NFU responds to investigation into innovation in farming
Calls to place agricultural innovation at the heart of European and UK policy-making in a bid to tackle food production challenges are much needed, the NFU will say today (Tuesday). NFU chief science and regulatory affairs adviser Dr Helen Ferrier will address a group of MPs and peers, scientists, research funders and members of the […]
EU Parliament again puts political expediency above sound science and competitiveness of EU agriculture
In August 2009, BCPC urged the then Agriculture Minister Hilary Benn to challenge Brussels on its GM EU-wide GM legislation, which was disadvantaging European food production especially since GM crops had been given safety approval by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).Since then, the EU Commission has been seeking a compromise, to allow the cultivation […]
Thirteen convicted for 6m vet medicine smuggling
Thirteen people have been convicted in connection with Europes biggest ever illegal veterinary medicine business in which more than 6 million of products were smuggled to the UK, risking the health of people and animals. The ringleaders, Ronald Meddes, 73, and his wife Regine Lansley, 62, sold unauthorised and prescription-only medicines to more than 4,000 […]
Tractor registrations up 2.9% in first half of year
UK agricultural tractor registrations (over 50hp) in the first 6 months of 2011 reached 7,996 units, an increase of 2.9% on the same period in 2010. Registrations in the month of June were 1,596 units, 0.7% lower than a year earlier. The market is running largely in line with the expectations that 2011 should show […]
Yorkshire PEAS seal deal with Tesco
The UKs first fully farmer-owned brand of fine peas has succeeded in signing a major deal with Britains biggest supermarket, Tesco. The contract, will put the brand of frozen peas initially into 165 stores across theNorth of England. The brand is owned by Swaythorpe Growers, a consortium of 40 Yorkshire pea farmers, who are also […]
The Hampshire Farms & Conservation Competition 2011
This years prestigious annual event took place on the 20th & 21st of June. The Judges were invited onto 30 Hampshire farms representing 62,000 acres of the country. The farms were judged in four Open Classes and a Championship Class. Farm sizes ranged from 440 acres to 5000 acres. The Patrons of the competition, The […]
Potato genome set to help industry address challenges
An international consortium that includes British scientists has sequenced the potato genome, opening possibilities for exploring the characteristics that contribute to a successful commercial variety. These recent developments in mapping the potato genome could offer growers access to varieties that are drought tolerant or are resistant to diseases such as blight or potato cyst nematodes. […]
Tell us how it is – RAY at the Great Yorkshire Show 2011
Rural Action Yorkshire (RAY) is inviting visitors to the Great Yorkshire Show to come and chat to them on stand 523 about village life in their community. RAY wants to hear how rising fuel costs, threats to public services, dwindling buses and affordable housing is affecting rural areas across Yorkshire. They also want to hear […]
Free family day out on Devon farm
Some of the countrys top sheep shearers will be taking part in a day of tough competition on a Devon farm next month By kind permission of Sir John and Lady Cave and Mr Alan Derryman, Devon County Shows Ewe and Lamb Shearing & Dog Trials will be held at Home Farm, Sidbury, near Sidmouth […]
