News
Benefits of large-scale anaerobic digestion at mega pig farm doubted
The debate surrounding the controversial mega pig farm continues after the Soil Association called into question the suggested environmental benefits of anaerobic digestion on the site.
A report commissioned by the organisation and the World Society for the Protection of Animals and written by an independent consultant found that the benefits of large-scale anaerobic digestion (AD) units such as the one proposed for the mega pig farm in Derbyshire are extremely unclear and may be non-existent.
The association says that according to Midlands Pig Producers, which is proposing the development, the AD unit will only reduce greenhouse gases by 17 per cent at most.
The report found that, from experience in other countries, to make large-scale AD units work economically, they need to use specially grown maize as a fuel. It was pointed out that the situation is different when it comes to small AD systems linked to local production of green waste or biomass.
In light of the report, the Soil Association is urging Derbyshire County Council not to rely on the claims being made by Midlands Pig Producers regarding the AD unit.
In a statement, the Soil Association said it was “concerned that we are in danger of heading down exactly the same track that the European Commission took with biofuels, thinking that because something turns biological products like animal waste or crops into methane gas or ethanol, this must be good for the planet and it deserves millions of pounds of public money being poured into it. Many are now struggling to reverse decisions on biofuels taken in haste with inadequate information”.
Food security on agenda for organic debate
Issues around food security and CAP reform will be up for debate at a forthcoming organic conference.
Organic Research Centre (ORC) is hosting its annual producers conference at Aston University on January 18 and 19.
A number of topics are on the agenda, including key policy issues. A total of 20 workshops will be held over the two days designed to tackle the practical issues and necessary research innovations.
Speakers confirmed included Dr Jeurn Sander, from the von Thuenen Instiut in Germany and Christopher Stopes, President of the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements’ EU Group, who will focus on the issues around CAP reform and the implications for the organic sector.
ORC Director, Nic Lampkin, said: “The range of topics and the expertise of the speakers promises to make this conference one of the best and most relevant to developing practical solutions to the challenges facing agriculture and society that has been held in recent years. It will demonstrate that organic farming, emphasising agro-ecological principles and environmental sustainability, is still highly relevant to the future development of agriculture in the UK, Europe and globally. The messages are not only relevant to organic producers – there is much that should be of interest to UK agriculture in general, and to the industry’s leaders in particular.”
To find out more about the conference, visit www.organicresearchcentre.com
Mums give Weleda seal of approval
Weleda is celebrating after scooping another award for its Baby range.
Mother & Baby Awards awarded Weleda Baby with the silver accolade in the Best Premium Skincare range category. Some 3,000 products across the categories were tested by more than 600 mums.
“This award is a great way for us to wind up a year of celebration for Weleda, because the Mother & Baby Awards are voted for by testers, not by a panel of professionals and an editorial team,” commented Commercial Director, Jayn Sterland. “These are real mums, in real life situations. They have strong opinions and know which products best suit their lifestyle and their little ones.”
The Natural Trade Directory - back for 2012
The Natural Trade Directory is back for 2012 so look out for your copy landing in April.
If you are a manufacturer, supplier or distributor make sure you complete your free entry online at http://www.healthfoodbusiness.co.uk/ntdforms for inclusion in the directory.
New issue of Fine Foodies out now
The January/February issue of Fine Foodies has been dispatched to fine food stores and delis nationwide.
Fine Foodies is completely free to stock; simply complete your details online at www.finefoodiesmag.com/stock or telephone 01279 810080 to receive your batch of the latest issue.
