News
50 years of the European Agricultural Policy: Time for change say civil society groups
Data: 23/01/2012
The European Commission launches its 50th anniversary of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) campaign[i] today. However with farmers and biodiversity disappearing, hunger and social inequalities increasing and food safety compromised, civil society groups are calling on the European Institutions to use the ongoing CAP reform to undertake a radical overhaul to make it “fit for the next 50”. More...
Data: 23/01/2012
The European Commission launches its 50th anniversary of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) campaign[i] today. However with farmers and biodiversity disappearing, hunger and social inequalities increasing and food safety compromised, civil society groups are calling on the European Institutions to use the ongoing CAP reform to undertake a radical overhaul to make it “fit for the next 50”. More...
Romania intends to more actively promote its farm products
Data: 23/01/2012
Romania intends to more actively promote its farm products at the International Food Exhibition held in Berlin under the name ‘Green Week’. The event, in which Romania participates as a partner, is the most important international fair for the food, agriculture and horticultural industry. More...
Data: 23/01/2012
Romania intends to more actively promote its farm products at the International Food Exhibition held in Berlin under the name ‘Green Week’. The event, in which Romania participates as a partner, is the most important international fair for the food, agriculture and horticultural industry. More...
6,000 Year Old Peruvian Popcorn Reminds Us How New GMO Corn Really Is
Data: 21/01/2012
Corn has been a point of controversy for the past few years as a result of an onslaught of genetic modification that has made finding none-manipulated varieties nearly impossible. But even though today nearly 9 out of 10 corn crops are genetically modified and often monoculture crops, it hasn’t always been this way. More...
Data: 21/01/2012
Corn has been a point of controversy for the past few years as a result of an onslaught of genetic modification that has made finding none-manipulated varieties nearly impossible. But even though today nearly 9 out of 10 corn crops are genetically modified and often monoculture crops, it hasn’t always been this way. More...
Valeriu Tabara: We will request EU that Romania should not be forced to sell farming land to non-residents until 2020
Data: 20/01/2012
Romania will request EU that she should not be compelled to sell farming land to non residents, said Valeriu Tabara, the minister of Agriculture and Rural Development. Romania is not ready now to open the land fund and we will take steps to allow the extension of the land after 2016 so that the country should not be allowed to sell land to non residents. We should see the EU stand and our new capacity. More...
Data: 20/01/2012
Romania will request EU that she should not be compelled to sell farming land to non residents, said Valeriu Tabara, the minister of Agriculture and Rural Development. Romania is not ready now to open the land fund and we will take steps to allow the extension of the land after 2016 so that the country should not be allowed to sell land to non residents. We should see the EU stand and our new capacity. More...
Romanian farmers could receive the refunds for EU farming aid faster after the government has announced
Data: 16/01/2012
Romanian farmers could receive the refunds for EU farming aid faster after the government has announced that reimbursement requests will have to be processed within 45 days by fund management authorities before they are sent to the European Commission. This is the same deadline as in the case of structural and cohesion funds. More...
Data: 16/01/2012
Romanian farmers could receive the refunds for EU farming aid faster after the government has announced that reimbursement requests will have to be processed within 45 days by fund management authorities before they are sent to the European Commission. This is the same deadline as in the case of structural and cohesion funds. More...
France upholds ban on Monsanto GM maize
Data: 13/01/2012
The French government said on Friday it would uphold its ban on a strain of genetically modified maize developed by U.S. biotech firm Monsanto in 2012, even though France's highest court overturned the moratorium last year. More...
Data: 13/01/2012
The French government said on Friday it would uphold its ban on a strain of genetically modified maize developed by U.S. biotech firm Monsanto in 2012, even though France's highest court overturned the moratorium last year. More...
Romania next to Liberia and Laos for giving up farming land
Data: 10/01/2012
Next to Liberia, Laos, Paraguay, Sierra Leone or Indonesia Romania is in the top of countries where foreign companies hold the largest areas of farming land, according to a report made by Grain, a non-governmental organization supporting small farms. At world level, most target countries for farming land purchases made by foreign companies or citizens are in Africa or South America but investors do not avoid Australia, eastern Europe or South-East Asia too. More...
Data: 10/01/2012
Next to Liberia, Laos, Paraguay, Sierra Leone or Indonesia Romania is in the top of countries where foreign companies hold the largest areas of farming land, according to a report made by Grain, a non-governmental organization supporting small farms. At world level, most target countries for farming land purchases made by foreign companies or citizens are in Africa or South America but investors do not avoid Australia, eastern Europe or South-East Asia too. More...
French farmers will have to pay to use their own seeds
Data: 03/01/2012
In the world of French farming, unrestricted and royalty-free use of seeds may soon be no more than a happy memory. For several decades seeds have been brought under the protection of plant variety certificates, which enshrine plant breeders' rights. More...
