Veg Network News
9th July 2009 - All eyes on sustainable food under Swedish presidency
The CIAA has invited the Swedish presidency to take part in the recently launched Round Table on Sustainable Production and Consumption (SPC); while Sweden has made food and the climate one of its priorities for agriculture over the next six months.
9th July 2009 - Sowing the seeds for organic growth
Triodos Bank initiative set to grow the organic cereal market
9th July 2009 - Waste: Uncovering the Global Food Scandal
A new book, Waste: Uncovering The Global Food Waste Scandal, based on three years' research by author Tristram Stuart, suggests that at least 25 per cent of fresh fruit and vegetables produced in Britain is wasted before it even reaches the shops.
8th July 2009 - BASF halts GM potato research in UK
The firm is blaming continuing delays in getting EU approval for GM potatoes, saying approval of its GM starch variety remains "lost in the politics" of the EU.
3rd July 2009 - Comparing N2O emissions from organic and mineral fertilisers
A recent study compares the effects of organic, 'natural' fertilisers, such as compost, with mineral, synthetic fertilisers, such as urea, on N2O emissions from Mediterranean soil. It suggests that there is little difference between the fertilisers, but that pig slurry offers the best overall balance in terms of emissions and crop yield.
3rd July 2009 - Pesticide report
Latest report on pesticide residues available
1st July 2009 - Supermarkets still using too much packaging, says survey
UK supermarkets are using too much plastic packaging for food products and both retailers and packing manufacturers could do more, a new survey has concluded.
30th June 2009 - Consultation on the draft IFOAM Position on Seed
In June 2008, the IFOAM General Assembly adopted a motion instructing the IFOAM World Board to develop a position paper on the use of organic seed and propagation materials in organic agriculture.
30th June 2009 - Air-freight has a place in sustainable development says International Development Committee
Horticultural exports are important contributors to fighting poverty in developing countries and air-freight has a place in sustainable development, according to a recent report on sustainable development in a changing climate.
29th June 2009 - Children susceptible to pesticides longer than expected, study finds
Although it is known that infants are more susceptible than adults to the toxic effects of pesticides, this increased vulnerability may extend much longer into childhood than expected, according to a new study by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley.
26th June 2009 - Deadline for entries for EU-wide Organic logo competition pushed back to 6 July 2009
With only some days until the deadline, the European Commission's Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development is putting out its final call for the EU-wide Organic logo competition. Design students from the 27 EU Member States are invited to enter their designs to the competition with the chance of winning great cash prizes and a claim to fame as the creators of the new official EU organic logo for organic products. The final deadline for registrations will now be 6 July 2009.
26th June 2009 - Reducing the environmental footprint of food production
Climate change and population growth are putting pressures on our food production systems and the environment. A recent study presents a new method of calculating the environmental footprint of food production, which can be used to help identify pathways to sustainability.
24th June 2009 - Organic 'mainstream agriculture in waiting'
The Soil Association has welcomed a new independent report by the University of Reading, funded by the Soil Association and an independent trust, which shows that organic farming has "much to offer" and "is, perhaps, mainstream agriculture in waiting."
24th June 2009 - Broccoli Glucosinolates
Glucosinolates are the biologically active components in broccoli that are highly touted as antioxidants, boosting immune health, respiratory health, and cardiovascular health. They are an example of the so-called “bioactive” compounds in produce that are good for consumers.
23rd June 2009 - New Organic Vegetable Production Guides Now Available
New York State Department of Agriculture guides to assist farmers who are Transitioning (converting) to Organic and selling to processors
23rd June 2009 - What's on my food?
Searchable Database Reveals Toxicology of Pesticide Residue in the US
15th June 2009 - Carbon neutral, organic vine tomatoes at Dekamarkt
Dutch supermarket chain to sell 'carbon neutral' vine tomatoes.
15th June 2009 - Low greenhouse gas agriculture: mitigation and adaptation potential of sustainable farming systems
FAO report.
15th June 2009 - Benefits of Organic Agriculture as a Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Strategy for Developing Countries
Swedish report
9th June 2009 - Benn sends packaging waste packing
Consumers will see a major overhaul of all packaging over the next decade, under plans announced by Environment Secretary Hilary Benn today.
8th June 2009 - Sweden: Skyscraper greenhouses to sprout in crowded cities
Vertical greenhouses that grow 'organic' fruit and vegetables smack in the middle of crowded cities where land is scarce may soon be a reality, a Swedish company developing the project said Friday.
5th June 2009 - New solar-powered tractor to reduce agricultural emissions
A recent study suggests a solar-powered, agricultural electric vehicle, the 'Multi-purpose Solar Tractor', could avert 23.3 tonnes of greenhouse gases every year, compared to a conventional vehicle.
