EU Council vote pushes GM crop decision to Parliament
Campaign group GM Freeze expressed disappointment today as the European Union Environment Council voted “Yes” on a controversial proposal that could see GM crops planted in UK fields as early as next year. The UK Government strongly favours GM technology, but the devolved administrations in Scotland and Wales are opposed. With two varieties of Roundup […]
UK food production ‘flat lining’ as EU over-regulation continues
The UK’s crop production toolbox is becoming worryingly depleted at a time when we need to be producing more crops, not less, the NFU said today. A new report ‘Healthy Harvest’ has been launched by the NFU at the Cereals Event today (Wednesday) in response to concerns that already flat lining UK crop production will […]
Apply now for cash to promote and inform on EU agricultural produce
Producers of one or more of the products listed below can apply for up to half the cost of marketing their goods abroad in a scheme designed to raise awareness and increase sales of EU food products. The maximum rises to 60 percent for the promotion of fruit and vegetables intended specifically for children in […]
European Commission proposes revised EU rules on organic farming
A proposed new Regulation updating EU rules on organic production and labelling of organic products was adopted by the European Commission today. Consumer and producer concerns are at the heart of the proposal, which seeks to address shortcomings of the current system. The revisions are needed to: maintain consumer confidence by strengthening rules on production […]
Arable farmers let down by EU seeds decision
The European Parliament’s decision to reject proposed Plant Reproductive Material (PRM) legislation represents a backwards step and is a missed opportunity to help increase the resilience of UK arable farms in the face of climate change and to improve their ability to compete internationally, the NFU said today. MEPs today failed to support NFU calls […]
REA & STA challenge Government to set out its 2030 vision for renewables
The REA and STA are disappointed by the lack of ambition for renewable energy in the European Commission’s proposed 2030 energy and climate change framework, published today [1]. The framework sets a binding greenhouse gas target of 40% reduction (vs 1990 levels) and sets a binding renewable energy target for the EU as a whole […]
UK MEPs vote to hide GM pollen in honey
The report adopted, brought from the Environment Committee by UK MEP Julie Girling, upholds Commission attempts to redefine pollen as a “constituent” of honey, rather than an ingredient as ruled by the European Court of Justice. Of the 673 MEP votes, 430 (64%) supported the report. [2] Of 73 UK MEPs total, only 15 voted […]
RPA opens bid for cash to promote and inform on EU agricultural products
Producers of one or more of the products listed below may apply for up to half the cost of marketing their goods abroad in a scheme designed to raise awareness and increase sales of EU food products. The maximum rises to 60 percent for the promotion of fruit and vegetables intended specifically for children in […]
Dairy industry stresses importance of the EU School Milk Scheme
EDA contributed to the recent consultation from the Commission on the European School Milk Scheme and School Fruit Scheme. EDA highlights the importance of education in positively influencing young people’s eating habits and asks the Commission to support promotional measures to increase the impact of the School Milk Scheme. EDA also suggests improvements to the […]
