News - Wider Agricultural Issues (148 articles)
Covering issues including the environment, food miles, biofuels, Genetic Modification and carbon footprinting.
ORC OPEN DAYS
Added: 25th June 2010
Celebrating 30 years of the Organic Research Centre
The Organic Research Centre is holding two open days on the 16th & 17th of July as part of our 30th Anniversary programme.
Read the full article
Communicating the organic message
Added: 19th May 2010
Discussion & presentations from the ORC Producer conference
OF&G initiatives – a certifier’s perspective
Read the full article
The difference between price and value
Added: 28th April 2010
Editorial from ORC's Bulletin #99
Lawrence Woodward comments on the recent NAO report about OELS taken from the lastest issue of the Organic Research Centre's Bulletin.
Read the full article
PUSH THE PESTICIDE INDUSTRY BACK
Added: 28th April 2010
Let DEFRA know voluntary controls are inadequate
There is currently a DEFRA consultation on pesticides which is only open until the 4th May 2010. Georgina Downs of UK Pesticides Campaign describes how you can have input to the process.
Read the full article
Food quality: which production practices make a difference?
Added: 1st April 2010
Discussion & presentations from the ORC Producer Conference
Hardy Vogtmann highlighted the need to integrate decision making regarding food quality with biodiversity issues. Gillian Butler reported that fresh forage intake improves milk quality in respect to fatty acids and antioxidants. Johannes Kahl reviewed approaches of food quality assessment and proposed that a more holistic approach be used. The discussion compared food quality assessment with a reductionist vs. a holistic approach and stressed the importance of consumer education. An example was given of how striving for food quality can clash with economic needs at the farm level.
Read the full article
Challenging GM
Added: 1st April 2010
Discussion & presentations from the ORC Producer Conference
Beatrix Tappeser reported on German developments regarding GM crops, focusing on ways to reduce GM contamination, including German nature conservation laws, GM-free regions formed by farmers and towns. Pete Riley presented data on weeds with tolerance against herbicides used in GM herbicide tolerant crops. Sixteen weed biotypes are currently resistant against the market leader Roundup and pesticide spraying is increasing in the US in GM crops. Julia Wright focused on work in Cuba to reduce drought vulnerability. Approaches included education, drought tolerant varieties and rainwater capture. It was discussed that public awareness about herbicide resistant weeds should be increased.
Read the full article
Making organic farming work financially
Added: 1st April 2010
Discussion & presentations from the ORC Producer Conference
This session pulled together about 25 - 30 people looking to find out how they can make organic farming work financially, four presentations were given on the use of benchmarking and the financial performance of organic farms compared to conventional. The final presentation was an interesting take on money recycling and how to keep this within the organic system. A number of questions were then taken that ranged from ‘How much will the consumer be prepared to pay for organic food?' to ‘The biggest cost to my business is the cost of certification can this be justified?'. The conclusion from the discussion was that we must not be despondent as co-operation is working within different sectors. However, we need to co-operate more and be willing to commit to a price.
Read the full article
Energy self-sufficiency/renewable energy opportunities on farms
Added: 1st April 2010
Discussion & presentations from the ORC Producer Conference
Whether powering a tractor or heating a farmhouse the use of energy generates both financial and environmental costs to the farming business. The Sustainable Energy session aimed to expose hotspots of high energy use on organic farms and examine possible ways of replacing the financial costs associated with importing energy onto the farm with a financial income generated from producing energy on the farm. As farms are the ideal place on which to produce sustainable energy from sources such as wood biomass, wind, or anaerobic digestion, the environmental impact of agriculture can also be reduced through on farm energy production.
Read the full article
Organic Farming and Climate Change
Added: 1st April 2010
Discussion & presentations from the ORC Producer Conference
Much is claimed about the impacts of organic farming on climate change, both positive and negative – the evidence is mixed and a real understanding depends on looking in more depth at the impacts of specific organic management practices on key components of climate change. This session compared the emissions and energy efficiency of organic farming and conventional systems, and looked at how the damaging greenhouse gases of methane and nitrous oxide can be reduced within agriculture. The key issue of carbon sequestration was also touched upon, and the difficulties with making accurate predictions in this field
Read the full article
New approaches to nutrient management in organic farming
Added: 1st April 2010
Discussion & presentations from the ORC Producer Conference
This session, chaired by Christine Watson from the SAC, explored how new research results contribute to improving nutrient management for food and feed crops in organic systems. Excellent presentations from Francis Rayns (Garden Organic) and Robin Walker (SAC) discussed results from a number of trials investigating a range of management approaches to N and P availability, while Liz Stockdale (Newcastle University) used a novel approach involving chocolate, toffees and delegates to demonstrate K availability in soils. Discussion focused on the practical implications of these research results for producers.