Data: 03/01/2012
In the world of French farming, unrestricted and royalty-free use of seeds may soon be no more than a happy memory. For several decades seeds have been brought under the protection of plant variety certificates, which enshrine plant breeders' rights. More...
The number of active operators in Romania's organic farming sector has tripled this year
Data: 03/01/2012
The number of active operators in Romania's organic farming sector has tripled this year reaching 10,000 and the rise in relevant subsidies might prompt the doubling, by end-2012, of the number of farmers who join the eco-certification system. More...
Data: 03/01/2012
The number of active operators in Romania's organic farming sector has tripled this year reaching 10,000 and the rise in relevant subsidies might prompt the doubling, by end-2012, of the number of farmers who join the eco-certification system. More...
Who's to blame for supermarket rejection of 'ugly' fruit and vegetables?
Data: 29/12/2011
Fields of wasted crops lie testament to our fussy shopping habits and the refusal of supermarkets to stock edible but less-than-perfect-looking food. Huge amounts of perfectly edible, nutritious fresh produce is wasted for not meeting cosmetic standards. More...
Data: 29/12/2011
Fields of wasted crops lie testament to our fussy shopping habits and the refusal of supermarkets to stock edible but less-than-perfect-looking food. Huge amounts of perfectly edible, nutritious fresh produce is wasted for not meeting cosmetic standards. More...
Biofuels not food the biggest driver of 'land grabbing' deals, says report
Data: 18/12/2011
'Land grab' report highlights growing interest from speculators in ‘flex’ crops like soya, palm oil and sugarcane that can be used for biofuels or food. More...
Data: 18/12/2011
'Land grab' report highlights growing interest from speculators in ‘flex’ crops like soya, palm oil and sugarcane that can be used for biofuels or food. More...
Via Campesina demands that Monsanto compensate beekepers
Data: 13/12/2011
Following the decision of the European Court of Justice, pollen and honey containing pollen from MON 810 maize is not marketable for human consumption. In fact, Monsanto has "forgotten" to apply for approval for its use. Beekeepers whose products are suspected of being contaminated by pollen from Monsanto GMOs cannot sell their crops. This latest catastrophe, which adds to the difficulties of high hive mortality for beekeepers (due largely to the use of pesticides) is not sustainable. The European Commission which has granted approval for this GMO can no longer ignore it. More...
Data: 13/12/2011
Following the decision of the European Court of Justice, pollen and honey containing pollen from MON 810 maize is not marketable for human consumption. In fact, Monsanto has "forgotten" to apply for approval for its use. Beekeepers whose products are suspected of being contaminated by pollen from Monsanto GMOs cannot sell their crops. This latest catastrophe, which adds to the difficulties of high hive mortality for beekeepers (due largely to the use of pesticides) is not sustainable. The European Commission which has granted approval for this GMO can no longer ignore it. More...
One Quarter of World’s Agricultural Land ‘Highly Degraded’, UN Report Concludes
Data: 07/12/2011
On Monday, the UN released the results of the first ever global study on the state of Earth’s land. The main finding: 25 percent of all land is “highly degraded” making it unsuitable for agriculture. More...
Data: 07/12/2011
On Monday, the UN released the results of the first ever global study on the state of Earth’s land. The main finding: 25 percent of all land is “highly degraded” making it unsuitable for agriculture. More...
Legislative proposals for the CAP reform 2014-2020:Position of the European Coordination Via Campesina
Data: 06/12/2011
Whereas financial and economic crisis are worsening, unemployment is strongly increasing, environmental problems are becoming ever more pressing, the European Commission’s proposal remains in the same line as the previous reforms and does not meet the challenges Europe is facing. More...
Data: 06/12/2011
Whereas financial and economic crisis are worsening, unemployment is strongly increasing, environmental problems are becoming ever more pressing, the European Commission’s proposal remains in the same line as the previous reforms and does not meet the challenges Europe is facing. More...
Solving Climate Change With Agriculture: Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa Launches at COP17
Data: 06/12/2011
African farmer and civil society groups launched the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA) on Sunday, saying that agro-ecology can provide a solution for global hunger and poverty, climate change, threats to biodiversity, and soil health. More...
Data: 06/12/2011
African farmer and civil society groups launched the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA) on Sunday, saying that agro-ecology can provide a solution for global hunger and poverty, climate change, threats to biodiversity, and soil health. More...
Brussels defends plan for ‘greener’ CAP
Data: 06/12/2011
The European Commission has defended controversial plans that will force farmers who receive subsidies to implement environmental measures on their land. A "greener" Common Agricultural Policy was vital to help offset environmental damage caused by farmers intensifying production in the face of soaring input costs, it said. More...