5th June 2009 - IFOAM EU Group comments declaration on the future Common Agricultural Policy
At a recent meeting, the Ministers for Agriculture of the European Union agreed on a common declaration for the future of the Common Agriculture Policy CAP. The IFOAM EU Group
4th June 2009 - What's the dope on the soap?
Is the status of a key organic input resolved or not?
4th June 2009 - Organic sector increasingly dependent on imports: USDA
The US organic sector has become increasingly dependent on imported ingredients as a supply squeeze continues to limit the sector
3rd June 2009 - Manures guidance published
The Food Standards Agency has published guidance on managing farm manures to help reduce the number of consumers that get food poisoning from ready-to-eat crops.
3rd June 2009 - Consumers seeking more from organics, analyst
Organic certification alone no longer covers all the ethical and sustainable considerations of consumers, according to Organic Monitor, which says new
2nd June 2009 - Powerful New Evidence Suggests that Exposure to a Common Weed Killer can Trigger Insulin Resistance
New report on the effects of chronic exposure to the herbicide atrazine.
2nd June 2009 - Intriguing Benefits Linked to Land Application of Manure from Organic Dairy Farms
A team of USDA scientists working at the New England Plant, Soil, and Water Laboratory in Orono, Maine have reported preliminary results suggesting that manure from cows under organic management may replenish soil fertility and protect water quality more effectively than manure from conventionally managed cows.
2nd June 2009 - Eat Seasonably campaign launched
A new Defra-backed campaign called
2nd June 2009 - New funds to support the organic sector in Wales
Organic Centre Wales (OCW) has succeeded in securing nearly
2nd June 2009 - Farmers Poised to Offset One-Quarter of Global Fossil Fuel Emissions Annually
Innovations in food production and land use that are ready to be scaled-up today could reduce greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to roughly 25 percent of global fossil fuel emissions and present the best opportunity to remove greenhouse gases already in the atmosphere, according to a new report by the Worldwatch Institute and Ecoagriculture Partners.
29th May 2009 - Environment Minister to propose organic vegetable garden at Number 10 to rival the White House
At a meeting last week (21 May), representatives of organic businesses, the Organic Trade Board and the Soil Association told Hilary Benn that the UK government should stop voting a consistently pro-GM ticket in the European Union.
29th May 2009 - Finland: Organic lettuce packs 25 times less nitrate than conventional lettuce
Nitrate levels in organic lettuce are a fraction of levels found in conventional hothouse lettuces. Experts, however, say authorities are reluctant to showcase the benefits of organic farming.
27th May 2009 - No decision in Downs pesticide appeal
DEFRA's bid to overturn a landmark legal case on the use of pesticides hangs in the balance after appeal court judges failed to reach a decision at the end of a four-day hearing.
27th May 2009 - Supermarkets resist plans for retailer watchdog
The UK's biggest supermarkets are resisting plans for an ombudsman to monitor the relationship between suppliers and retailers, according to a cross-party group of MPs.
27th May 2009 - National Trust cookery school to reveal secrets of ancestral home
The National Trust plans to set up a cookery school to teach chefs and amateur cooks the culinary secrets of its grand ancestral homes and estates.
22nd May 2009 - More polytunnels needed to meet government targets on fruit and vegetable consumption
Research from the University of Reading shows that much more intensive production is needed to meet government targets on fruit and vegetable consumption in the UK.
20th May 2009 - Owls replace pesticides in Israel
Owls and kestrels are being employed as agricultural pest controllers in the Middle East.
20th May 2009 - Biodynamic Introductory Workshops
The BDAA is offering a series of introductory workshops across the country for farmers and gardeners who are interested in developing their organic system and enhancing the health and vitality of their crops and livestock.
20th May 2009 - Local Food programme suspension
High demand for Local Food
18th May 2009 - For peat's sake - Benn calls for clearer compost labels
Environment Secretary Hilary Benn today urged garden centres and retailers to make it clear if compost they sell contains peat, to highlight the damage its use does to wildlife and the environment.
15th May 2009 - Research organisations in merger talks
NIAB and The Arable Group have announced plans for a merger to form a single national centre for crop research.
13th May 2009 - Riverford Organic Vegetables cuts impact on planet with returnable packs and informed choices
If consumers are increasingly aware of the packaging around their food, those who buy organic, and choose to bypass the major retailers, are more firmly on the environmental bandwagon.
8th May 2009 - Leek variety trial results
Report of a leek variety trial at Garden Organic
8th May 2009 - Spain: Organic land increases by 33 percent in 2008
For Spain a major growth of organic land is reported for 2008. According to the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture there are more than 1.3 million hectares of organic land. This means that Spain is the country with the most organic land in Europe now.
8th May 2009 - The Netherlands: Organic land and market continue to grow in 2008
Biologica, the organic sector organisation in The Netherlands, recently presented the figures for organic farming for 2008. The area under organic management is now 50
5th May 2009 - US organics buck recessionary trend
US sales of organic food have surged despite dire predictions for its resilience as consumers look for ways to cut spending, according to a new survey on American organics.