Read the full article
Biodiversity and ecosystem services
Added: 1st April 2010
Discussion & presentations from the ORC Producer Conference
This session focussed on the ecosystem services that a farm can potentially provide, and offered an insight into the inspiration that positive experiences of biodiversity can offer. Laura Hathaway-Jenkins (Cranfield University) reported on her PhD project, which studies the effect of agricultural management on soil structure and infiltration rates. John Bacon’s (Values in Nature and the Environment) presentation was given in absentia, but he encouraged us to share our passion for biodiversity in order to enthuse and inspire others. Nick Cooper (Natural England) presented the CALM (Carbon Accounting for Land Managers) tool: a software tool that allows the measurement of the effect of Environmental Stewardship options on greenhouse gas emissions from farms.
Read the full article
Agroforestry: Integrating trees with crops and livestock
Added: 1st April 2010
Discussion & presentations from the ORC Producer Conference
Agroforestry: Integrating trees with crops and livestock A lively discussion followed three informative and engaging presentations to a packed audience. Jo Smith (The Organic Research Centre) presented an overview of previous research in this area and Mike Townsend (The Woodland Trust) explained the many and wide-ranging benefits that agroforestry offers. These two presentations were put into context by Stephen Briggs (Abacus Organic and Bluebell Farm), who has recently converted 125 acres of his Cambridgeshire farm into an agroforestry system incorporating 4500 apple trees with combinable crops. This raised questions of the practicalities of tree and fruit management, combinable cropping and policy.
Read the full article
Sustainable Food Security
Added: 1st April 2010
Discussion & presentations from the ORC Producer Conference
The discussion on “Sustainable Food Security” was lead by presentations by Niels Halberg who presented a paper titled “Is Organic Farming an unjustified luxury in a world with too many hungry people?” and Lawrence Woodward with a paper titled “Organic Farming and Food Security – A UK Perspective”. Halberg spoke of how an increasing world population and climate change will be a challenge to food security but there is a need for a new production paradigm to integrate natural resource management with food and nutritional security. He suggested that organic (both certified and non-certified) can significantly contribute to this new approach. Woodward raised the questions of why UK governments and policy makers do not see organic farming as being part of the solution and conclude that it was probably due to the focus on yields rather than total productivity. He concluded that organic farming does have a role to play in food security but that the real challenge is shifting the policy debate from more food at any cost. We need to embrace food sovereignty and this will allow us to call for and make fundamental change.
Read the full article
ORC Producer Conference 2010 proceedings now available online
Added: 1st April 2010
Session summaries & presentations from this years conference
We are pleased to be able to offer content from the 2010 Organic Research Centre's Producer Conference online.
Read the full article
Coming soon
Added: 7th December 2009
A new article is coming soon
A new article is under preparation.
Read the full article
2010 Organic Producer's Conference
Added: 25th November 2009
An information packed Organic Producer Conference
Despite the inclement weather the 2010 Organic Producer Conference was very well attended and information packed, with many inspirational speakers.
Working with the Organic Growers Alliance, The Institute of Organic Training and Advice, The Colloquium of Organic Researchers, GM Freeze and other producer and research groups, the Organic Research Centre pulled together a stimulating and highly informative programme.
The conference's presentations will soon be made available on this website.
Read the full article
2010 Organic Producer's Conference
Added: 22nd October 2009
The Organic Reserch Centre's producer conference January 7-8
The Organic Reserch Centre's annual producer conference will be taking place in January 2010 at Harper Adams and there will be a full and exciting programme. This year the conference has been extended to two full days with more workshops and contributions. This will allow us to explore the full range of issues and challenges which organic producers need to grapple with in developing their systems.
Download the conference flyer with the full programme and the Booking and registration form here.
Read the full article
Stabilising wheat yields
Added: 21st October 2009
Can genetic diversity increase reliability of wheat crops?
Employing high genetic diversity within a crop is one way in which arable production can buffer against increased variability of weather patterns due to climate change. The potential of this approach to combat variability has been demonstrated, by the Organic Research Centre, in field trials where genetically diverse wheat populations have shown high ield stability across years.
Read the full article
2010 ORGANIC PRODUCERS’ CONFERENCE
Added: 24th September 2009
CALL FOR PAPERS AND WORKSHOP PROPOSALS
CALL FOR PAPERS AND WORKSHOP PROPOSALS
7th and 8th January 2010 Harper Adams University, Shropshire, TF10 8NB
Read the full article
SWINE FLU MUTATES AGAIN AS COMPLACENCY GROWS
Added: 14th September 2009
Failure of government to take action on swine's flu
There have been warnings this week from business leaders against complacency about swine flu. Although the UK’s Chief Medical Officer has reduced his estimate of “worst case scenario” deaths to 19,000, employers are being warned to have contingency plans available for the next wave peak in October and November.
