A study of GMO cotton varieties shows they disrupt an important beneficial soil fungus, writes Eva Sirinathsinghji, apparently due to the Bt insecticide they are engineered to express. Disruption caused by the transgenic cotton to mycorrhizal fungi, and the wider soil ecosystem, may underlie the low yields and poor pest resistance now endemic among Bt GM crops.
… Vital soil fungi damaged by GMO Bt cotton Dr Eva … shows they disrupt an important beneficial soil fungus, writes Eva Sirinathsinghji, … cotton to mycorrhizal fungi, and the wider soil ecosystem, may underlie the low yields …
There's no such thing as 'healthy food' if it's not produced by sustainable farming systems on living soils, Patrick Holden told the recent 'Food: The Forgotten Medicine' conference. But after 70 years of industrial farming, there's a huge job to be done to restore our depleted soils and the impoverished genetic diversity of our seeds and crops.
… Good nutrition begins in healthy soils Patrick Holden | 7th September 2016 … by sustainable farming systems on living soils, Patrick Holden told the recent 'Food: … a huge job to be done to restore our depleted soils and the impoverished genetic diversity …
A new study shows that the market-leading Roundup herbicide kills soil microbiota at concentrations 50 times lower than used in agriculture, writes Claire Robinson. The findings raise serious new concerns about the environmental impacts of glyphosate herbicides.
… Monsanto's Roundup toxic to soil fungus at ultra-low doses Claire Robinson … the market-leading Roundup herbicide kills soil microbiota at concentrations 50 times … glyphosate herbicides. Roundup is toxic to a soil fungus at doses well below recommended …
With vast areas decimated by industrial farming, the salad days are over for mass-produced olive oil. Laura Sevier looks at the effect its rise in popularity has had on the European landscape, and at some more sustainable brands.
… hazard (with negative impacts on the soil, water supply and wildlife), and when it … a rapid industrialisation of olive farming. Soil erosion, desertification and pollution … problems affecting the EU: widespread soil erosion and desertification in Spain, …
It's not organic but ‘pro-environmental sustainable' farming practices could help coffee farmers move away from damaging industrial monoculture
… Coffee Costa Rica Earthwatch Pesticides Soil Erosion San Marcos De Tarrazu Mark … increased productivity but also to degraded soils and a growing pest problem (resulting … to the dilemma of lower yields. Finding the soil acidity too high, a trial was proposed to …
Government is talking about issues like food security, climate change and oil dependency but failing to take the 'inconvenient' but necessary action says the Soil Association
… the real crisis in the food system, says soil association director Patrick Holden … 'inconvenient' but necessary action says the Soil Association Key policy speeches by the UK … to the leading organic farming body, the Soil Association. Speaking at the annual …
A new study sets out the huge benefits of organic farming to people and the environment, writes Peter Melchett, including more wildlife, healthier consumers and farm workers, lower greenhouse gas emissions, reduced soil erosion and increased water retention. We need more of it, fast!
… We need more organic farming! Peter Melchett Soil Association | 23rd March 2017 Comment … lower greenhouse gas emissions, reduced soil erosion and increased water retention. We … the benefits of organic farming for soil health, including reduced soil erosion …
Following recent headlines and new scientific papers PETER MELCHETT of the Soil Association reports on the evolving dialogue around pesticides.
… 2017 News Pesticides Glyphosate Neonicotinoid Soil Association Melchett 405436.jpg Following … new scientific papers PETER MELCHETT of the Soil Association reports on the evolving … of the effects of glyphosate on life in the soil and on human health . Neonicotinoid …
David Attenborough's latest documentary shows the natural world in peril. But the solutions are already in place - a nature friendly future is possible.
… Regenerative Farming Wild Isles Biodiversity Soil Association bee image David … Helen Browning, the chief executive of the Soil Association, will be speaking at the … way of farming that uses plants to fertilise soils and refuses to use the chemical products …
Government and retailers, including B&Q and Wyevale, under pressure to impose a ban on sale of pesticides linked to bee population decline following new research
… research Environmental groups including the Soil Association and Buglife are making a … thought due to their high persistence in soil and water, supporting claims for the role … impact on UK wildlife including pollinators, soil organisms and aquatic invertebrates,’ …
India's food system, essentially clean just a generation ago, has been comprehensively contaminated with sugar, bad fats, synthetic additives, GMOs and pesticides under the country's neoliberal 'great leap forwards', writes Colin Todhunter. The result? a surge in obesity, diabetes and cancer incidence, but no let-up in the under-nutrition of those too poor to join in the over-consumption.
