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Articles related to "Intensive farming: Ecologically sustainable? "

News

Common pesticides a threat to bees, EU watchdog says - 17 January 2013

Three widely-used pesticides made by Switzerland's Syngenta and Germany's Bayer pose an acute risk to honeybees, the European Union's food safety watchdog said on Wednesday (16 January), but stopped short of linking them to bee colony collapse.

Scientists eye nanotechnologies to boost crop yields - 23 November 2012

SPECIAL REPORT / Nanotechnologies that deliver fertilisers to plants offer promising ways of improving farm productivity while reducing the risk of water contamination. But the scientists behind a new Swiss-funded study caution that while the technology is still evolving, potential risks must be considered.

Farmers locked in food production vs. pollution trade-off - 22 November 2012

SPECIAL REPORT / Agriculture remains a major threat to water quality in Europe, according to the latest report by the European Union’s environmental agency. But farmers and EU policymakers are also quick to highlight the trade-off between conservation objectives and pressure to increase food production.

EU scientists attempt to crack the nut on falling bee populations - 21 November 2012

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has launched a review of scientific studies and risk assessments related to the decline in bee populations worldwide and in Europe. A final report next year will identify information gaps and research needs in the field.

Looming shortage of key crop nutrient pushes call for conservation - 21 November 2012

SPECIAL REPORT / Stepped-up farm production to feed a growing world could lead to shortages of a vital crop nutrient, phosphorus, prompting European officials to consider conservation and recycling measures to protect supplies.

Green farming agenda faces EU budget axe - 20 November 2012

SPECIAL REPORT / Some EU national governments and lawmakers are pushing to weaken proposals intended to create natural defences against pesticides and fertilisers in crop fields. But they should reconsider their opposition to buffer strips and other natural areas, green advocates say.

France wants EU to review long-term risks of GM crops - 23 October 2012

A controversial study pointing to health risks from a type of genetically modified maize and a related pesticide did not provide grounds for questioning previous safety approvals, the French government said on Monday (22 October). But Paris also urged the EU to revamp its food safety procedures and said it would maintain its national moratorium on GM goods.

OECD agriculture official urges end to biofuel mandates - 20 September 2012

Biofuel mandates like those in the European Union and Unites States should be abolished to ease pressure on food prices, a top Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development official said yesterday (19 September). Meanwhile, industrialists condemned the European Commission's proposal to limit biofuels, calling it "a masterpiece of irresponsible policymaking".

Droughts cut Europe's food output, raise fire risks - 20 August 2012

Droughts in southern and eastern Europe are contributing to the global decline in grain production while also elevating concern about the long-term impact on freshwater supplies.

Audit urges stronger enforcement of organic foods - 03 July 2012

Consumers who are willing to pay extra for organic fruits, vegetables and other goods may not always get what they are hoped for due to lax oversight in some EU countries.

Green groups decry 'depressing' EU farm reform deal - 16 May 2012

Conservation groups have condemned a move by European agricultural ministers to tone down some of the most controversial environmental proposals in the next phase of the EU's farm support programme.

Auditors deal setback to EU agricultural reform - 17 April 2012

The European Court of Auditors today (17 April) dealt a blow to the European Commission’s overhaul of agricultural policies, saying in an opinion that the proposals are “too complex” and expose the EU to possible abuse in its direct payments scheme.

Pesticide makers walk fine line over public concerns - 30 March 2012

Manufacturers have recognised their failure to address concerns over the environmental and health risks of pesticides, promising "a huge change of mindset" in engaging with society while sticking to their traditional argument that their products are safe to use.

Feeding the world: A green headache for policymakers - 27 March 2012

With upwards of two billion extra mouths to feed in the coming decades, food security has become a mantra in debates about Europe’s farm-support programme and the UN’s sustainable development agenda.

Efficacy of EU's 'green' CAP reform questioned - 26 March 2012

Farmers' organisations worry that the European Commission’s plans to make the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) more environmentally friendly could leave producers drowning in paperwork.

'Climate farmers' highlight green agriculture practices - 10 January 2012

Breaking with an older generation of agricultural practices, a group of young European farmers is encouraging a shift to sustainable agriculture and hopes Brussels policymakers take note.

Ecology group urges water monitoring on EU imports - 03 November 2011

Europe’s demand for energy, fuels and food are placing a global strain on water and other natural resources that could have particularly devastating consequences for developing nations, warns a report published today (3 November) by a conservation organisation.

Farming sector aims to clean up its carbon act - 13 February 2009

Use of fertiliser usage and other modern agricultural practices can help to reduce greenhouse gases and ensure food security, argued business representatives and experts at a conference yesterday (12 February).

Opinion

50 years after Silent Spring, the EU still does not get the message - 15 October 2012

Pesticides and agricultural intensification are the main causes of biodiversity destruction, suggesting the predictions of the famous book 'Silent Spring' by Rachel Carson are now becoming reality, writes Hans Muilerman.

LinksDossier

Changing consumer behaviour to sustainability - 16 August 2012

Concerns about the sustainability of natural resources are rising, prompting policymakers and companies to encourage consumers to think green. Labelling is one way of doing this, but consumer groups advise against confronting shoppers with too much information and warn that green claims aren't always independently verified.

Interview

Pesticides chief: 'We were not really listening to societal concerns' - 30 March 2012

After years of trying to persuade consumers that their products present no health or environmental risk, the pesticides industry has now recognised its failure to address wider society concerns. Friedhelm Schmider of industry group ECPA promises "a huge change of mindset" in engaging with consumers and farmers.

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