Read the full article
Organic Centre Wales wins bid and is now recruiting
Added: 14th September 2009
ORW secures funds to provide better Organic Business Links
Organic Centre Wales has been successful in its bid to the Supply Chain Efficiency programme of the Welsh Assembly Government and has secured funding of £2m over the next three years.
Read the full article
Join the campaign to grow the organic market in the UK
Added: 8th September 2009
We have done it, will you?
The benefits that organic produce and organic farming bring to both consumers and society, need to be communicated much better to the public. A bid to the EU could secure funds to organize a large marketing campaign to support the sector.
Read the full article
Opening of new Conference Centre
Added: 27th August 2009
New Conference Centre available for booking.
The new Conference and Educational Centre, housed in the transformed Grade II listed barn, is now available for booking.
Read the full article
Wales Consults on Managing GM Co-existence.
Added: 26th August 2009
Welsh Assembly Government Issue GM-Coexistence Consultation
The Welsh Assembly Government has issued a consultation on the coexistence of GM, conventional and organic crops in Wales. The proposals are stronger than those proposed in 2006 by Defra for England and if enacted would give Welsh farmers greater protection. The consultation document can be obtained from WAG and the closing date for responses is 22nd September 2009.
Read the full article
Making the low carbon economy work
Added: 18th June 2009
Insider accounts of low carbon initiatives
Technological and economic initiatives alone will not be enough to bring about the radical change needed to combat runaway global warming. Human relationships and social interactions are critical to initiating and driving innovation. “Lowcarbonworks” is a five year project that has been studying how industry and local authorities have managed low carbon initiatives. A conference; “Insider Voices: Human dimensions of low carbon technology” is being held on 14th July where 7 examples of successful and unsuccessful initiatives will be presented to highlight practical ways forward.
Read the full article
Good news info about organic soy
Added: 28th May 2009
Organic Soy Report looks at market claims.
The Cornucopia Institute’s Organic Soy Report analyses companies that market organic soy foods, on criteria they believe are important to organic consumers.
Read the full article
Protected cropping moves up the organic agenda
Added: 18th May 2009
Protected cropping rules shouldn't allow non soil production
Protected cropping is likely to move onto the agenda of the Standing Committee of Organic Farming in its quest to fill in the gaps of the new EU Regulations.
Read the full article
Swine flu – another avian flu?
Added: 29th April 2009
A food system that kills – a global problem.
Once again, the global meat industry is at the centre of the latest crisis, ramping up denials as the weight of evidence about its role grows.
Read the full article
Lead poisoning in livestock
Added: 29th April 2009
Food Standards Agency highlights on-farm problem.
The Food Standards Agency has produced a leaflet as a part of its strategic aim to reduce food safety incidents.
Read the full article
Good news for Farming Futures
Added: 29th April 2009
Defra gives £150,000 towards the Farming Futures project.
From facing shut down in March, the fortunes of Farming Futures have been turned around by a Defra grant which means the project can run on for another year until March 2010.
Read the full article
Are Factory Farms Breeding Grounds of Swine Flu ?
Added: 28th April 2009
Mexican pig producers deny being source of deadly flu.
Producers say all their animals are healthy, and that it is scientifically "not possible" for hogs to infect people with the illness.
Read the full article
Natural England and National Trust launch major campaign
Added: 24th April 2009
Support for vanishing orchards
A report warns that since the 1950s, nearly two-thirds of orchards have disappeared - the victims of developers, industrial farming and changing land use.
Read the full article
Rachel's drops 'organic' from name
Added: 21st April 2009
Dairy company Rachel's to drop the term 'organic'
Recession to blame for long-established organic farm changing its marketing policy.
Read the full article
Call to ban honey bee killing pesticides rejected
Added: 9th April 2009
Calls to ban insecticide
Defra rejects calls from the organic lobby to ban insecticides claimed to damage honey bee health.
Read the full article
Biodiversity indicators released
Added: 3rd April 2009
Latest biodiversity indicators
Indicators provide insight into the health of our natural environment.
Read the full article
Commission publishes co-existence report
Added: 3rd April 2009
New report provides overview of national strategies for GM
Report sets out national strategies for GM coexistence with conventional and organic farming.
Read the full article
Organic Feed 'Holidays'
Added: 26th March 2009
The Organic Research Centre stands by its principles
The Soil Association agreed not to pursue its proposal for feed holidays in the face of overwhelming opposition to it.
Read the full article
No change on organic animal feed.
Added: 24th March 2009
Soil Association Standards Board
Soil Association decides against change in current economic climate.
