Previous News from 2007
New Minister
29th June 2007 Hilary Benn is the new Defra Secretary of State. He has spent that last 4 years as Secretary of State for International Development.
Single Common Market
15th June 2007 European Union agriculture ministers have backed a European Commission proposal to establish a single Common Market Organisation for all agricultural products, to replace the existing 21 CMOs. The move is aimed at streamlining and simplifying the Common Agricultural Policy for the benefit of farmers, administrations and companies handling agricultural products. The creation of a single CMO should slim down legislation in the farming sector, improve its transparency and make the policy more easily accessible. It is an example of applied better regulation and forms an integral part of the Lisbon strategy.
New EU Organic Standards
15th June 2007 European Union agriculture ministers have reached political agreement on a new regulation on organic production and labelling, which will be simpler for both farmers and consumers.
New fruit and Veg Regime
15th June 2007 European Union agriculture ministers have reached unanimous political agreement on wide-ranging reforms to the Common Market Organisation for fruit and vegetables to bring this sector into closer line with the rest of the reformed Common Agricultural Policy. The changes aim to encourage more growers to join Producer Organisations; offer Producer Organisations a wider range of tools for crisis management; integrate the fruit and vegetable sector into the Single Payment Scheme; require a minimum level of spending on environmental measures; increase EU funding of organic production and promotional measures; and abolish export subsidies for fruit and vegetables. The reform will enter into force in 2008.
Safer Potatoes
10th June 2007 DSM has received regulatory go-ahead for the use of Preventase in the US, gaining GRAS (generally recognised as safe) certification and becoming the first enzyme available to eliminate 90 per cent of acrylamide in baked goods. The company has said that the product could "significantly lower the human intake of acrylamide".
 Open Farm Sunday
8th June 2007 10th June is Open Farm Sunday and farms around the country will be opening their gates to show the public how they care for the environment at the same time as producing the food we eat. To find an open farm near you log on to www.farmsunday.org.
Boom Time for Agri-Products
25th May 2007 Although subject to many uncertainties, international agricultural markets are entering a boom era for commodity prices, according to Monitoring Agri-trade Policy, the newsletter published by the Commission's Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development. This boom is partly caused by drought last year and partly by the unprecedented level of biofuel demand as well as by global economic growth, driving demand for higher valued food products. The outlook is for prices to stay high, and the "food versus fuel" discussion will continue.
Tesco Local Milk
11th May 2007 Tesco’s new ‘local choice’ milk has gone into stores this week. It has taken only a few weeks for the supermarket and its supplying co-op Dairy Farmers of Britain to identify the initial 150 producers meeting the required criteria which includes location, and who can earn a premium of up to 6ppl over the standard DFB prices. A few farmers are happy but those who cannot get on the scheme are not.
More badgers than foxes
11th May 2007  A survey has shown that badgers are now as common as foxes and commoner than deer or hares across large parts of the English countryside, and a targeted cull to reduce the incidence of bovine TB would not represent any threat to badger numbers overall. The survey found a clear correlation between high numbers of badgers and low numbers of hedgehogs.
Regional Food Mall Scrapped
2nd May 2007 Plans for a regional food hall in Buxton, Derbyshire have been scrapped because supermarkets are succeeding in selling local food and drink. The East Midlands Development Agency (EMDA) is no longer convinced that a regional food hall is viable due to supermarkets developing their supply base of local food. The £8 million earmarked for the project will be spent in other ways to support local producers with EMDA continuing to explore the potential for commercial investment in innovative models of retailing regional food.
ARC Open Day 2nd May 2007 The ARC-Addington Fund invites you to a Charity Open Day on Monday June 11th at Evenley, Nr Brackley, Northants. The day starts at 10.30am with a visit to Cloisters Farm, home of the Barnowl Pedigree Jersey Herd. It includes lunch a visit to the garden at Hill Grounds and afternoon tea. More information can be found at www.arc-addingtonfund.org.uk. The Addington Fund is a registered charity housing those in the rural community. Registered charity no. 1097092
 Adopt a School 1st May 2007 Linking farmers and schools to educate children about potato production is the key aim of the ‘Adopt a School’ initiative being launched this month by the British Potato Council and potato growers are being urged to 'adopt a school'.
