News

EU votes to limit glyphosate use

On July 11th, EU member states voted to accept certain limitations on the use of glyphosate. This followed the decision last month to extend the herbicide's licence for 18 months. These limitations include a ban of the co-formulant (POE-tallowamine) from glyphosate-based products (such as Roundup); to reinforce scrutiny of (unnecessary) pre-harvest uses of glyphosate; and to minimise the use in specific areas such as public parks and playgrounds.

EU extends glyphosate licence for just 18 months

The EU Commission has announced a temporary extension for the licence to use glyphosate. The extension is for just 18 months, which allows the EU to consider further analysis from their chemical testing agency (ECHA), due by the end of 2017.

Former Blue Peter Gardener appointed as Head of Organic Horticulture at Garden Organic

Garden Organic is delighted to announce that Chris Collins, former BBC Blue Peter Gardener and Head Gardener at Westminster Abbey, will be joining the charity as Head of Organic Horticulture.

The glyphosate saga rumbles on

An impasse between EU nations on whether to allow Monsanto's Roundup and similar weed-killers to continue to be sold means that the European Commission, rather than national politicians, will decide the issue next week.

Glyphosate EU vote this week

The EU is voting once again this week on the relicensing of glyphosate. After 3 attempts, the EU Commission failed to win support for a proposal to renew the licence for up to 15 years. An appeals committee meet on Thursday 23rd, for a final vote, before the weedkiller's licence runs out on June 30th.

Release of damning report on UK Soil Health

The House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee has just released a damning report on UK Soil Health. “…. some of the most productive agricultural land in the country is at risk of becoming unprofitable within a generation due to soil erosion” cites the report. “(Although) the Government says it will ensure that all soils are managed sustainably by 2030… our inquiry suggests that the Government’s actions do not match its ambition, and casts doubt on whether we are on track to achieve the 2030 goal.”

Coventry scientists start a buzz around bumblebees

A new citizen science project from Coventry University has got gardeners and wildlife lovers buzzing.

To celebrate the start of the Blooms for Bees project on 20th June, aimed at promoting and improving gardening for bumblebees, Coventry University is hosting a week of free bee-themed events, talks and tours.

Launch of IFOAM 2015 Annual Report

The International Federation for Organic Agriculture (IFOAM) recently launched its 2015 Annual Report . Into the Future reflects the journey towards the next phase of organic development – called Organic 3. The aim is to bring organic out of its current niche, a shift from ‘organic for the sake of organic’, and position organic systems as part of the multiple solutions needed to solve the many challenges the world faces.

Glyphosate – the EU fails once more to approve

The decision on whether to relicense glyphosate is still on hold.

This follows a third failed attempt by EU member states to reach an agreement on 6 June. The vote now goes to an appeals committee on 23 June, just 7 days before the licence runs out.

Are GMOs safe to eat?

You may have read recently in the media that GMOs have been given a clean bill of health for human consumption by the US National Academy of Sciences. Good news for GMO supporters, and producers. However, you may like to read this review of that report by by Claire Robinson of GM Watch. It questions the science behind the report, and the selective use of research to support its thesis. If you would like to know more about genetic engineering and GMO crops, read this. We offer insight into the environmental, health and political implications, as well as a look at the future of genetic engineering.