Read the full article
Action on antibiotic use in farming
Added: 24th March 2009
Soil Association has repeated its call to Government
The Soil Association urges the Government to step in and take action to reduce the use of antibiotics in UK farming.
Read the full article
Growing Welsh organic sector remains competitive
Added: 17th March 2009
Welsh Organic Production and Market Report
Latest report from Organic Centre Wales shows that the Welsh organic sector saw significant growth in 2008.
Read the full article
New initiative to secure EU funding
Added: 13th March 2009
Calls for a public information campaign on organic food
New initiative for EU funding gathers pace.
Read the full article
Organic farms no better at natural pest control
Added: 4th March 2009
Study of natural pest control
Results from a Bristol University study of natural pest control on conventional and organic farms in the southwest found no difference between the two systems.
Read the full article
New green farming guide launched
Added: 27th January 2009
A new one-stop shop practical guide
New booklet offering free advice to help farmers, growers and land managers protect the environment effectively is now available.
Read the full article
Update on Bluetongue
Added: 26th January 2009
Leave it to market forces?
Defra decides on free market approach to vaccination.
Read the full article
The Organic Research Centre Producer Conference
Added: 22nd January 2009
Proceedings, slides and notes from the January conference
Conference Proceedings
Read the full article
New cash for threatened English bees
Added: 22nd January 2009
Boost for National Bee Unit
Defra pledges over £2m for research into bee health.
Read the full article
Sainsbury’s gets to work on its eggs
Added: 20th January 2009
Sainsbury's to ban basic, battery production
The first of the “big four” supermarkets is to stop selling battery produced eggs.
Read the full article
Organic Movement or Market?
Added: 16th January 2009
Organic farmers and producers in hot debate
Lively discussions at the recent Organic Research Centre Producer Conference.
Read the full article
National real bread campaign
Added: 12th January 2009
New challenge to industrial bakers
A national campaign for Real Bread in the UK has been launched by the environment alliance Sustain, of which the Organic Research Centre (ORC) is a member. This Real Bread coalition of consumers, bakers and campaigners has been forged to challenge the giant industrial baking companies that dominate the modern bread market.
Read the full article
New call from Defra on Bluetongue
Added: 17th December 2008
Government continues to push voluntary vaccination
Defra wants farmers to voluntarily vaccinate their stock.
Read the full article
Livestock manifesto launched
Added: 10th December 2008
Call for truly sustainable production methods
New manifesto for UK and EU livestock production has been launched by Friends of the Earth at a reception at the House of Commons (December 8th).
Read the full article
Let them eat organic
Added: 8th December 2008
Organic livestock should be reared on proper organic food
Recent dioxin scare in Irish pig rations highlights dangers of diluting organic feed standards.
Read the full article
Sense at last in EU GMO debate?
Added: 8th December 2008
Environment Ministers agree new process
EU Ministers make clear that dramatic improvement in assessing ways of GMO risks to health and environment are needed.
Read the full article
EU organic road map
Added: 3rd December 2008
Plotting the future course of sustainable agriculture
A new “road map” for EU organic agriculture has been launched in Brussels.
Read the full article
Rewarding food excellence
Added: 2nd December 2008
BBC Food And Farming Awards 2008
The winners of BBC Radio 4’s Food and Farming Awards 2008 have been announced.
Read the full article
New superbug worries
Added: 24th November 2008
Mutant strain of antibiotic-resistant E.coli found in the UK
Emergence on a British dairy farm of a mutant strain of antibiotic-resistant E. coli.
Read the full article
Changing face of UK food sales, health and obesity
Added: 24th November 2008
Sales of frozen food, pizzas and burgers on the rise
Organic sales being squeezed.
Read the full article
Biomass Environmental Assessment Tool
Added: 18th November 2008
New tool for assessing likely environmental impact
It has been developed by AEA Technology Plc, in partnership with the Environment Agency and DEFRA.
Read the full article
UK farmland birds - must do better
Added: 7th November 2008
New action needed, says Defra
Defra wildlife minister Huw Irranca-Davies has called for renewed action on farmland birds, as new statistics show a decline in farmland bird populations.
Read the full article
Facing the future
Added: 5th November 2008
Report from the Welsh Organic Producer’s conference
Thursday 23 October 2008, Llanelwedd, Builth Wells
Read the full article
Brussels pushes for GM crops fast track
Added: 27th October 2008
Democratic processes threatened by secret meetings
It has been reported that Gordon Brown and other European leaders are secretly preparing a co-ordinated campaign to spread GM crops and foods in Britain and throughout the EU.
Read the full article
An organic Africa
Added: 23rd October 2008
Breaking the cycle of poverty and malnutrition
If you want to feed a hungry Africa then organic agriculture is your best choice.
Read the full article
Crunch time for real organic market
Added: 17th October 2008
Pioneers to pay price of economic squeeze?