 £50,000 HGCA Awards 18th April 2007 There are two categories of awards to support innovation in the grain industry; food and drink and industrial uses. Businesses of all sizes are eligible to apply including farm diversifications. The awards offer match funding of up to £50,000. The closing date for applications is 30th June. Past winning projects range from moulded packaging made from wheat to building blocks made from straw, and from culinary rapeseed oil to mineral enriched bread. See www.hgca.com/enterprise
WFU Conference 200713th April 2007  Record numbers attended the WFU 2007 Conference in Essex this week to find out "What's Next". Speakers included Professor Jules Pretty OBE, Simon Ward of Increment Ltd, Dr Andrew Fearne and Kevin Hawkins OBE from the British Retail Consortium. Jules Pretty suggested that civilisations only last on average 900 years and we are heading for the end of civilisation as we know it.
 Ray of Hope for Milk 6th April 2007 Tesco’s dedicated supply chain to provide its liquid milk requirements and guarantee a price to its suppliers of around 22p per litre is the most significant and encouraging development in the diary industry for some time. However, a Milk Development Council survey shows that national milk production could be set to fall by at least 7% - or 900m litres - over the next two years if producers implement the plans they've laid out in the MDC's fourth annual Farmer Intentions Survey. The number intending to leave the industry has risen to the highest level in three years, and more farmers are uncertain about whether to expand.
 Pesticide Residues 4th April 2007 Would you like to know more about pesticides residues in food? The Pesticides Residues Committee is holding an Open Meeting at York St. John University, Lord Mayors Walk in York on 9 May 2007. The Pesticides Residues Committee gives independent expert advice to the government and feel keeping in touch with the public is an important part of their work. People who attend will find out how their food is checked for pesticides and have the chance to ask experts and scientists questions.
Great British Chicken Run 4th April 2007  British Chicken Marketing (BCM) has launched its fundraising partnership with the British Heart Foundation (BHF) and aims to raise
over £150,000 in the next twelve months to help fund BHF Heart Nurses across the UK. The fundraising partnership was launched with a charity chicken run around London led by BCM's ambassador and poultry farmer's daughter, Sally Gunnell.
EU Butter to be Cleared 31st March 2007 All remaining stocks of intervention butter are to be sold into the European Union market due to positive price development. Some 6,091 tonnes of butter will be sold at a minimum price of EUR 243.05 per 100 kg from Spain (5,593 tonnes), the Czech Republic (420 tonnes) and Finland (78 tonnes). This leaves minor residual quantities in intervention stores in Spain, Portugal, the Slovak Republic and the UK. Intervention will now be closed in Spain and remains open only in Portugal.
Increasing Modulation 30th March 2007 Rates of voluntary modulation for SPS scheme will be 12% in 2007, 13% in 2008, and 14% for the years 2009 to 2012. These rates are all below the ceiling of 20% that could have been applied because of UK co-financing at 40%. For every £60 deducted from farmers' payments the Government add a further £40 from national funding. This national funding will apply only to agri-environment schemes such as ELS and which accounts for 80% of the budget, and not to rural development funding. There is also EU modulation of 5% per year so the total modulation deduction from SPS payments is 17% in 2007, rising to 19% in 2009, and thereafter.
RPA Slated 29th March 2007 The Commons Efra Committee report on the Rural Payments Agency and the implementation of the Single Payment Scheme concluded that the RPA failed largely because Defra asked it to do too much in too short a time and did not pay enough attention to the RPA’s warnings about the risks of what was being proposed. The committee apportioned individual responsibility for the SPS fiasco. Some of those most closely involved in its implementation ‘have moved on unscathed or stayed in post’.
 Try Local 24th March 2007Join the NFU Countryside campaign to pledge support to your local food producers. Buy local to help yourself, the environment and your local community. Improve your diet and nutrition by eating great tasting fresh and seasonal food. Buy local to do your bit to reduce food miles, help the environment through less vehicle pollution, noise and fossil fuel use and help to reduce packaging waste. Buy local to provide producers with an income that is not tied to supermarkets and supports farmers and farm diversification. Buying local contributes to local economic development and an increase in employment, keeping money within the local community.
