CSIRO research, underway in Central Queensland’s cattle country, is investigating whether the integration of trees, pasture and livestock into a single agricultural system will produce greater net returns for producers and the environment. The ’silvopastoralism’ system is gaining worldwide attention as a potentially profitable land-use practice, particularly following the emergence of new market opportunities such as carbon trading. CSIRO Livestock Industries’ (CLI) project... ...Read more »

Pressure has been mounting on caffeinated alcohol beverages as US consumer groups look to ban such products. With binge drinking a concern, it appears the focus has now spread from alcopops to caffeinated alcohol products. Anheuser-Busch has announced that they will remove the caffeine, guarana, and ginseng from their flavored malt beverages Tilt and Bud Extra. The move comes as part of agreements reached with the non-profit Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), which in February threatened... ...Read more »

The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) is calling on the Australian Government to actively petition for new accounting rules under the Kyoto Protocol to ensure agriculture’s sequestration of carbon is acknowledged.”The Joint Standing Committee on Treaties’ examination of the rules under the new Kyoto Protocol, and how they affect Australia, is timely,” NFF President David Crombie said. “A full and sober analysis of how Australia will be impacted is essential.” “Australian... ...Read more »

Peak retail industry body, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA), cautioned that the proposed trial to test a levy on plastic bags at three supermarket locations in Victoria was not addressing the real issue of litter management. The Victorian Government announced yesterday that a levy of 10 cents will be enforced in three locations from August, with Coles, Safeway and IGA to participate in the one month trial. ARA Executive Director Richard Evans said the proposed four week plastic bag levy... ...Read more »

A proposed trial to test a 10 cent charge on plastic bags is planned to start in August at three locations in Victoria, CEO of the Australian National Retailers Association (ANRA) Margy Osmond said today. ANRA and the Victorian Government today announced that an application to authorise the trial of a temporary charge on plastic bags has been submitted to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. Trial authorisation is required under the Trade Practices Act as it will involve retailers... ...Read more »

Scotland has announced progress in their quest to create their first ‘National Policy for Food and Drink’. The policy will set out to “boost the industry, support healthier and more environmentally sustainable choices and enhance Scotland’s reputation as a land of food and drink”. Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment, Richard Lochhead, has floated several new measures including: * A major campaign, led by high-profile chef Martin Wishart, to... ...Read more »

The issue of plastic bags has been the source of great debate over recent years with some calling for a blanket ban or levy to discourage use. In April, the idea of a levy was discussed at a meeting of State and Federal Environment Ministers but was dismissed due to concerns it might be unfair to households already struggling with rising interest rates and inflation. The Australian Greens Party has since introduced legislation to the senate to apply a 25c levy on plastic bags. According to the Greens,... ...Read more »

South Australia’s wine makers and grape growers are the first industry group in the nation to sign an agreement to accurately track and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. Premier Mike Rann signed the Sector Agreement on climate change at the London Wine Fair with Orlando’s Chief Winemaker, Philip Laffer, on behalf of the SA Wine Industry Association and Jim Caddy, Chairman of CCW Co-op Ltd, on behalf of the Wine Grape Council SA. Premier Rann claims this is an important... ...Read more »

A groundbreaking industry program, called GlassRite Wine, has enabled the UK to substantially cut their CO2 emissions within the wine industry. The project, funded by WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme), has shown that bulk importing of wine into the UK and the use of lighter weight bottles can lead to major environmental and business benefits for the wine industry. The first phase of GlassRite Wine ran from Summer 2006 to March 2008, managed by British Glass, and involved an impressive... ...Read more »

Morrisons, the UK’s fourth biggest grocery retailer, is hoping to reduce the number of plastic bags given out in their stores by 50 million with the launch of a campaign to provide 10 million free reusable bags to their customers. From Monday, May 19th, the UK supermarket chain will give away the reusable bags - made from 100% recycled material and larger than standard bags. The new initiative, timed to coincide with the build up to the busy Bank Holiday weekend, will also see shoppers... ...Read more »