… The green revolution, micronutrient deficient soil and human health We often hear … foods. Its long-term impact has led to soil degradation and mineral imbalances, which … the link between micronutrient deficiency in soil and human nutrition is increasingly …
Rural coffee farmers across southern Laos are sharing sustainable agricultural practices to protect both their land and health from chemical farming methods, reports ROBYN WILSON
… lives. A long line of farmers “Our land and soil is very important to us,” says Chon … “If you use chemicals, you will damage the soil and you won’t be able to grow many … he says referring to problems found within soil treated with chemical fertilisers, …
Unsustainable and bad for the environment, industrial viticulture leaves a bad taste in the mouth. Pesticide-free and weed-friendly, biodynamic wine holds the key to an organic revolution.
… by Australia leave behind excessively saline soils that native plants can’t automatically … skins, pips and so on – and return it to the soil. The advantage of compost over chemical … bring life, not just substance (food), to the soil. Biodynamic winegrowers are also …
Growing enough healthy and sustainable food has been moved to the forefront of the agriculture industry.
… runoff after fields drain into local rivers. Soil is another key farming element that's … pesticides are sprayed, they can alter the soil's pH levels and make it more difficult for crops to grow. When the soil's structure is weakened, it erodes more …
This beautiful but deadly plant proliferates in lakes across Africa – choking everything in its path. Why, asks Tom Hargreaves, have all attempts to manage it failed?
… of nutrients – derived from loose topsoil – has been washed into the waterways. … approach has caused a massive increase in soil erosion, which has been compounded by … Yet forests are essential to maintaining good soils. The roots of the trees act as the …
Deforestation, wind erosion and poor farming practices blamed for deterioration of soil as the real costs of the Green Revolution are measured
… August 2009 News Food And Farming Erosion Soil Pesticides Chemicals India treeindia.jpg … farming practices blamed for deterioration of soil as the real costs of the Green Revolution … main causes were wind erosion and waterlogged soil. But it listed a number of other factors …
The European Parliament just voted to re-authorise glyphosate, writes Peter Melchett - but with significant restrictions on its use. So what does the vote mean for the world's biggest selling herbicide? And how come the UK's National Farmers' Union welcomed the decision as an unqualified victory?
… of the end for glyphosate? Peter Melchett Soil Association | 15th April 2016 Comment EU … that it is a probable human carcinogen. The Soil Association believes it should be banned … really does support them or not! Join the Soil Association's ' Not in Our Bread ' …
Neonicotinoid pesticides are killing our honeybees. Sign the Soil Association petition to help get it banned. Then take part in Twitter's 'Tweehive' - starting on 14th July
… are killing our honeybees. Sign the Soil Association petition to help get it … deaths still being used in the UK? The Soil Association is calling on the Government … effect. For more information see the Soil Association's bee briefing Sign the …
Is it worse than Mc Donalds? The BLT sandwich is an icon, the ultimate symbol of convenience culture. Tesco alone sells 5 million a year. This is what the £1.80 you pay for your BLT buys...
… and ammonia emissions, as well as impacts on soil quality and biodiversity.’ Feed Pig feed … UK. Fertilisers Due to the poor fertility of soil in southern Spain, fertilisers are … a vicious circle: the nitrogen causes the soil to deteriorate further meaning more …
Widespread use of insecticides affecting bee populations but also causing decline in numbers of birds, butterflies and moths, warns Dutch toxicologist
… have a high leaching potential and seep into soils and groundwater. Even low concentrations … thought due to their high persistence in soil and water, he adds. In a study published … fact, we need them for human survival.’ The Soil Association, which along with Buglife and …
Multi-million pound brand Good Natured Fruit is marketed in Asda and Sainsbury's as 'pesticide free', but the company now admits it allows chemicals to be used during plants' life-cycle
… company allows chemicals to be used on the soil beds before the fruit is grown. 'Weed … which need [sic] to be grown in the soil and therefore allows the use of certain … comment on the claims. Confusing claims The Soil Association accused the company of …
Buying organic cotton doesn't mean you are depriving a farmer in the developing world of food crops, says Eliza Anyangwe of Pesticide Action Network. Rather, it's one action every ethical consumer should take
… t-shirt is the least associated with the soil. It is easy to forget that, like green … loss in fertility of his intensively farmed soil, the subsidies paid in other countries … but also increases the fertility of the soil, improving subsequent crop yields; …
Watch the trailer for the Oscar-nominated film documenting how Chinese villagers challenged a powerful chemical company over pesticides and dye-factory pollution
… fertilisers in China is leading to rapid soil acidification and is causing lasting damage to ecosystems, according to soil study NEWS Low-cost e-waste recycling in …
New research suggests that we are heading for an "ecological Armageddon" that will affect all life on the planet, including humans. COLIN TODHUNTER investigates.
… do. Rural communities When you drench soil with proprietary synthetic chemicals, … system, you kill essential microbes, upset soil balance and end up feeding soil a limited “ doughnut diet ” of unhealthy …