1st May 2009 - 'Natural' nitrogen-fixing bacteria protect soybeans from aphids
An invasion of soybean aphids poses a problem for soybean farmers requiring application of pesticides, but a team of Penn State entomologists thinks a careful choice of nitrogen-fixing bacteria may provide protection against the sucking insects.
1st May 2009 - DEFRA consults on SFP minimum area
DEFRA has proposed cutting the number of holdings eligible for single farm payments by up to 17000.
1st May 2009 - Learn practical skills on organic farms
The Soil Association, supported by the Daylesford Foundation, are launching 300 Organic Farm School courses over the next two years.
1st May 2009 - Czech organic market turnover grew by 40 % in 2008
The Czech organic market has been rising very dynamically over the last three years. The overall turnover rose by more than 250 % since 2005.
1st May 2009 - Rule change sees Herefordshire growers face costs of up to
Growers in Herefordshire face bills of between
29th April 2009 - Fungi and roundworms as non-chemical substitutes for pesticides
The use of some pesticides is a recognised concern for health and the environment. A new UK study identifies some naturally occurring alternatives to control wireworm, a widespread pest of potatoes.
29th April 2009 - Eucalyptus essential oil as an alternative to chemical pesticides
Controlling pests with natural products can have greater environmental benefits than using chemical pesticides.
29th April 2009 - How much are consumers willing to pay to reduce pesticide use?
Many countries would like to decrease their pesticide use but are concerned about the accompanying cost. A recent study reveals that consumers are willing to pay more for food produced with fewer or no pesticides.
28th April 2009 - Competition Commission consults on ombudsman plan
The Competition Commission (CC) is now consulting publicly on draft Undertakings to establish an Ombudsman to arbitrate on disputes between retailers and suppliers and investigate complaints under the new Groceries Supply Code of Practice (GSCOP).
27th April 2009 - Organic plant raising
IOTA research review paper added to Organic Eprints
27th April 2009 - Compost: the effect on nutrients, soil health and crop quantity and quality
IOTA research review added to Organic Eprints
27th April 2009 - Organic apples beat conventional on antioxidants
Organically produced apples have a 15 per cent higher antioxidant capacity than conventionally produced apples, says a new study from Germany.
27th April 2009 - Organic Farming Delivers a Significant "Premium" in Ecosystem Service
New Zealand study shows ecological benefits of organics
24th April 2009 - Poor soil quality may reduce farmland bird population
Researchers have investigated the relationship between soil quality and the decline of yellow wagtail birds on arable farmland in the UK. The results suggest that reduced soil penetrability in particular affects the numbers and distribution of the species.
24th April 2009 - Transparent Food Labelling for Europe
ISIS proposal has become a Written Declaration in the European Parliament
24th April 2009 - Bacterial biocontrol product improves potato yields
Injecting beneficial bacteria into the furrow when planting potatoes could help increase marketable yields and decrease skin blemishes, according to trials.
23rd April 2009 - Diet change may be greener option than local sourcing
As consumers seek out food with a reduced carbon footprint, some experts believe a dietary shift from red meat and dairy consumption may be more effective than turning to locally sourced products, suggests new analysis.
21st April 2009 - PathOrganic∗
Paper added to organic eprints
21st April 2009 - Rachel's drops 'organic' from name as sector suffers in downturn
Dairy company Rachel's is to drop the term 'organic' from its product name, just weeks after Soil Association figures showed that recession-hit customers are abandoning the sector.
21st April 2009 - Soil Association condemns decision not to ban pesticides that kill honey bees
The Soil Association today condemned Hilary Benn
20th April 2009 -
Scientists in the UK will lead a
20th April 2009 - Skills to tackle climate change - new training programme for Scottish farmers
Minister for Environment Roseanna Cunningham today launched a new programme to help agricultural businesses prepare for the impacts of climate change.
17th April 2009 - Students urged to enter organic logo competition
The UK's up-and-coming artists and designers should be leading the charge to create a new Europe-wide logo for organic food, according to OF&G.
17th April 2009 - Technique may fight Sclerotinia
A cultural technique developed in Canada could help UK growers reduce Sclerotinia infection in carrot crops, results of trials conducted last year on a Nottinghamshire farm by crop consultant Howard Hinds have suggested.
16th April 2009 - Organic growers of Ireland established
New Irish organic growers group launched
15th April 2009 - International Seeds Day
Organizations, activists and people from various professional and linguistic backgrounds will observe April 26 as International Seeds Day (ISD) advocating for patent-free seeds, organic food and farmers' rights.
14th April 2009 - Food Fraud Advisory Unit launched
The Agency today announced the launch of a new advisory resource to support local authorities in their work to tackle food fraud.
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