Data: 06/12/2011
The European Commission has defended controversial plans that will force farmers who receive subsidies to implement environmental measures on their land. A "greener" Common Agricultural Policy was vital to help offset environmental damage caused by farmers intensifying production in the face of soaring input costs, it said. More...
Bulgarian farmers block border crossings
Data: 01/12/2011
Bulgarian farmers protesting over subsidies blocked major roads and two important border crossings to fellow European Union member Romania and Turkey on Thursday. Grain producers first took to the roads with heavy equipment on Monday and have now blocked the Danube bridge checkpoint in northern Bulgaria -- the only river crossing to Romania -- and the Kapitan Andreevo crossing on the border with Turkey. More...
Data: 01/12/2011
Bulgarian farmers protesting over subsidies blocked major roads and two important border crossings to fellow European Union member Romania and Turkey on Thursday. Grain producers first took to the roads with heavy equipment on Monday and have now blocked the Danube bridge checkpoint in northern Bulgaria -- the only river crossing to Romania -- and the Kapitan Andreevo crossing on the border with Turkey. More...
6 Problems Caused by Shrinking Biodiversity
Data: 28/11/2011
Estimates of species loss are, without a doubt, staggering. In 2007, Sigmar Gabriel, the Federal Environment Minister of Germany, cited estimates that up to 30% of all species will be extinct by 2050. Others have estimated that as many as 140,000 species are lost each year. The alarming trends have led some to declare the current period the "Sixth Great Extinction." More...
Data: 28/11/2011
Estimates of species loss are, without a doubt, staggering. In 2007, Sigmar Gabriel, the Federal Environment Minister of Germany, cited estimates that up to 30% of all species will be extinct by 2050. Others have estimated that as many as 140,000 species are lost each year. The alarming trends have led some to declare the current period the "Sixth Great Extinction." More...
EU bodies disagree on greening in CAP reform
Data: 15/11/2011
The European Parliament and the European Commission are set on a collision course over the greening proposals included in the CAP reform package. The Parliament has deep concerns that the greening measures are too limited and too detailed, Ireland East MEP Mairead McGuinness has said. More...
Data: 15/11/2011
The European Parliament and the European Commission are set on a collision course over the greening proposals included in the CAP reform package. The Parliament has deep concerns that the greening measures are too limited and too detailed, Ireland East MEP Mairead McGuinness has said. More...
Dacian Ciolos: Direct payments to Romanian farmers are to increase by 3 billion euros until 2020
Data: 25/11/2011
Direct payments to Romanian farmers are going to increase until 2020 by approximately 3 billion euros and one of my suggestions aiming at Romania refers to a 200-euro value per ha until 2018, European Commissioner for Agriculture Dacian Ciolos told a press conference on Monday. More...
Data: 25/11/2011
Direct payments to Romanian farmers are going to increase until 2020 by approximately 3 billion euros and one of my suggestions aiming at Romania refers to a 200-euro value per ha until 2018, European Commissioner for Agriculture Dacian Ciolos told a press conference on Monday. More...
The missing option...Food Sovereignty
Data: 29/10/2011 --- COMMON AGRICLTURE POLICY
The future of our food is at stake !
A CAP reform is going on. European Institutions are supporting an unsustainable food system based on low quality food for competitive prices.
Changing the CAP is the key in order to achieve FOOD SOVEREIGNTY.
Millions of people and many organizations are already working towards a CAP based on Food Sovereignty. You too can engage in this transformation. More...
Data: 29/10/2011 --- COMMON AGRICLTURE POLICY
The future of our food is at stake !
A CAP reform is going on. European Institutions are supporting an unsustainable food system based on low quality food for competitive prices.
Changing the CAP is the key in order to achieve FOOD SOVEREIGNTY.
Millions of people and many organizations are already working towards a CAP based on Food Sovereignty. You too can engage in this transformation. More...
While the UPOV celebrates its 50th anniversary, farmers are protesting against an institution that only serves the seed industry
Data: 20/10/2011 --- TRADITIONAL SEEDS
Today, between 12:00 and 14:00 hours, over a hundred peasants, members of associations and concerned citizens rallied in front of the headquarters of UPOV (International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants), to express their protest on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of the institution. More...
Data: 20/10/2011 --- TRADITIONAL SEEDS
Today, between 12:00 and 14:00 hours, over a hundred peasants, members of associations and concerned citizens rallied in front of the headquarters of UPOV (International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants), to express their protest on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of the institution. More...
European Parliament vote on CAP 2013 reform
Data: 27/06/2011
The European Commission should now build on the moderate progress of the European
Parliament and propose a socially and environmentally legitimate CAP More...
Data: 27/06/2011
The European Commission should now build on the moderate progress of the European
Parliament and propose a socially and environmentally legitimate CAP More...
