Author: Crop Protection
A rare and economically significant variety of rice, prized for its pinkish hue and grown in the remote highlands of Nepal, has been rescued from the brink of extinction. Jumli Marshi rice, a staple for communities in Jumla, Nepal, has faced a critical threat due to disease. However, through the efforts of Professor John Witcombe from Bangor University, the strain has been safeguarded with new, disease-resistant varieties. Professor Witcombe, renowned for his work in plant breeding and food security, has previously helped secure the livelihoods of over five million smallholders across India, Pakistan, and Nepal. His recent project in Nepal…
Southwest China’s Guizhou Province is enhancing its agricultural cooperation with the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) through a series of promotional activities, underscoring its commitment to expanding international markets. In August, the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre hosted a significant showcase, featuring a range of agricultural products from Guizhou, marking the eighth consecutive year of the province’s participation in the Hong Kong Food Trade Expo and the Hong Kong International Tea Fair. The promotional event was spearheaded by Guizhou’s provincial department of agriculture and rural affairs, alongside its department of commerce. The gathering aimed to broaden the reach…
The UK’s food-to-go market has experienced substantial growth in 2024, with spending surpassing £48.2 billion, a significant 14% increase from the previous year. This surge in out-of-home dining highlights a recovery in volume growth, which had been affected by inflation in recent years. According to recent data from AHDB and Kantar, the market’s upward trajectory is expected to continue, with projections indicating a nearly 40% increase by 2028 compared to 2019 levels. The rise in spending reflects a broader trend in consumer behaviour. Research from IGD reveals that while almost half of food-to-go meals are consumed during daily routines, such…
In a field fraught with controversy, a new report sheds light on the multifaceted impacts of oil crops, revealing that the issues at stake are more nuanced than previously understood. Produced by Borneo Futures, which hosts the IUCN Oil Crops Task Force, the report aims to provide clarity on the role of oil crops in biodiversity loss, human rights, and nutrition. Oil crops, which cover 37% of global cropland, are at the heart of ongoing debates due to their significant environmental and social implications. While these crops are vital for global income and nutrition, they are also associated with severe…
The UK faces the prospect of missing its legally binding target to protect biodiversity unless urgent measures are taken, according to a new report by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR). The country has committed to the international goal of conserving at least 30% of its land and sea by 2030, a pledge known as the “30×30” target, agreed at the United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP15) in Montreal in December 2022. However, with the UK’s biodiversity in steep decline, the government must act swiftly to avoid missing this critical deadline, the report warns. Currently, only 53% of the UK’s…
A West Wales dairy farmer, Emyr Bowen, has made it to the finals of this year’s British Farming Awards, competing for the prestigious Dairy Farmer of the Year title. Bowen, who manages Lan Farm near Carmarthen, is one of four finalists recognised for their contributions to dairy farming and sustainability. The Bowen family has a long history at Lan Farm, which will celebrate 100 years of its pedigree Holstein herd in 2024. Emyr and his father, Robert, run the farm full-time, with the support of part-time staff and contractors. This teamwork allows them to dedicate more time to managing their…
The future of the Welsh beef industry is facing a serious challenge as new data reveals a significant decline in cattle supply. Figures from the British Cattle Movement Service (BCMS) indicate that calf registrations in Wales during the first half of 2024 have dropped by over 10,000 compared to the same period in 2023. This marks a four per cent reduction year-on-year, with only 213,200 calf registrations recorded. This latest figure is a worrying sign for the industry, representing the lowest number of half-year calf registrations seen in several years. In 2021, nearly 230,000 calves were registered during the same…
On Wednesday, September 4, the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) is hosting a crucial NI on-farm rush control event at Castle Archdale Country Park in Enniskillen. This event, held in collaboration with Northern Ireland Water (NI Water), aims to explore and discuss effective treatments for managing rush infestations. The event will be divided into two sessions: the afternoon session will start at 2:00 p.m., followed by an evening session at 6:30 p.m. Attendees will have the opportunity to gain insights into various methods of rush control and their implications for water quality. CAFRE highlights that traditional rush…
The UK’s first gene-edited crop trials (wheat and barley) on conventional farms are set to begin, marking a significant step in agricultural innovation. This trial is Europe’s first of its kind, focusing on testing experimental gene-edited crops in real-world conditions to evaluate their potential benefits for farmers and food production. The trials will explore how these gene-edited traits perform under various environmental conditions and how they impact farming operations. Feedback from farmers will be crucial, providing insight into the practicality and benefits of growing gene-edited crops. Additionally, the trials aim to secure enough grain for testing in food production systems.…
The UK government is considering compensating farmers who could be forced to carry out mass sheep slaughter under a no-deal Brexit scenario. With British farmers heavily reliant on European markets for their exports, there are growing concerns that a sudden break in trade with the EU could leave them with no market for their sheep meat. Brexit minister Stephen Barclay has acknowledged the potential challenges facing the farming sector if the UK leaves the EU without a deal. He stated that while the government prefers to avoid such a scenario, officials are examining measures to support farmers who may face…