Previous News from 2007

Avian Influenza 16th November 2007 Avian influenza of the H5N1 strain has been confirmed on an organic turkey, geese and duck rearing farm near Diss on the Norfolk, Suffolk border. A 3km protection zone has been established around the premises and a 10km surveillance zone is also in place. Within these zones poultry must be housed to isolate them from wild birds. A wider restriction zone has been established covering most of Norfolk and all of Suffolk within which poultry must also be kept housed. Movements of poultry and poultry products are restricted to differing extents in all three zones; some movements are permitted under licence. Foot and Mouth Disease 16th November 2007 On 5 November the Surveillance Zone was lifted and became part of the Restricted Zone. Movement restrictions applicable in the Restricted Zone now also apply in the former Surveillance Zone. The area outside the Restricted Zone is now not subject to any Foot and mouth disease (FMD) movement restrictions, however Bluetongue controls are still in place. Childhood Obesity 16th November 2007 Childhood obesity in Europe is growing at an alarming rate, rising from 14 million children in 2005 towere 22 million in 2007 categorized as overweight or obese. The Council has asked the Commission to come forward with a proposal for a European 'School Fruit Scheme' based on an impact assessment of the benefits, practicability and administrative costs involved in the school-based enticement schemes for children that exist in some member states. Organic v Conventional 16th November 2007 An EU funded study has found a general trend showing that organic foods contain more antioxidants and less fatty acids than non-organic produce. However the extent they differ varies significantly between food types. The UK’s Food Standards Agency’s current position is that the balance of current scientific evidence doesn’t support the view that organic food is safer and more nutritious. European Day of Healthy Food and Cooking 31st October 2007 8th November has been declared the European Day of Healthy Food and Cooking by the European Commission. It has joined forces with Euro-toques, the European association of chefs, to teach European children about the importance of eating a balanced diet. By organising fun workshops with top-level chefs in several European countries, the aim is to develop an interest amongst European children in healthy eating and cooking. The European Day of Healthy Food and Cooking aims to raise awareness of the impact that teaching children the basic principles of good nutrition can have. Save Our Moos 31st October 2007 Members of Cheshire WFU are urging everyone to sign the attached petition appealing to the Government for a fair price for UK milk producers - one that is above the cost of production so as to secure a continued supply of this important commodity. The petition will be presented to the government in November, so if you would like to join in, please download the petition here.......... and send it to Rosie Lomas, Meadow Farm, Heatley Lane, Broomhall, Nantwich, Cheshire, CW5 8BA. International Year of the Potato 26th October 2007 WFU members, Jim and Janet Godfrey, attended the launch of the International Year of the Potato 2008 on World Food Day at the UN in New York last week. Jim represented the Centre for International Potato Research in Peru of which he is chairman and Janeet represented the UK potato industry on behalf of the British Potato Council. Many activities are planned next year to celebrate the International Year of the Potato and to raise awareness of the particular importance of the potato in poorer countries. Badger Cull 26th October 2007 The Government’s Chief Scientist has endorsed the value of a concerted campaign to target bovine tuberculosis in badgers alongside measures to limit the spread of the disease between cattle. Government action is urgently needed, with cases of bovine TB in cattle reaching a new high, according to the latest official figures which show a 22% per cent increase, year on year. Allowing for an increase in the number of herds tested for TB, the incidence of the disease has increased from 6.48 per cent in 2006 to 7.7 per cent so far in 2007, a rise of 18 per cent. Appeal for Help 26th October 2007 The Farming Help charities, ARC-Addington Fund, FCN & RABI, are launching an appeal for funds to help them in their work. 2007 has been a tough year for many in farmig: - low product prices, bad weather and flooding, poor harvest yields, Foot & Mouth Disease, Bluetongue and the prospect of a winter fodder shortage. The Farming Help charities are experiencing very heavy workloads which are anticipated to