 Congratulations Ros! 10th March 2007Congratulations to WFU PR person, Ros LLoyd and her husband, Tim, on the arrival of Caitlin Emma (Katy) on the 7th March weighing in at 2954g (6lb 8oz). Mother and daughter doing well!
 Red Tractor at Holiday Inn 10th March 2007 Assured Food Standards have recently granted Holiday Inn with a Red Tractor license so they can serve Red Tractor assured ‘Sunday Roasts’. The Roast options will include Red Tractor chicken, beef and lamb. The license awarded will only be valid from 11 March till October 2007 as Holiday Inn is using it as part of their promotions campaign. The logo will appear on posters and table sales material and it will not feature on the actual menu.
Junk Food Link to Depression 7th March 2007 At the British Nutrition Foundation conference in London this week, Cambridge Food Scientist, Diane Bamber claimed that research has linked depression in young people to junk food and a low intake of vitamins, minerals and ther essential ingredients such as Omega 3 fatty acids.
 Ignorance on Wholegrain 5th March 2007 New statistics have shown that a huge percentage of the Great British population is still in the dark about wholegrains with many believing that potatoes are a wholegrain food while failing to recognise that oatcakes are.
New Sector Chairmen Announced 26th February 2007 The board members for Levy Board UK have been announced today by Environment Secretary, David Miliband. The new board will consist of ten members: Chairs for each of the six new sector companies, and four independent members. The members of Levy Board UK are: Sector Company Chairs:- John Cross (Beef and Lamb, England only); Jonathan Tipples (Cereals and Oilseeds); John Hall (Horticulture); Tim Bennett (Milk); Stewart Houston (Pigs - England only); Janet Bainbridge (Potatoes) and Independent members:- John Bridge (Chair-Designate of Levy Board UK), Christopher Bones, Lorraine Clinton and Clare Dodgson.
 WFU Conference 2007 25th February 2007 WFU Conference this year is hosted by the Dengie Hundred branch as it to be held at Felsted school in Essex on the 10th - 12th April. With an exciting programme of speakers, it promises to be as lively and interesting as always. For a booking form, please click here.......... or contact Helen Kuchnir at Dengie Crops Ltd., Hall Road, Asheldham, Southminster, Essex CM0 7JF or Telephone 01621 775767
Badger study reveals TB upsurge 16th February 2007 Research work in Gloucestershire which has revealed a dramatic increase in the incidence of TB in badger populations which matches a parallel increase of TB in the cattle population. A long-term study of a stable and undisturbed high-density badger population at Woodchester Park near Stroud, showed that the mean incidence of TB in around 25 social groups of badgers increased from one per cent in 1994 to 15 per cent in 2004.
Wood Fuel Conference 16th February 2007 The Royal Agricultural Society of England in conjunction with The Royal Forestry Society and The Forestry Commission is holding its annual Woodlands Conference on Tuesday 17th April 2007 at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire. This year’s theme is wood fuel and a detailed programme is attached. The conference attracts between 150 and 200 delegates from all areas of the woodland sector. For more information on the day’s programme or to book on-line, visit our website www.rase.org.uk/conferences.
 Roast A British Chicken 14th February 2007 3-4 March 2007 is 'Roast a British Chicken Weekend'. The event, which helps prolong whole bird sales at the end of the winter season, is getting a huge push from the retailers. All major chains are on board, featuring a mix of promotional stickers and POS in the fresh chicken aisles - with some supermarkets highlighting the Weekend for up to four weeks, rather than the week-long build up of past years.
 Enterprising Rural Women Awards 2007 12th February 2007 If you have come up with an innovative proposition, why not enter the Country Living Best Business Idea award. If you have been trading for less than two years then you are eligible for the Best New Business category. And if your hard work is already paying off with a successful small business over two years old then go for the Best Growing Business award. Your business must be based in the countryside and make a valuable contribution to the local community. For more details and an entry form visit www.countryliving.co.uk. The closing date for entries is 16 April 2007.
Scottish Coutry of Origin 11th February 2007  Scotland is following Ireland and introducing a new law which will force all catering outlets to label the country of origin of any beef they serve, so that diners will be told if `Aberdeen Angus' comes all the way from Argentina, rather than from Scotland.
