Agriculture in the national news - June 30

Banks accused of blackmail over EU payments for small farmers
Banks have been accused of blackmailing small farmers in the Republic after it emerged that a number of them are being threatened with having their overdraft facilities withdrawn.

The farmers have been told they must have their EU payments deposited into the account where they have their overdraft or the facility will no longer be offered.

Belfast Telegraph
http://tinyurl.com/2w97ot5

Role of science in boosting efficiency underlined

THE boss of a Scottish agricultural research institute spoke about the role science can play in helping farmers to become more efficient.

Professor Julie Fitzpatrick, chief executive of Edinburgh’s Moredun Foundation, said a properly funded research sector could deliver better breeding, improved feeding regimes and address endemic diseases to reduce unnecessary costs and boost output.

Press and Journal
http://tinyurl.com/32zxouv

Copa-Cogeca hails biofuels success

THE multiple benefits from producing renewable fuel from crops have been highlighted by Copa-Cogeca, the main farmers’ organisation in Europe.

Secretary-general Pekka Pesonen pointed out not only the vital role that biofuels play in terms of reducing European Union oil dependency and greenhouse gas emissions, but that they also now play a major role in boosting employment in the rural areas of the EU.

Scotsman
http://tinyurl.com/26mosga?

Gigantic pig farm plan leads to over 1,500 objections

MORE than 1,500 objections to what is believed would be the largest pig farm in the UK have been received by South Derbyshire District Council.

The development proposed by Midland Pig Producers (MPP) to build a 2,500-sow rearing unit at land adjacent to Foston Prison is facing fierce opposition after the council has received 1,640 objections so far.

Burton Mail
http://tinyurl.com/254xvyy

Calling for an ‘old-fashioned’ green revolution

Using “good old-fashioned” farming techniques will help deliver a sustainable green revolution in Africa, says Tensie Whelan.

In this week’s Green Room, she warns that failure to protect biodiversity, water supplies and forests could spell disaster for the continent.

BBC Online
http://tinyurl.com/26snqup

Farming leader’s plea over coalition promises

A farming leader today called on the coalition Government to deliver on rural promises it made before the election and show it values farmers and the agricultural industry.

In an interview with the Shropshire Star Gwyn Jones, vice president of the National Farmers Union, said the farming industry was “slightly nervous” but was “optimistic” for the long-term.

Shropshire Star
http://tinyurl.com/26xc9js

Chicken farmer’s son not scared ahead of Djokovic clash

After clipping the wings of the last year’s runner-up, Taiwanese chicken farmer’s son Lu Yen-hsun faces Novak Djokovic on Wednesday seeking a place in the Wimbledon semi-finals.

Reuters
http://tinyurl.com/2cgrr3l

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