Many organic businesses are facing unprecedented pressure.
Read the full article
H5N1 avian flu is back
Added: 16th October 2008
Germany records new case
New outbreak of the disease in Saxony.
Read the full article
Prince of Wales and the GM “wrong turning”
Added: 6th October 2008
A real threat to organic integrity
His Royal Highness has once again entered the fray on GM crops.
Read the full article
Welsh organic gathering
Added: 3rd October 2008
Welsh Organic Prod Conference Oct 2008
This year's Organic Centre Wales conference is entitled 'Preparing for a challenging future'
Read the full article
Researchers give thumbs up for organic chicken
Added: 15th September 2008
Italian research says organic chickens are healthier
Organic chicken has a higher concentration of healthy fats than conventional birds with associated health benefits to consumers, says Italian research
Read the full article
Organic boost from expensive oil
Added: 5th September 2008
New report forecasts rising profits for UK organic arable.
Sustainable cereals are profitable cereals.
Read the full article
Life Cycle Analysis – Update
Added: 4th September 2008
Use of Cranfield Life Cycle Model causes controversy
We recently reported on the work undertaken at Cranfield and Manchester University that used a Life Cycle Analysis model of agricultural commodities that suggested that organic products had a poorer environmental footprint than other production systems.
Read the full article
GM fight back in Brazil
Added: 27th August 2008
Brazilian farmers and traders launch non-GM crop body
Is a backlash against GM crops beginning to grow in Brazil?
Read the full article
The long arm of GM contamination
Added: 21st August 2008
French farms say GM maize contaminated their crops 35km away
Fears of serious, long distance contamination of organic farms by GM crops appear top be borne out by an incident in central France.
Read the full article
Winning recipe for birds at Goodwood
Added: 19th August 2008
Organic estate bucks trend in farmland bird numbers.
Home Farm on the Goodwood Estate has seen a 50 per cent increase in the breeding populations of 3 key farmland birds in the five years to 2007.
Read the full article
GM is no friend of the hungry or the poor
Added: 14th August 2008
Comment from Organic Research Centre
ORC's thoughts on the renewed PR campaign for GM crops.
Read the full article
Farm animal cloning “no risk”
Added: 14th August 2008
European Food Safety Agency says cloning OK for food safety
This is the conclusion of (EFSA) whch has published its final scientific opinion on the implications of animal cloning on food safety, animal health and welfare and the environment in the EU.
Read the full article
Brussels delivers organic boost
Added: 29th July 2008
New campaign from EC says organic is good for everyone
A new campaign has been launched by the EC to inform consumers across Europe about the benefits of organic food and to support the development of the organic retail market.
Read the full article
Oil - proof food production
Added: 18th July 2008
Organic and Eco-agriculture applauded by House of Commons
Organic and other forms of ecological agriculture are applauded in a new report from the House of Commons All Party Parliamentary Group on Peak Oil.
Read the full article
At last, a “go-slow” on biofuels
Added: 10th July 2008
Government report 'slows' introduction of UK biofuels
The introduction of biofuels into the UK transport and industry sectors should be slowed down according to the Government’s Renewable Fuels Agency.
Read the full article
Welsh organic production continues to increase
Added: 9th July 2008
Wales’ organic land area increased by 22% during 2008
Thei ncrease in Welsh organic land area equates to 6.4% of the total agricultural area.
Read the full article
GM coexistence in trouble in Spain
Added: 3rd July 2008
GM maize edges out organic production in Spain.
Iin 2006, the Organic Research Centre concluded that routine cross contamination and erosion of the organic market were inevitable. New evidence from Spain shows how right we were.
Read the full article
Organic solution
Added: 1st July 2008
Could organic provide a financially sustainable agriculture?
As the price of fuel and fertilisers rise, could organic provide the answer?
Read the full article
Chips with Everything!
Added: 20th June 2008
Lecture on biomass boilers for farmers and small businesses
A recent event on biomass boilers gave farmers and small businesses the opportunity to learn from those who already use the technology.
Read the full article
90% of global arable land is non GM
Added: 18th June 2008
GM Freeze sets record straight
GM Freeze provides figures showing the proportion of crops which contain GM materials
Read the full article
Artificial chemical fertilisers: unsustainable
Added: 13th June 2008
Report on the unsustainable? use of fertilisers
The Soil Association reports on the economically and environmentally unsustainable use of fertilisers in a changing climate.
Read the full article
Have your say on CAP health check
Added: 11th June 2008
Consultation on the EU proposals for review of CAP
Defra has launched a twelve-week consultation on the European Commission’s proposals for the “Health Check” of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
Read the full article
New round of grants for biomass fuel
Added: 9th June 2008
Grants available for producers of biomass fuel
Farmers, foresters and biomass producers can now apply for up to £200,000 to boost biomass fuel for heat and electricity generation.
