Today's News - 06 February 2013
"Of great concern is the number of drowned worms I am finding on the soil surface, which crows and rooks are now feasting on. They play such a vital role in the biology of soils. I just hope the recovery will be rapid once the weather improves." Stephen Harrison, Farmers Weekly (5 Feb)
Will transparency on products' costs appeal more to consumers?
Keebunga is designing its website so consumers can see all the costs associated with its products – a move its founder hopes will pay off.
The Guardian (5 Feb)
Plants help dispose of toxic threat
French scientists study 'phytoextraction' as way of decontaminating soil polluted by mining
The Guardian (5 Feb)
Immediate Action Is Needed to Avert Britain's Recipe for Disaster
Thousands of British children are going to school hungry every day, while the country faces an obesity and dietary crisis that is costing the NHS £6bn per year. The numbers speak for themselves: Britain has sleepwalked into a diet crisis, with unaffordable social and economic implications.
Huffington Post (6 Feb)
UK urges EU to clamp down on countries floating the battery-cage ban
One year after the EU-wide ban on ¬battery cages that caused egg prices to soar, some countries have still not complied.
The Grocer (2 Feb)
'Drowned worms' a concern for soils
Damage to soils during recent months may take years to repair, warns an agronomist, urging growers to plan remedial work for autumn 2013 now.
Farmers Weekly (5 Feb)
Global worming: how worms are accelerating climate change
Earthworms improve soil fertility but result in a net increase in greenhouse gases, study concludes.
The Guardian (5 Feb)
Organic route to promote Geographical Indications crops
The horticulture department in Mysore is going all out in its efforts to protect Geographical Indications (GI) crops Nanjangud Rasabale (banana), Mysore Mallige and Mysore veeledele (betel leaf), which are on the verge of extinction. But they have taken the organic farming route over conventional system, wherein chemicals are used.
Times of India (5 Feb)
Horse DNA found in Northern Ireland cold store 'came from Irish supplier'
Freeza Meats says it was holding meat found with horse DNA for another company 'in goodwill' after declining to buy it.
The Guardian (5 Feb)
Fishing campaigners urge MPs to vote for discards reform
A European parliament vote will determine the future of the practice, by which dead fish are thrown back if fishermen catch more than their quota.
The Guardian (5 Feb)
The National Trust’s gardens need to move with the times
The National Trust suffers from trying to preserve its gardens as they looked in the past, argues Tim Richardson.
The Telegraph (6 Feb)
Foston large-scale farm decision delayed again
A planning decision over proposals to build a large-scale pig farm in Foston has been delayed again.
Farmers Weekly (6 Feb)
Read more on the Soil Association position on Foston proposals
Agri-environment scheme derogations after weather chaos
Degrogations will continue to be made available to help farmers in Environmental Stewardship (ES) schemes who are counting the cost of last year’s extreme weather conditions.
Farmers Guardian (5 Feb)
Britain 'can't afford to overlook' halal trade
A significant rise in the Muslim population revealed in the 2011 census has prompted new research into the Halal meat market.
Farmers Guardian (5 Feb)
Farming Today
The biggest shake-up in the history of the EU's fisheries policy is expected to be announced today. For the first time, the policy will be decided by MEPs directly in Strasbourg. Also on Farming Today, hundreds of farmers and land-owners fear they could lose out financially when the new high speed rail line HS2 is built. Anna Hill asks why the Country Land and Business Association is urging the Government to reform the current system for compulsory purchase. The CLA claims the present arrangements will leave many of its members out of pocket.
BBC Radio 4, Listen again (6 Feb)
And finally… The Wombles at 40 – why we need them more than ever
The Guardian (5 Feb)