G20 Farm Ministers Take Steps to Control Food Prices
Data: 23/06/2011
The world's top 20 economic powers agreed Thursday on measures aimed at controlling high and volatile food prices. More...
Data: 23/06/2011
The world's top 20 economic powers agreed Thursday on measures aimed at controlling high and volatile food prices. More...
Food Ark
Data: 17/06/2011
A crisis is looming: To feed our growing population, we’ll need to double food production. Yet crop yields aren’t increasing fast enough, and climate change and new diseases threaten the limited varieties we’ve come to depend on for food. Luckily we still have the seeds and breeds to ensure our future food supply—but we must take steps to save them. More...
Data: 17/06/2011
A crisis is looming: To feed our growing population, we’ll need to double food production. Yet crop yields aren’t increasing fast enough, and climate change and new diseases threaten the limited varieties we’ve come to depend on for food. Luckily we still have the seeds and breeds to ensure our future food supply—but we must take steps to save them. More...
Post 2013 CAP / European Parliament / Position of the Agriculture Committee
Data: 10/06/2011
Following the long, difficult work required to reach a compromise on over 1,200 amendments, the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development of the European Parliament approved the Albert Dess initiative report on May 25th. This was in response to the European Commission communication on the CAP post 2013. More...
Data: 10/06/2011
Following the long, difficult work required to reach a compromise on over 1,200 amendments, the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development of the European Parliament approved the Albert Dess initiative report on May 25th. This was in response to the European Commission communication on the CAP post 2013. More...
Agricultural Committee in the European Parliament pushes for fairer and sustainable CAP
Data: 04/06/2011
The Agriculture and Rural Development Committee of the European Parliament agreed on the basic principles guiding the reform of the EU’s future agricultural policy after 2013. More...
Data: 04/06/2011
The Agriculture and Rural Development Committee of the European Parliament agreed on the basic principles guiding the reform of the EU’s future agricultural policy after 2013. More...
The global food crisis: The right to decide what we eat
Data: 02/06/2011
'Food sovereignty', the right of small farmers to chose what to eat and what to grow, is vital to feeding the world More...
Data: 02/06/2011
'Food sovereignty', the right of small farmers to chose what to eat and what to grow, is vital to feeding the world More...
MEPs back origin labels for food as battle looms
Data: 20/04/2011
MEPs yesterday (19 April) backed the mandatory inclusion of information on country-of-origin and transfats on food labels, amid indications of a looming battle with member states and warnings that the new requirements will cripple small businesses. More...
Data: 20/04/2011
MEPs yesterday (19 April) backed the mandatory inclusion of information on country-of-origin and transfats on food labels, amid indications of a looming battle with member states and warnings that the new requirements will cripple small businesses. More...
Large Farms in EU: Less than 1 % of European farms occupy 20 % of usable land
Data: 20/04/2011
Large farms in Europe: Less than 1 % of European farms occupy 20 % of usable land according to Eurostat, the statistics office of the European Union. More...
Data: 20/04/2011
Large farms in Europe: Less than 1 % of European farms occupy 20 % of usable land according to Eurostat, the statistics office of the European Union. More...
Farm aid tied to meeting EU's biodiversity needs
Data: 20/04/2011
European Commission's environment department will attempt to set out better protection for species and habitats threatened with over-exploitation and extinction. More...
Data: 20/04/2011
European Commission's environment department will attempt to set out better protection for species and habitats threatened with over-exploitation and extinction. More...
Why the International Day of Peasants' Struggles is important
Data: 18/04/2011
We should celebrate one of the largest but least recognised groups in the world, who grow most of the food we eat More...
Data: 18/04/2011
We should celebrate one of the largest but least recognised groups in the world, who grow most of the food we eat More...
Small-scale farmers increasingly at risk from 'global land grabbing'
Data: 15/04/2011
While investment is critical for agriculture, the rush into long-term land leases is a dramatic step with many risks and substantial social and environmental costs More...
Data: 15/04/2011
While investment is critical for agriculture, the rush into long-term land leases is a dramatic step with many risks and substantial social and environmental costs More...
Towards a fairer EU agriculture policy?
Data: 14/04/2011
As the EU embarks on further reform of the Common Agriculture Policy, the Union's newest member states are demanding that their views are taken into account. More...
Data: 14/04/2011
As the EU embarks on further reform of the Common Agriculture Policy, the Union's newest member states are demanding that their views are taken into account. More...
GMOs: Environment Committee strengthens legal grounds for cultivation bans
Data: 12/04/2011
EU Member States should be able to state environmental grounds, such as pesticide resistance, for restricting or banning the cultivation of EU-approved genetically-modified crops, said the Environment Committee on Tuesday. Stating these grounds could strengthen legal protection against possible WTO challenges to GMO bans, it added. More...