Levy Board Appointments 2nd February 2007 The recommendations of the selection panels for the proposed new chairmen of the levy boards will be submitted to UK Agriculture Ministers shortly for their consideration. John Bridge is to appoint an interim CEO and secretariat to support the new structure.
SALSA for Small Businesses 25th January 2007 With the increasing demand for locally sourced food, particularly from retailers and foodservice companies, there has long been a need for an assessment process for smaller suppliers who cannot afford the full British Retail Consortium (BRC) standard. SALSA (Safe And Local Supplier Approval)accreditation has been developed to provide food retail buyers with demonstrable assurance that the locally sourced food meets fundamental food safety and legal requirements.
Fischer Boel's Blog 24th January 2007 Mariann Fischer Boel has started a blog to comment on her experiences as she visits Member States, talks to farmers and other members of the public. She will give her views on the debate on Europe and share her thoughts on everyday issues concerning farming, food, and rural affairs. Following her guest spot on Margot Wallström's blog, Commissioner Fischer Boel is looking forward to a lively exchange!
 15th January 2007 With just one week to go until the start of Farmhouse Breakfast 2007 (January 21st-27th), the Home-Grown Cereals Authority (HGCA) reports that the number of events being organised by third parties looks set to beat the 2006 record! But its still not too late to register your event so visit www.farmhousebreakfast.com or call 020 7520 3968 to find out more about the nation's popular breakfast celebration!
Family Farm Future? 16th January 2007 The Family Farmers' Association is hosting a meeting to discuss whether there is a future for family farmers as FOOD PRODUCERS, as well as being managers of the environment, biodiversity and landscape. The meeting is at 2pm on Thursday, 1st February in the Jubilee Room at the House of Commons. Speakers will include Baroness Byford, Conservative spokeswoman on agriculture in the House of Lords, Andrew George MP, former Liberal spokesman on farming, and a spokesperson from Defra. To book a place please contact Mrs Pippa Woods at pippafamilyfarmers@uk2.net
 National Chip Week 15th January 2007 Now in its 16th year, National Chip Week is a celebration of the chip - one of our national treasures. Activities planned for 2007 include: * A promotion for chip shops - make sure your local chip shop is taking part! * Attempting to break 5 World Records in 5 days * A high profile PR campaign, featuring new chip recipes and food comparison facts to put chips in context * A chip quiz for pubs to use to hold a "Chip Night" * Redesigning www.lovechips.co.uk (the official Chip Week website) and adding even more chip information. For more information about National Chip Week and how you can get involved visit www.potato.org.uk or call 01865 782260.
 Breakfast Week 12th January 2007 WFU branches around the country are making preparations to celebrate the HGCA Farmhouse Breakfast Week between 22nd-28th January. Among the variety of activities, members will be talking to school children on the reasons for starting the day with a good breakfast and feeding office workers at Stoneleigh Park with a typical British breakfast.
 Farms for Schools Conference 11th January 2007 The annual Farms for Schools Conference 2007 is to be held on Wednesday 21st and Thursday 22nd February at Chatsworth House, Chatsworth, Bakewell, Derbyshire. The FFS conference, provides an opportunity to exchange ideas and learn from professional trainers and others in the industry.
 Sainsbury Prefer Regional to Local 8th January 2007 At the Oxford Farming Conference last week, Justin King, Chief Executive of Sainsbury stated that there is more potential for regional branding within supermarkets than in local. Acustomer survey showed that while 29% of consumers prefer to buy British food, only 18% will pay more for it.
Farmers' Administrative Burden 5th January 2007 The European Commission is conducting a study into the administrative burden imposed on farmers by the direct payment rules introduced in the 2003 CAP reform. The study will measure the actual burden in five Member States: Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland and Italy, but not Britain. The study also covers the administrative burden related to the cross compliance obligations that are a part of the direct payments system. First results of the study are expected mid-2007.
Food Security 5th January 2007 A recently published DEFRA report has concluded that food security cannot be the object of a single policy, but needs to be underpinned by a range of crosscutting policies. The conscious or unconscious identification of food security with self-sufficiency has often obscured the real issues. The self-sufficiency ratio (currently running at about 60%) is better construed as a broad indicator of UK agriculture’s ability to meet consumer demands at home and abroad - its competitiveness. Click here for Previous 2006 News Items |