rise further over the coming months due to movement restrictions, fodder shortages and financial problems exacerbated by recent events. CIWF Inaccurate and Over-simplistic 26th October 2007 Compassion In World Farming published research suggesting that eating meat has a bigger impact on climate change than driving a car. It implied that the livestock industry produces 18 per cent of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions as opposed to transport’s 14 per cent. The NFU disputed the way these figures have been presented. Official statistics show that the entire British farming sector contributes an estimated seven per cent of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions. McDonald’s Support British Farming 26th October 2007 McDonald’s have announced that they are increasing the amount of beef they buy from England, Scotland and Wales by 30 per cent. They intend to pay “an increase of 5% in the price British farmers receives for the beef and pork that we purchase through our partner suppliers”. The five per cent increase will be paid to suppliers rather than directly to farmers, although McDonald’s have said it will go to farmers. Daft UHT Proposals 26th October 2007 The Government has suggested that consumers be encouraged to switch to UHT milk to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Currently 93 per cent of milk in Britain is sold as fresh milk. UHT, powered milk and baby milk make up the rest of the market. NFU Local 26th October 2007 The NFU has launched a new online Local Food Finder listing service to promote its members produce as well as compiling a list of top websites to source local food. It can be found on the NFU website and is designed for anyone who owns a farm shop, has their own business or supplies local shops with produce. US Dairy Herd Growth 4th October 2007 The percentage of US milk produced by herds of 1,000 or more increased from 22.1% to 37.3% between 2000 and 2006; these herds had costs 15% lower than farms of between 500 – 999 cows and 35% less than farms with herds of between 100 – 199 cows. British Sugar Produces Ethanol 4th October 2007 British Sugar, a unit of Associated British Foods (ABF), has started producing fuel ethanol at its plant in Wissington in early September. This is the UK's first bioethanol plant to be in operation. The plant, which processes surplus sugar beet as its feedstock, has the capacity to produce 55,000 tonne (70 Million litres) of bioethanol a year; and cost £20 million to build. Wheat as a Component of Bread 3rd October 2007 In the past, and particularly in the distant past, the impact of the cost of wheat on a loaf of bread was a hot political issue. However, since wheat now accounts for a very small component of the cost of bakery and products bakery products are a small proportion of consumer expenditures, it is difficult to see how it can survive as a concern. Suspension of Cereal Import Duties 29th September 2007 Mariann Fischer Boel, Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, has announced that she will propose the total suspension of cereal import duties for the current marketing year (which ends on June 30, 2008) unless market conditions justify their reintroduction before that date. The proposal is a reaction to the exceptionally tight situation on the cereals markets and the record price levels. Import duties are still applied for certain types of grains that are relevant for the balance of the EU market. At the same time, there are no export refunds on cereal exports. The proposal must be approved by the Council of Ministers. The Grain Chain 29th September 2007 A new user-friendly multimedia resource called The Grain Chain (www.grainchain.com) has been developed by the Home Grown Cereals Authority and the Flour Advisory Bureau. It offers children a fun way to learn about healthy eating and an insight into the 'field to fork' cycle of how wheat is grown and used to produce breads and cereals. 0% Set-Aside 29th September 2007 European Union agriculture ministers have approved the Commission's proposal to set at 0% the obligatory set-aside rate for autumn 2007 and spring 2008 sowings. The change is in response to the increasingly tight situation on the cereals market. It should increase next year's cereals harvest by at least 10 million tonnes. In the EU-27, a lower than expected harvest in 2006 (265.5 million tonnes) led to tightening supplies at the end of marketing year 2006/2007 and to historically high prices. Intervention stocks have shrunk from 14 million tonnes at the beginning of 2006/2007 to around 1 million tonnes now. Variations in Milk Fat 29th September 2007 European Union agriculture ministers have approved a