Data: 12/04/2011
EU Member States should be able to state environmental grounds, such as pesticide resistance, for restricting or banning the cultivation of EU-approved genetically-modified crops, said the Environment Committee on Tuesday. Stating these grounds could strengthen legal protection against possible WTO challenges to GMO bans, it added. More...
Topoloveni jam on the European quality food products list
Data: 08/04/2011
The famous Romanian Topoloveni jam joins over 1,000 food and other products protected by the European quality food system. More...
Data: 08/04/2011
The famous Romanian Topoloveni jam joins over 1,000 food and other products protected by the European quality food system. More...
EU farm policy reform seen affecting land prices
Data: 07/04/2011
Plans for a more equal share-out of direct subsidies to farmers in different European Union countries are set to affect farmland prices from 2014, a senior EU official said on Wednesday (6 April). More...
Data: 07/04/2011
Plans for a more equal share-out of direct subsidies to farmers in different European Union countries are set to affect farmland prices from 2014, a senior EU official said on Wednesday (6 April). More...
Romania seeks EU ok to grow genetically modified soybeans from 2012
Data: 07/04/2011
Romania will seek the agreement of the European Union in order to cultivate and export genetically modified soybean starting 2012, said the Romanian Minister of Agriculture, Valeriu Tabara. More...
Data: 07/04/2011
Romania will seek the agreement of the European Union in order to cultivate and export genetically modified soybean starting 2012, said the Romanian Minister of Agriculture, Valeriu Tabara. More...
MEPs to back national powers on GM bans
Data: 07/04/2011
Parliament to back greater freedom for member states to ban GM crops in the name of environmental protection More...
Data: 07/04/2011
Parliament to back greater freedom for member states to ban GM crops in the name of environmental protection More...
Rush to Use Crops as Fuel Raises Food Prices and Hunger Fears
Data: 06/04/2011
The starchy cassava root has long been an important ingredient in everything from tapioca pudding and ice cream to paper and animal feed. But last year, 98 percent of cassava chips exported from Thailand, the world’s largest cassava exporter, went to just one place and almost all for one purpose: to China to make biofuel. Driven by new demand, Thai exports of cassava chips have increased nearly fourfold since 2008, and the price of cassava has roughly doubled. More...
Data: 06/04/2011
The starchy cassava root has long been an important ingredient in everything from tapioca pudding and ice cream to paper and animal feed. But last year, 98 percent of cassava chips exported from Thailand, the world’s largest cassava exporter, went to just one place and almost all for one purpose: to China to make biofuel. Driven by new demand, Thai exports of cassava chips have increased nearly fourfold since 2008, and the price of cassava has roughly doubled. More...
Lawsuit seeks to invalidate Monsanto’s GMO patents
Data: 02/04/2011
“A new invention to poison people … is not a patentable invention.” Lowell v. Lewis, 1817 More...
Data: 02/04/2011
“A new invention to poison people … is not a patentable invention.” Lowell v. Lewis, 1817 More...
Plant disease raises questions on modified crops
Data: 02/04/2011
Scientist alleges a link to a disease that's killing soybeans. More...
Data: 02/04/2011
Scientist alleges a link to a disease that's killing soybeans. More...
Commissioner Ciolos: risk of losing funds due to bureaucracy
Data: 01/04/2011
European Commissioner for agriculture and rural development Dacian Ciolos warned Romania that it could lose European financing if it does not start putting the available cash to work. More...
Data: 01/04/2011
European Commissioner for agriculture and rural development Dacian Ciolos warned Romania that it could lose European financing if it does not start putting the available cash to work. More...
The Battle for Biodiversity: Monsanto and Farmers Clash
Data: 28/03/2011
Does genetic modification lead to more and better crops? Or will it destroy the foundations of our food systems? More...
Data: 28/03/2011
Does genetic modification lead to more and better crops? Or will it destroy the foundations of our food systems? More...
Reclaim the fields: a fight for the landless generation
Data: 28/03/2011
Following in the footsteps of attempts to open up car-dominated city streets to the public again, activists behind 'Reclaim the Fields' want to gain public access to agricultural land. Ian Fitzpatrick explains how it started More...
Data: 28/03/2011
Following in the footsteps of attempts to open up car-dominated city streets to the public again, activists behind 'Reclaim the Fields' want to gain public access to agricultural land. Ian Fitzpatrick explains how it started More...
CAP reform timetable slipping
Data: 24/03/2011
The prospects of an agreement on Common Agricultural Policy reform before 2013 look slim, according to Scottish Liberal Democrat MEP George Lyon. More...
Data: 24/03/2011
The prospects of an agreement on Common Agricultural Policy reform before 2013 look slim, according to Scottish Liberal Democrat MEP George Lyon. More...