Read the full article
City-based farming
Added: 5th June 2008
Concepts for increasing the amount of city-based farming
Concepts for increasing the amount of city-based farming range from high-rise farms to replacing domestic front lawns with edible landscapes.
Read the full article
Avian Influenza confirmed in Oxfordshire
Added: 4th June 2008
H7, Avian Influenza confirmed in oxon
Defra has confirmed that the strain of H7 Avian Influenza present in laying hens at a farm in Banbury is highly pathogenic.
Read the full article
Open Farm Sunday
Added: 3rd June 2008
2008 Open Farm Sunday described as best yet
More than 400 farms involved in this year's event.
Read the full article
Making more use of research
Added: 2nd June 2008
Research information more accessible for farmers & growers
Mark Measures, Director of the Institute of Organic Training and Advice summarises the improved access to research information for farmers and advisers.
Read the full article
Environmental Stewardship Review of Progress
Added: 16th May 2008
Defra and Natural England review Environmental Stewardship
A review was conducted by Defra and Natural England on the progress of Environmental Stewardship (ES), the latest phase of agri-environment schemes.
Read the full article
Future of Farming Awards 2008
Added: 13th May 2008
Natural England has launched Future of Farming Awards 2008
The award recognises the most innovative farmers who have successfully integrated the management of biodiversity, landscape and access with the main business of their farms.
Read the full article
Defra approves GM potato trial in Britain
Added: 12th May 2008
Leeds Uni to conduct trial on GM modified potato variety
Defra has given permission for Leeds University to conduct a trial on a genetically modified potato variety.
Read the full article
Potential of ponds to bury carbon
Added: 9th May 2008
Scientists suggest that ponds and lakes could absorb carbon
Scientists suggest that ponds and lakes across the globe could absorb as much carbon as the world’s oceans.
Read the full article
Could GM complement organic?
Added: 8th May 2008
Leading US rice scientist suggests combining GM and organic
A leading US rice scientist suggests genetic engineering combined with organic farming may be the best future for the environment.
Read the full article
Bee colony losses to be given higher priority
Added: 7th May 2008
Priority investigation of bee colony losses by the NBU
Work on the investigation of bee colony losses by the National Bee Unit (NBU) is being given higher priority.
Read the full article
Organic farmland prices on the rise
Added: 1st May 2008
Sales of organic land have been reaching premium prices
Recent sales of organic land have been reaching premium prices, according to agents Savills and Stags.
Read the full article
Defra announces release of Bluetongue vaccine
Added: 30th April 2008
The first batch of Bluetongue vaccine, ordered from Intervet
The first batch of vaccine is ready for distribution to the Protection Zones in England.
Read the full article
Biodiversity key to ecosystem productivity
Added: 29th April 2008
Research on increased plant diversity
Scientists at Brown University, USA have shown that increased plant diversity significantly enhances an ecosystem’s productivity.
Read the full article
Negative effects of biofuels on food supply
Added: 23rd April 2008
Latin American leaders warning on development of biofuels
Bolivia and Peru warn against the development of biofuels and its damaging effects on world hunger.
Read the full article
Waste Protocols Project proposes new rules
Added: 23rd April 2008
Waste Protocols Project combines industry, Env.Agency, WRAP
The Waste Protocols Project is a joint Environment Agency and WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme) initiative in collaboration with industry.
Read the full article
Brave new world of sustainable cereals
Added: 21st April 2008
Closing workshop of a 4 year project
Debating the future of European sustainable cereal production.
Read the full article
Report outlines failures of industrial farming
Added: 17th April 2008
A fundamental change to farming is called for.
The report of the first international Agriculture Assessment was approved by 54 governments, and calls for a fundamental change to farming.
Read the full article
GM crops yield no more than non-GM
Added: 16th April 2008
Soil Association report on the GM crop yields over 10 years
The Soil Association has published a report on the latest available research on GM crop yields over the last ten years.
Read the full article
Organic Food and Farming Research Agenda 2025
Added: 11th April 2008
Consultation to comment on 2nd draft of 'Vision' paper
Stakeholder consultation to comment on a draft of a Vision for an Organic Food and Farming Research Agenda 2025.
Read the full article
Sustaining the health of honey bees
Added: 9th April 2008
Defra and Welsh Assembly Government on the health of Bees
Defra and the Welsh Assembly Government have launched a joint consultation on a strategy to improve and protect honey bee health.
Read the full article
UK Bluetongue Vaccination Strategy published
Added: 4th April 2008
Defra has released plans for BTV-8 vaccine delivery
Defra has released details of its plans for the delivery of the Bluetongue BTV-8 vaccine to livestock farmers across England.
