Taking the private label concept a step further, UK retailer Waitrose is to launch the first line of milk to be produced exclusively from the supermarket’s own herd of cows at its working farm in Hampshire.The 4,000-acre farm has been in operation for over 80 years and, as of this week, Waitrose Traditional Milk produced on the Leckford Estate in Hampshire will be available on the shelves of the supermarket’s 190 outlets. Leckford is part of the Waitrose Select Farm Milk Scheme, an industry-leading... ...Read more »
A consumer survey conducted by Organic Guide at Sydney’s Organic Expo has found that the reasons for choosing organic over conventional products has changed significantly to include climate change. A leading organic expert from the UK also suggested that consumer loyalty was stronger in the organic sector, which means they are prepared to pay more for organic goods. “Organic farming, with its emphasis on closed nutrient cycles, biodiversity, and effective soil management, has the capacity... ...Read more »
The European Commission launched a new Organic Farming Campaign at the beginning of the week to improve farmer and consumer awareness of organic produce. Under the campaign slogan: “Organic farming. Good for nature, good for you”, the promotional campaign aims to inform consumers about the meaning and benefits of organic farming and food production. The campaign will focus on increasing consumer awareness and recognition of organic products, and especially on young people and children... ...Read more »
Scientists in the UK are calling for the Government to allow them to keep sites for GM crop trials a secret in the wake of continued vandalising of crops by protesters. Under current European Union rules the sites of GM trials are required to be disclosed to the public and this has led to most of the 54 sites used in Britain since the turn of the century being damaged at some stage by protesters. Professor Howard Atkinson of Leeds University, whose pest-resistant potato study was destroyed in June,... ...Read more »
The first official Australian organic data in four years has been launched today by Biological Farmers of Australia revealing that the organic industry is potentially as resilient in drought as its products claim to be healthy for consumers. Independently researched by the University of New England’s Organic Research Group, and commissioned by the Biological Farmers of Australia (BFA), the Australian Organic Market Report (AOMR) is based on industry-wide survey data and builds upon research... ...Read more »
More than 50 Western Australian food companies have now signed up to the State Government’s labelling program, which promotes local food products to West Australian consumers. A logo is now seen on a range of produce in supermarket shelves to highlight to consumers that it is from WA. Agriculture and Food Minister, Kim Chance, has outlined his excitement about the strong support for ‘Buy West, Eat Best’ exhibited by WA companies and consumers alike. “Since the launch to consumers... ...Read more »
Australia’s protracted drought has devastated much agricultural land, and water remains the key to survival for many farmers. So when the going got tough the lamb got tender in the Riverina district of N.S.W. and a value added meat production industry was developed by a gutsy farming family. Bultarra Saltbush Lamb is now winning the praise of chefs and diners alike in restaurants in Australia and overseas. In the 1980’s Robert Meares Snr commenced planting saltbush on his family property... ...Read more »
The Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Tim Mulherin yesterday said he was delighted with the announcement of the proposed merger of Proserpine Co-operative and the newly formed Mackay Sugar Limited. The merger between the two sugar producers is not yet finalised but is appears likely as both companies look to consolidate during a time that has seen a loss of good agricultural land. “The increased tonnages that the proposed merger provides will enable us to achieve those design efficiencies,” Lou... ...Read more »
Dairy UK is to launch a new campaign that aims to make the nation ‘Proud of Dairy’. At the launch of the marketing campaign, MPs and other high-profile guests were asked to demonstrate that they too are Proud of Dairy by pledging support for the campaign and completing a support card with their name. Initially, it is essentially an awareness campaign highlighting the positives of the industry. In the future, however, Dairy UK envisages that the Proud of Dairy logo could be used by other dairy... ...Read more »
A tour of apple orchards in France and England has led to the discovery of 15 ‘new’ cider apple varieties in Australia.NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) technical officer, David Pickering, said the study tour was supported by Horticulture Australia Ltd to confirm the identity of what appeared to be cider apple varieties in Australian collections. “I had to visit the countries where the apples originated to positively identify the varieties which were growing here and confirm... ...Read more »