Major legal blow to European anti-GM crops lobby
Data: 23/03/2011
Europe's top court adviser dealt a huge blow to the anti-GM foods lobby Tuesday, saying states broke EU law by halting genetically-modified crop cultivation without first seeking action in Brussels. More...
Data: 23/03/2011
Europe's top court adviser dealt a huge blow to the anti-GM foods lobby Tuesday, saying states broke EU law by halting genetically-modified crop cultivation without first seeking action in Brussels. More...
How to Feed the World by 2050: Biotech Isn't the Answer
Data: 21/03/2011
We don't need to grow more food. Instead, we need to know the world's future population—and what these people will be eating. More...
Data: 21/03/2011
We don't need to grow more food. Instead, we need to know the world's future population—and what these people will be eating. More...
Without capping direct payments, CAP reform will have no legitimacy!
Data: 21/03/2011
By maintaining the grabbing of direct payments by a minority of very big farms, the European Council is turning up it’s nose at citizens’ expectations and repeated warnings of the EU Court of Auditors, is weakening the CAP and contradicting reform’s objectives. More...
Data: 21/03/2011
By maintaining the grabbing of direct payments by a minority of very big farms, the European Council is turning up it’s nose at citizens’ expectations and repeated warnings of the EU Court of Auditors, is weakening the CAP and contradicting reform’s objectives. More...
Europe refuses to limit $82bn annual subsidies to big farms
Data: 20/03/2011
EU agriculture ministers at the weekend rejected capping subsidies to Europe's biggest farms but compromised on a fairer share-out of funds between farmers in Eastern and Western Europe. More...
Data: 20/03/2011
EU agriculture ministers at the weekend rejected capping subsidies to Europe's biggest farms but compromised on a fairer share-out of funds between farmers in Eastern and Western Europe. More...
Cracks Widen in Biotech Industry Myths
Data: 18/03/2011
Governments are being forced to protect farmers and citizens from genetically modified crops (GM crops) to combat biotech corporations' stranglehold over farmers, and health scares from escalating pesticide use, according to a report by Friends of the Earth International. More...
Data: 18/03/2011
Governments are being forced to protect farmers and citizens from genetically modified crops (GM crops) to combat biotech corporations' stranglehold over farmers, and health scares from escalating pesticide use, according to a report by Friends of the Earth International. More...
Reformers left isolated in EU farm policy debate
Data: 18/03/2011
* Britain, Sweden, others refuse to back EU CAP reform text
* France claims support for keeping strong EU farm policy More...
Data: 18/03/2011
* Britain, Sweden, others refuse to back EU CAP reform text
* France claims support for keeping strong EU farm policy More...
Farm reform proposals remain 'vague', says ex-commissioner
Data: 17/03/2011
Former EU agriculture commissioner Franz Fischler has said plans to overhaul the bloc's common agricultural policy remain "vague" and fail to protect the region's part-time farmers. More...
Data: 17/03/2011
Former EU agriculture commissioner Franz Fischler has said plans to overhaul the bloc's common agricultural policy remain "vague" and fail to protect the region's part-time farmers. More...
EU Commissioner insists CAP reform must embrace environmental agenda
Data: 16/03/2011
Janez Potočnik says EU farming subsidies must drive greener practices for policy to remain legitimate More...
Data: 16/03/2011
Janez Potočnik says EU farming subsidies must drive greener practices for policy to remain legitimate More...
Ex-commissioner calls for 'radical rethink' of CAP
Data: 15/03/2011
Former EU agriculture commissioner Franz Fischler has warned that the European economy faces a 'perfect storm' unless its agricultural policy is successfully overhauled. More...
Data: 15/03/2011
Former EU agriculture commissioner Franz Fischler has warned that the European economy faces a 'perfect storm' unless its agricultural policy is successfully overhauled. More...
Ministers discuss banning GM crop cultivation
Data: 15/03/2011
In a bid to resolve a deadlock over the approval of new genetically-modified (GM) crops, EU environment ministers yesterday (14 March) discussed the grounds for allowing member states to decide individually whether or not to ban the cultivation of transgenic crops on their territory. More...
Data: 15/03/2011
In a bid to resolve a deadlock over the approval of new genetically-modified (GM) crops, EU environment ministers yesterday (14 March) discussed the grounds for allowing member states to decide individually whether or not to ban the cultivation of transgenic crops on their territory. More...
The Eco Ruralis Association Becomes a Member of Via Campesina
Data: 10/03/2011
The Eco Ruralis Association “In Support of Organic and Traditional Farmers”, based in Cluj-Napoca, has been accepted as a member in the European Coordination of Via Campesina (Spanish for “the peasants’
road”). Eco Ruralis is the first member of ECVC to be based in a Central or Eastern European country,
and plans to represent Romanian peasants on an international level while promoting the idea of Food
Sovereignty here in Romania. More...