Read the full article
Nutritional benefits of organic food reviewed
Added: 3rd April 2008
Review of published scientific literature on organic food
The Organic Centre has released its first major review since 2003 of published scientific literature on the nutritional benefits of organic food.
Read the full article
GM seeds found in soil after 10 years
Added: 2nd April 2008
Scientists find that GM seeds can survive 10 years in soil
Scientists have discovered that seeds of some genetically modified crops can survive in soil for at least a decade.
Read the full article
New direct energy in agriculture report
Added: 25th March 2008
Report aimed at reducing fossil fuel inputs in agriculture
Warwick HRI has produced a report titled “Direct energy use in agriculture: opportunities for reducing fossil fuel inputs”.
Read the full article
N2O emissions outweigh biofuel CO2 savings?
Added: 19th March 2008
Research suggests that N2O emissions may outweigh CO2 saved
New research suggests that nitrous oxide emissions from growing some biofuel crops may outweigh the potential CO2 savings associated with biofuels.
Read the full article
New State of Science Review is released
Added: 18th March 2008
The Organic Centre publishes its State of Science Review
The review looks at pesticide residues and risk in conventional and organic food.
Read the full article
Foot and Mouth Disease 2007, Review
Added: 12th March 2008
A review of the handling of Surrey foot and mouth outbreak
A review into the Government’s handling of the foot and mouth disease outbreak in Surrey last year was published 11th March.
Read the full article
Carbon calculator launched
Added: 11th March 2008
Free greenhouse gas calculator for farmers and land managers
Country Land and Business Association with Savills plc has launched the first, free web-based greenhouse gas calculator for farmers and land managers.
Read the full article
Soil Association: second air freight consultation
Added: 7th March 2008
2nd round of consultation to change certification standards
Following initial consultation and recommendations to change certification standards, the Soil Association launches a second round of consultation.
Read the full article
Biofuels: current research
Added: 7th March 2008
'Science for Environment Policy' on biofuel research
A recent issue of Science for Environment Policy focuses on the advances in biofuel research.
Read the full article
The plastic bag debate
Added: 4th March 2008
Plastic bags, damage to the environment climbing UK agenda
Not only are they unsightly, they are also damaging to the environment, and now the plastic bag is becoming high on Britain’s agenda.
Read the full article
Organic body launches compostable bags
Added: 28th February 2008
Organic Farmers & Growers launch a compostable carrier bag
Organic Farmers & Growers has launched its own compostable alternative to the environmentally damaging plastic carrier bag.
Read the full article
Nitrous oxide group meeting
Added: 27th February 2008
The N2O Focus Group met to consider reduction of emissions
The Nitrous Oxide Focus Group recently met to consider how to reduce emissions of the greenhouse gas, to which agriculture contributes 76%.
Read the full article
BioFach World Organic Trade Fair 2008
Added: 27th February 2008
BioFach 2008 saw the presentation of a global organic survey
BioFach 2008, Europe’s biggest organic trade show, saw the presentation of the Global Survey on Organic Agriculture 2008.
Read the full article
Svalbard’s global seed vault opens
Added: 26th February 2008
£4.7 million Arctic ‘doomsday’ vault opened
The ‘doomsday’ vault is opened to protect seed samples representing the world’s agricultural biodiversity.
Read the full article
Food aid rationing due to climbing food prices
Added: 26th February 2008
World Food Programme, budget strains due to high food prices
World Food Programme officials warn that high food prices are causing budget requirements to rise by several million dollars a week.
Read the full article
Compost has potential to fight climate change
Added: 25th February 2008
Compost on agricultural land can reduce GHG emissions
New research suggests that applying compost can increase the absorption of carbon to soil, and therefore reduce GHG emissions.
Read the full article
Nano- technology in water purification
Added: 21st February 2008
Nanotechnology research for cheap water purificatio
New research focuses on the use of nanotechnology as a cheaper method for water purification.
Read the full article
UK Bluetongue vaccination plan published
Added: 20th February 2008
Bluetongue vaccination plan developed
A vaccination plan has been developed, but the vaccine cost and continued risk of imported infected stock are still concerns for farmers.
Read the full article
Badgers at the centre of the TB debate
Added: 19th February 2008
Report that infected badgers cause bovine TB raises debate
Following the release of a report concluding that infected badgers are the main cause of bovine TB, the debate over badger culls is raised again.
Read the full article
Biofuels increase greenhouse gases
Added: 15th February 2008
Reports demonstrate that biofuels can increase greenhous gas
Two reports in Science magazine demonstrate that clearing land for biofuel crops can produce more carbon dioxide than they save.
