India’s cattle slaughter ban strongly opposed
The Indian government has banned the sale of cattle for slaughter at livestock markets
World’s seed bank safe after water scare
No damage has been caused to the Svalbard Global Seed Vault or its seed stock following reports of water intrusion into the doomsday storage facility in Norway.
Japan’s new approach to farming without soil
Japanese experts have made a breakthrough in agricultural technology, using polymer film to grow food.
Remote monitoring provides data on water quality
A satellite-based programme run by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is monitoring water productivity and identifying water productivity gaps, according to an FAO press release.
Glyphosate non-carcinogenic, but unsafe
After evaluating scientific data, the European Chemical Agency (ECHA) has found that glyphosate is non-carcinogenic, but can cause eye damage and is toxic to aquatic life.
What to expect at the 36th World Nut & Dried Fruit Congress
Nearly 1 000 people from 60 different countries are expected to attend the nut and dried fruit industry’s major event of the year.
Vigorous growth predicted for global hazelnut market
The international hazelnut market is set for robust growth over the next decade, according to market researchers.
EU countries opt-out of GM crop cultivation
Seventeen member states of the European Union (EU) have implemented national rules to opt out of the cultivation of genetically modified (GM) crops.
Brazilian meat processors investigated for bribery
Brazilian meat-packing companies, Brazil Foods SA (BRF SA) and JBS SA, were recently raided by police after alleged bribery of health officials that could threaten US$12 billion (R152 billion) in...
Turning food waste into tyres
According to researchers at Ohio State University (OSU) in the US, food waste could partially replace the petroleum-based filler currently used in the manufacturing of tyres.
US Fruit Growers worried about disastrous warm weather
Record high-temperatures in the eastern parts of the US could lead to crops maturing too early, which could leave them vulnerable to cold winter temperatures and frost. This was according...
China bird flu outbreak peaks
Cases of the endemic H7N9 bird flu appears to have peaked in China but incidences of the flu are expected to continue into late April, according to epidemiologists.
Heart-shaped lemons a hit in Japan
A farm in Japan has succeeded in producing a heart-shaped lemon. The product has become highly popular with restaurants and bakeries across Japan for Valentine's Day, reported Asahi Shimbun, a...
US chicken farmers sue poultry companies for alleged corruption
Chicken farmers in the US state of Oklahoma sued poultry companies for allegedly sharing payment data with one another , in order to keep producer pay below competitive levels, news...
World Wetlands Day: Agriculture can use wetlands sustainably
Agriculture can sustainably make use of wetlands; it is not a case of not utilising them at all, but rather using them wisely.
Seychelles bans SA tomato imports due to suspected TLM
The island nation of the Seychelles has reportedly banned the import of tomatoes from South Africa. This follows Botswana’s recent and ongoing ban on fresh produce imported from South Africa...
Vets’ training remains key priority for OIE
Safeguarding the training of vets remains a top priority for the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), and the organisation is committed to developing appropriate guidelines for their education.
Tree nut and dried fruit production set to increase
Estimates for global tree nut production for the 2015/2016 season currently stand at 3,8 million tons, and it is expected to reach 4,02 million tons, a 5,77% increase, in 2016/2017.
Moratorium on peatland drainage
Indonesia recently issued a moratorium on the conversion of peatland in order to curb carbon emissions from drained or burnt wetlands, according to a statement issued by Nirarta Samadhi, director...
New blight-resistant potato for the UK
British scientists have developed a genetically modified potato that is resistant to blight, according to the BBC.