Data: 10/03/2011
The Eco Ruralis Association “In Support of Organic and Traditional Farmers”, based in Cluj-Napoca, has been accepted as a member in the European Coordination of Via Campesina (Spanish for “the peasants’
road”). Eco Ruralis is the first member of ECVC to be based in a Central or Eastern European country,
and plans to represent Romanian peasants on an international level while promoting the idea of Food
Sovereignty here in Romania. More...
Clash of visions over agricultural reform
Data: 10/03/2011
Attempts to forge agreement among agriculture ministers on the reform of Europe's farm policy are coming unstuck, with deep divisions emerging over the size of the future farm budget and the case for subsidies. More...
Data: 10/03/2011
Attempts to forge agreement among agriculture ministers on the reform of Europe's farm policy are coming unstuck, with deep divisions emerging over the size of the future farm budget and the case for subsidies. More...
Agroecology is the key to food security - UN
Data: 08/03/2011
THE United Nations (UN) has published a report promoting the concept of agroecology as the solution to the global food security problem. More...
Data: 08/03/2011
THE United Nations (UN) has published a report promoting the concept of agroecology as the solution to the global food security problem. More...
Resistance to Factory Pig Farming Gathers Steam
Data: 08/03/2011
This week my film Pig Business will have its U.S. premiere on Capitol Hill. As the film's director, I believe this story comes to the United States at a very timely moment -- as unionized workers and other citizens are showing their determination to fight back against being stripped of their bargaining rights, which, I see as part of an international citizens' movement opposed to ever greater corporate greed and control. More...
Data: 08/03/2011
This week my film Pig Business will have its U.S. premiere on Capitol Hill. As the film's director, I believe this story comes to the United States at a very timely moment -- as unionized workers and other citizens are showing their determination to fight back against being stripped of their bargaining rights, which, I see as part of an international citizens' movement opposed to ever greater corporate greed and control. More...
Negotiating trade agreements must not jeopardise EU's agriculture
Data: 08/03/2011
When negotiating international trade agreements, the European Commission must stop making concessions that can adversely affect European farmers, says a European Parliament resolution approved on Tuesday. MEPs warn of the effects of the trade talks with Mercosur and criticise the recent agreement with Morocco. More...
Data: 08/03/2011
When negotiating international trade agreements, the European Commission must stop making concessions that can adversely affect European farmers, says a European Parliament resolution approved on Tuesday. MEPs warn of the effects of the trade talks with Mercosur and criticise the recent agreement with Morocco. More...
Start lobbying your MEP to vote against new GM food rule changes
Data: 07/03/2011
Powermakers in the EU are getting frustrated with slow approval of genetically-modified organisms (GMOs) and are voting in April on measures to speed up the process, says MEP and Plaid Cymru president Jill Evans More...
Data: 07/03/2011
Powermakers in the EU are getting frustrated with slow approval of genetically-modified organisms (GMOs) and are voting in April on measures to speed up the process, says MEP and Plaid Cymru president Jill Evans More...
Greener leaner route for EU farm subsidy reform
Data: 04/03/2011
Romania’s small and medium-sized farms may win, but large farms may lose in the reform of an EU subsidy scheme for farmers. More...
Data: 04/03/2011
Romania’s small and medium-sized farms may win, but large farms may lose in the reform of an EU subsidy scheme for farmers. More...
Organic boom held back by processing lack
Data: 04/03/2011
Romania is growing as a producer of organic food, but because it lacks processing facilities, its green friendly stores are packed full of eco imports. More...
Data: 04/03/2011
Romania is growing as a producer of organic food, but because it lacks processing facilities, its green friendly stores are packed full of eco imports. More...
Power costs for irrigation beyond the pockets of farmers
Data: 04/03/2011
Farmers rocked by the withdrawal of subsidies for irrigation have renounced over 80 per cent of their land for watering. More...
Data: 04/03/2011
Farmers rocked by the withdrawal of subsidies for irrigation have renounced over 80 per cent of their land for watering. More...
Romania in genetically modified dilemma
Data: 04/03/2011
Romania’s Agriculture Ministry is pushing Brussels to allow recultivation of genetically modified crops - but opposition groups are lining up economic arguments against their development. More...
Data: 04/03/2011
Romania’s Agriculture Ministry is pushing Brussels to allow recultivation of genetically modified crops - but opposition groups are lining up economic arguments against their development. More...
Foreign farmland ownership rises over ten per cent
Data: 03/2011
Around one million hectares of Romania’s farmland are in foreign hands, and the interest in investing in agricultural plots is growing. More...
Data: 03/2011
Around one million hectares of Romania’s farmland are in foreign hands, and the interest in investing in agricultural plots is growing. More...
Suppliers double up as creditors to fund cash-strapped farmers
Data: 03/2011
Due to a financing crisis in Romania’s countryside, multinational agricultural companies are turning into creditors for farmers. More...