Read the full article
Shipping emissions outweigh aviation
Added: 14th February 2008
UN claims that CO2 from shipping is higher than aviation
A UN report has calculated that annual emissions from shipping have reached 1.12bn tonnes CO2: nearly 4.5% of all global emissions of CO2.
Read the full article
RICS survey of farmland values
Added: 12th February 2008
Latest RICS survey shows UK farmland prices have surged.
Average price of arable land breaks the £10,000 ha barrier.
Read the full article
Bee virus threat to mankind
Added: 11th February 2008
Scientists warning if virus wipes out the honeybee
A third of the world’s food crops could be threatened.
Read the full article
Doing it right, Doing it better - proceedings
Added: 8th February 2008
The Organic Research Centre's 2nd Producer Conference
Proceedings from the conference, hosted in collaboration with Organic Inform, are now available online.
Read the full article
Defra publishes climate change critical review
Added: 7th February 2008
Effects of tillage & organics on carbon content of soil
The effects of reduced tillage practices and organic material additions on the carbon content of arable soils.
Read the full article
Britain’s natural carbon sinks leaking
Added: 1st February 2008
Bales of heather dropped onto Peak District peatlands
The bales were dropped in an attempt to halt CO2 emissions from eroded peat bogs.
Read the full article
Effects of a wet summer still being felt
Added: 31st January 2008
Supply of honey may be down by at least 10% this year
This is due to the poor honey harvest in 2007.
Read the full article
Results from monitoring impact of 0% set-aside
Added: 31st January 2008
Defra results from survey on impact of 0% set-aside rate
Defra has announced the first results from its Farm Business Survey (FBS) on the impact of 0 per cent set-aside rate on farmland.
Read the full article
Irony of UN statistics
Added: 31st January 2008
UN's 18% figure for livestock sector emissions
Using the accepted figure of 18% as the amount of emissions produced by the livestock sector may lead to more industrialised farming.
Read the full article
ETC Group reports on technologies
Added: 30th January 2008
ETC Group reports on impacts of nano technology and GM
With a rise in concern over nano technology and genetic modification, ETC Group has produced a number of reports on the social and economic impacts.
Read the full article
Agriculture ‘major’ greenhouse gas contributor
Added: 28th January 2008
University claims agriculture is major greenhouse emitter
A new report from Aberdeen University details how the world’s agriculture provides between 17 and 32% of all human-induced greenhouse gas emissions.
Read the full article
Organic Inform Newsletter
Added: 25th January 2008
Monthly Organic Inform newsletter with latest news & events
Each month, Organic Inform puts together a newsletter with the latest news and events. Register to ensure you receive your copy.
Read the full article
Report confirms negative impact of biofuels
Added: 21st January 2008
A study be EAC calls for biofuel moratorium
A study by the Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) of the House of Commons calls for a moratorium on biofuels.
Read the full article
UK public sector poor at buying local
Added: 17th January 2008
CLA claims the public sector has should buy more local food
According to the CLA, the public sector has “simply not got the message that purchasing local food helps support local jobs”.
Read the full article
Bird Flu confirmed in Dorset
Added: 16th January 2008
Avian Influenza H5N1 confirmed in three dead swans
Bird flu has been confirmed in the Chesil Beach area of Dorset.
Read the full article
Bluetongue: Commission to co-fund vaccination
Added: 16th January 2008
Experts met to discuss bluetongue issues
At a conference hosted by the European Commission in Brussels today, over 350 experts met to discuss the best ways of tackling bluetongue.
Read the full article
Combating climate change on farms
Added: 11th January 2008
Survey shows farmers expect to be affected by climate change
A survey by Farming Futures shows more farmers expect to be affected by climate change, and are increasing on farm action to mitigate against it.
Read the full article
Organic farm shop opens at General Hospital
Added: 3rd January 2008
Southampton General Hospital sees opening of a farm shop
The hospital has opened the shop in its foyer: the first of its kind in Europe and among only a few in the world.
Read the full article
New EU organic regulation approved
Added: 13th June 2007
European Council of Ministers approves revised regulation
EU agriculture ministers believe that the new regulation will make production and labelling easier for both producers and consumers.
Read the full article
Proportion of Organic Land increasing in EU
Added: 13th June 2007
Figures released demonstrating growth in organic land
Eurostat has released figures on land in organic production in the EU.
Read the full article
Feature: Organic Market Report 2006
Added: 31st December 2006
The Soil Association's annual report
Organic sector body's annual report into the state of the global, European and UK organic market provides information on trends in retail, production
Read the full article
Taking control - The Cirencester Conference 2006
Added: 18th December 2006
Organic Producers: In Principle and In Practice, was facilit
Organic Producers: In Principle and In Practice, was facilitated by The Organic Research Centre - Elm Farm and by Organic Inform.
Read the full article