection of the UK's seas could deliver economic returns from activities ranging from commercial and recreational fishing to nature watching, according to a report by Plymouth University.
The Guardian (22 Jan)

Is our food shrinking?
Tins of tuna seem lighter, there are fewer chunks in a chocolate bar… are food companies using a recession-fuelled strategy to reduce the size of their products rather than increasing prices?
The Guardian (21 Jan)

Africa can meet food security challenge, summit hears
Africa could make a significant contribution to feeding the growing world population but ‘primitive’ farming methods must be overhauled.
Farmers Guardian (21 Jan)

Farmers could get paid twice over for 'greening'
The European Commission is attempting to reform the EU’s agriculture policy, under which farmers get subsidies based on the amount of land they own. But many MEPs are fighting the proposed changes.
BBC News online

Farming Today
Anna Hill delves into the snow to see how birds are struggling to survive in the cold snap
BBC Radio 4 (22 Jan)

And Finally… Some pictures of animals in the snow
The Telegraph (18 Jan)