package of measures to improve the management of the dairy sector, including a major improvement in the school milk scheme. This will set a single aid rate for all categories of milk distributed in schools. The previous scheme gave a higher rate of aid for milk with a higher fat content. New Patron for WFU 24th September 2007 Baroness Byford has been appointed Patron of the Women’s Food and Farming Union. Lady Byford was created a Life Peer in 1996. Until 2007 she was a Shadow Minister in the Lords for Food & Rural Affairs. Sarah Runs New York Marathon 24th September 2007 Having just celebrated her 40th birthday WFU CEC member, Sarah Buckley from Lincolnshire thought she would take up the challenge of running her first Marathon. She is running in New York on the 4th November and raising money for World Cancer Research Fund in memory of her brother, Colin, whose life was tragically cut short by cancer at the age of 24. Link to online sponsorship. French Taste for British Cheese 22nd September 2007 The French have taken a liking for British cheeses and in some cases are outselling their French counterparts - provided you don't tell them where the cheese is from! Cheddars and Stiltons are both selling really well. Supermarket Price Fix 21st September 2007 The four biggest supermarkets have been colluding with dairy companies to fix the prices of milk, butter and cheese, according to the Office of Fair Trading. The watchdog claims to have evidence of collusion over two years when the chains passed future milk prices to dairy companies, which then exchanged the details among themselves to reach a fixed price. A 3p increase in the price of a pint of milk is said to have cost consumers an estimated £270 million, an average of £11.25 per household Levy Boards go to Stoneleigh 19th September 2007 The newly established Levy Board UK are to establish their headquarters in a new building at Stoneleigh Park. The building will be built on the Innovation Zone within our site development plans and will have support from Advantage West Midlands. Rachel Green's Cook Book 19th September 2007 Passionate campaigner for local produce and TV chef, WFU member Rachel Green, is set to publish her first cookery book, Rachel Green's Chatsworth Cookery Book, in September. No More Set-Aside 17th September 2007 The European Commission has proposed to set at 0% the obligatory set-aside rate for autumn 2007 and spring 2008 sowings, in response to the increasingly tight situation on the cereals market. In the EU-27, a lower than expected harvest in 2006 (265.5 million tonnes) led to tightening supplies at the end of marketing year 2006/2007 and to historically high prices. Intervention stocks have shrunk from 14 million tonnes at the beginning of 2006/2007 to around 1 million tonnes now in September, mainly composed of maize held in Hungary. Reducing the set- aside rate from 10% to 0% is expected to increase output by at least 10 million tonnes. English Farmhouse Recipes 17th September 2007 Help us create the English Farmhouse Recipe Collection today. If you are a farmer or worker on an English farm and over 18 then this could be your opportunity to receive a delightful set of Sheffield Steel Kitchen Knives on a beech block. Just CLICK here and submit your favourite lamb and beef mince recipes. The best 15 entries will be published in the English Farmhouse Recipe Collection booklet, and receive 200 complimentary copies, plus receive the knife set as a special thank you....... Closing date for submission is Friday, 5th October 2007 Year Of Food and Farming 16th September 2007 HRH The Prince of Wales hosted the official launch of the Year of Food and Farming at Highgrove and Duchy Home Farm this week. The Prince re-iterated his commitment to reconnecting children to the land, welcoming more than fifty school children as the first farmer in the country to open his gates to support the Year of Food and Farming. Market Outlook 16th September 2007 An expert panel of speakers will address the HGCA Market Outlook Conference and Cereals Industry Forum Conference on 9th October. topics include: - Global market outlook for 2007/08 – threats and opportunities - EU policy – “Health Check” update on intervention and set-aside in 2007/08 and beyond - Biofuels – its role in the market, and likely impact - Climate change – A hot topic? The impact on agricultural planning - Industry issues – open forum: your chance to contribute Further information and registration form ............ Market Information 29th August 2007 The HGCA works closely with the dunnhumby Academy of Consumer Research to provide farmers and small food producers with information on the purchasing behaviour of 12 million supermarket shoppers. All the previous Dunnhumby reports have recently been updated and they are now on the HGCA website (www.hgca.com/dunnhumby). Dangers of Ragwort 14th August 2007 Members of the Women’s Food and Farming Union in Devon are calling on land owners and the public to be aware of the dangers of common ragwort. The WFU says the plant is now most noticeable with its large heads of yellow flowers by the roadside and in fields. WFU at Royal Welsh 28th July 2007 Members of WFU have been busy promoting British cheeses at the Royal Welsh Show this week. Women In Farming Award 28th July 2007 Farm Business Magazine, is holding Food and Farming Industry Awards which include a *Women in Farming Award.* To meet the criteria for the Women in Farming Award, we are looking for women who are running their own farms, developing a diversified business, or are in a position of local, national or international influence. If you would like to enter this award, or know of anyone who would, please write a 200 word maximum submission which answers the above criterion and e-mail it to oast@ghpublishing.co.uk. Wholegrain Goodness 28th July 2007 The new EC legislation covering health and nutrition claims is now in force. Wholegrains are one of the few foods which have been recognised by the Joint Health Claims Initiative in the UK. There is a selection of wholegrain recipes available for use on the website www.wholegraingoodness.com Wet Weather Problems 28th July 2007 The impact of months of unsettled weather and more recently torrential rain and flash flooding across large swathes of the country is now very severe. There are several organisations who can help farmers with funding and dealing with the aftermath of the floods and the clearing up and repair work that will take place over the coming months. The ARC-Addington Fund will provide a package of pastoral support and hardship payments to any farmers who have been adversely affected by the recent floods. ARC-Addington Fund Farming Help Partners Farm Crisis Network Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution Business Link These cannot be general compensation payments but if people are in genuine hardship, then you should apply. Zero Set-Aside July 2007 Mariann Fischer Boel, Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, announced her intention to submit to the Commission a proposal to set at 0% the obligatory set-aside rate for autumn 2007 and spring 2008 sowings, in response to the increasingly tight situation on the cereals market. Game Fair Cancelled 23rd July 2007 Organisers of the Game Fair have taken the difficult decision to cancel this year's Game Fair at Harewood House near Leeds "due to adverse and worse than predicted weather conditions". Why Farming Matters 23rd July 2007 Farming and Countryside Education (FACE) has launched a new educational pack on Why Farming Matters. Packs for both primary and secondary phases are available from www.face-online.org.uk/whyfarmingmatters Baroness Replaced 14th July 2007 Lord (John) Taylor of Holbeach has taken over from Baroness Byford, as the Party’s lead spokesman on Defra subjects in the Lords after the Conservative reshuffle. Taylors of Holbeach are a well known bulb growing business in South Lincolnshire. Walkers Goes British 10th July 2007 Walkers has decided to stop importing potatoes from the EU and make its crisps from 100% British potatoes and will be spending £7.5m telling consumers about the move. WFU at the Royal Show 7th July 2007 WFU members braved the poor weather to promote British cheeses at the Royal Show this year. Ministerial Changes July 2007 Hilary Benn has been appointed as the new Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Lord Rooker remains and is joined by Phil Woolas MP, Joan Ruddock MP and Jonathan Shaw MP. Details can be found on the Defra Ministers section of the Defra website. Rising Food Prices 7th July 2007 The Consumer Price Index and much of this is due to food and non-alcoholic drinks. It is likley to get worse as a result of recent flooding and harvest difficulties. Historically, price inflation within UK grocery has run well behind background inflation, with food and drink tending to become steadily cheaper over time, when considered in “real terms”. Flood Devestation 7th July 2007 As part of the Farming Help response to the problems affecting the farming community as a result of the continuing severe weather, the ARC-Addington Fund is administering a hardship fund, with immediate effect. It provide a package of pastoral support and hardship payments to any farmers who have been adversely affected by the recent floods. Farmers can ring 07002 326 326. Click here for Previous 2006 News Items