Today's News

18 March 2010

Our vision for a self sufficient city:
Feature about a new report that claims Norwich could feed itself entirely from crops grown within six miles of the city centre. The report makes the case that a lack of storage and processing facilities around the city prevents crops being grown locally from being turned into food for local people. It says vegetables grown in Norfolk do not make it onto the shelves of local shops and calls for a switch to grow-your-own crops and a revival of market gardening around the city to help cut down on the number of miles food travels before it ends up on plates. One project described is a community supported agriculture scheme which would provide organic seasonal vegetables for 200 members.
Norwich Evening News (17 March, p.8)

Organic farming has sold out and lost its way
Julian Rose describes how “the dreams of the early organic pioneers have been subsumed into a rush for global supply chains, strict regulations and fast-selling brands.”
The Ecologist (17 March)


Appeal to save the peatlands
Farming in some areas is causing millions of tons of carbon dioxide to be released from peat bogs. A report by Natural England says ploughing and burning heather has damaged three quarters of England’s deep peat area. Helen Phillips, chief executive of Natural England, said saving peatlands could help Britain meet its target to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 80 per cent by 2050.
The Daily Telegraph (18 March, p. 13)


Colour me green
From dyes to decaf, industrial chemistry is cleaning up its act. The article refers to chemicals used in the processing of food and drink, textiles industry and health & beauty products.
New Scientist (13 March, pp.34-38)


Crafting a better life
Feature in which Soil Association president Monty Don describes why learning traditional skills is important for our future prosperity.
Countryfile magazine (Easter 2010, pp.55 – 58)


Already on supermarket shelves, a home-grown taste of summer
It may have been the coldest winter for three decades, but supermarkets are already promoting the first British strawberries of the year. The early arrival of the fruit has nothing to do with global warming or fine weather in recent weeks, rather it’s testament to modern horticulture, where strawberries are grown in vast rows of hanging trays, fed nutrients by enriched water, and kept under glass or vast polytunnels.
Daily Mail (March 18, p.3)


Farming Today
Scottish farmers speak out against a campaign to put the clocks forward by two hours in summer. Charlotte Smith hears that what could be good for south-west tourism may be bad news for northern farmers. Charlotte also hears that the UK is in real danger of running out of home-grown timber in 10 years’ time.
BBC Radio 4 (listen again)


And finally… Cornish sailors win deal to make album of sea shanties
A group of sailors from a Cornish fishing village are to release an album of sea shanties after catching the ear of a holidaying music mogul. The Fisherman's Friends, from Port Isaac, netted a deal with Universal said to be worth £1m, after being spotted singing in a pub.
BBC News (18 March)


Quote of the day
"Without exception, everybody who has mastered a craft seems to have a level of happiness that is enviable."
Mony Don - Countryfile Magazine - March 2010