A matter of timing
Too early or too late blooming can have serious consequences for plants: It may reduce the seed harvest and jeopardize the reproductive success of an entire season. In order not to miss the optimal time of flowering, plants have therefore evolved an extensive control system that involves several dozen genes. Under the leadership of Markus […]
NFU calls for government to deliver on R&D promises after harvest results
The NFU said that as a net importer of food, the UK must start to produce more itself and called on Government to deliver on its promises to improve long-neglected agricultural research and knowledge exchange to help weather-proof British crops. “A reverse in the decline of spend for agricultural R&D is crucial if we are […]
NFU calls on Defra to put in place fair CAP deal across the UK after EU agreement
This agreement marks a major step towards the goal of finalising the CAP reform package. NFU Director of Policy Martin Haworth said: “While we think this reform has missed an opportunity to become more common, more simple and more market oriented we do welcome the fact that the Council and the European Parliament have resolved […]
HDC works with Belgian grower groups to secure new EAMU for celery and fennel growers
Silver Y Moth is one of the most serious celery pests, with the caterpillars able to bore through petioles towards the top of plants, as well as eating through entire leaves. Crop protection staff at HDC worked with Belgian grower groups using Belgian residue data to secure the EAMU for ‘Tracer’ containing (480 g / […]
NFU President will call on a future Labour Government to Back British farming
NFU President Peter Kendall will take the opportunity to get commitment from Labour on key issues during a Food and Farming Debate. These include removing the barriers which block a successful retail supply chain, such as problems with planning and labour availability, as well as challenging them to create a successful food vision as part […]
Berkshire Show hits new heights
Perhaps most encouraging of all was the fact that, with livestock entries hitting a new high and agricultural stands back in prominence, the industry on which the show is based was back in positive mood after years of recession and poor harvests. With the show’s online ticketing service cutting in to full effect, attendance over […]
NFU and British Sugar agree price increase for 2014/15 beet campaign
Following months of detailed discussions, the price for the 2014 crop, which would have been set at £27.67/t under the IPA model, has been agreed at a higher level of £31.67/t. NFU sugar board chairman William Martin said: “We are pleased to have reached a successful agreement with British Sugar on the 2014/15 sugar beet […]
Savvy marketing needed to shift oat surplus
Following the wet autumn and winter of 2012 in which many growers struggled to plant crops as normal and also resulted in large swathes of partially established crops failing. Many growers switched to oats for their fit within rotations and because there was seed available. Some growers will have secured buy-back contracts offering premiums or […]
Department of Health promotes potatoes
These highlighted health benefits have resulted in a recommendation on the Department of Health ‘NHS Choices’ website. The site now lists potatoes in their skins as a good source of fibre, alongside wholegrains. In addition, the ‘Change4Life’ website has doubled the number of potato-based recipes by including a range of inspiring and balanced meal ideas, […]