Data: 03/2011
Due to a financing crisis in Romania’s countryside, multinational agricultural companies are turning into creditors for farmers. More...
Needed co-operative farms attacked by black market
Data: 03/2011
Consolidation and cooperation are key to ensuring productivity in Romania’s agriculture, but greed, short-term thinking and the temptations of the black market are undermining efforts to associate. More...
Data: 03/2011
Consolidation and cooperation are key to ensuring productivity in Romania’s agriculture, but greed, short-term thinking and the temptations of the black market are undermining efforts to associate. More...
The European Coordination Via Campesina continues the promotion and defense of food sovereignty
Data: 24/02/2011
The European Coordination Via Campesina held its Annual General Meeting on February 15-17, 2011 in
Louvain-la-Neuve (Belgium). Bringing together over 40 regional and national delegates, this Assembly
was an opportunity for member organizations1 to develop common strategies for building a sustainable food and agricultural policy. More...
Data: 24/02/2011
The European Coordination Via Campesina held its Annual General Meeting on February 15-17, 2011 in
Louvain-la-Neuve (Belgium). Bringing together over 40 regional and national delegates, this Assembly
was an opportunity for member organizations1 to develop common strategies for building a sustainable food and agricultural policy. More...
'New dawn' for GMOs after EU vote, green groups warn
Data: 23/02/2011
EU member state experts have voted to allow tiny quantities of unapproved genetically modified crops into the Union in the form of animal feed, prompting fierce condemnation from environmental groups, who say the decision sets a dangerous new precedent. More...
Data: 23/02/2011
EU member state experts have voted to allow tiny quantities of unapproved genetically modified crops into the Union in the form of animal feed, prompting fierce condemnation from environmental groups, who say the decision sets a dangerous new precedent. More...
EU agrees to allow traces of GM crops in EU animal feed
Data: 22/02/2011
Crops containing tiny traces of genetically modified produce will be allowed to enter the European food chain for the first time under plans approved by EU governments Tuesday and attacked by environmental campaigners. More...
Data: 22/02/2011
Crops containing tiny traces of genetically modified produce will be allowed to enter the European food chain for the first time under plans approved by EU governments Tuesday and attacked by environmental campaigners. More...
European fightback must begin against factory pig farming
Data: 22/02/2011
Across Europe industrial pig farming is encroaching on traditional farming methods and putting small farmers out of business, writes Tracy Worcester, director and producer of the documentary 'Pig Business'. Just as the USA is about to enforce higher animal welfare standards, the EU ought to follow suit, she argues. More...
Data: 22/02/2011
Across Europe industrial pig farming is encroaching on traditional farming methods and putting small farmers out of business, writes Tracy Worcester, director and producer of the documentary 'Pig Business'. Just as the USA is about to enforce higher animal welfare standards, the EU ought to follow suit, she argues. More...
New Research Finds That Roundup Ready GMO Crops May Cause Animal Miscarriages
Data: 22/02/2011
Here's another reason the recent approval of GMO alfalfa and sugar beets was a bad idea: researchers claim that Roundup Ready GE crops contain an organism, completely unknown until now, that has been shown to cause miscarriages in farm animals. More...
Data: 22/02/2011
Here's another reason the recent approval of GMO alfalfa and sugar beets was a bad idea: researchers claim that Roundup Ready GE crops contain an organism, completely unknown until now, that has been shown to cause miscarriages in farm animals. More...
Record 100-million-euro bio product exports for Romania in 2010
Data: 22/02/2011
Romania has posted record exports of bio products in 2010 of 100 million euros, Chairman of the Bio-Romania Association Marian Cioceanu said on Thursday at BioFach 2011, the world\'s largest organic trade fair. More...
Data: 22/02/2011
Romania has posted record exports of bio products in 2010 of 100 million euros, Chairman of the Bio-Romania Association Marian Cioceanu said on Thursday at BioFach 2011, the world\'s largest organic trade fair. More...
EU farmers ditch GM crops
Data: 22/02/2011
Industry data released on Tuesday is expected to confirm that farmers are abandoning GM crops in Europe, following a trend of increasing public rejection in the EU, said Greenpeace. The International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA), a biotech industry-funded body, will publish its annual report on the acreage of land planted with GM crops, showing continued decline in GM cultivation in Europe. More...
Data: 22/02/2011
Industry data released on Tuesday is expected to confirm that farmers are abandoning GM crops in Europe, following a trend of increasing public rejection in the EU, said Greenpeace. The International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA), a biotech industry-funded body, will publish its annual report on the acreage of land planted with GM crops, showing continued decline in GM cultivation in Europe. More...
EU to Vote on Admitting GM Food
Data: 22/02/2011
After years of political wrangling by European Union policy makers, rising food prices may be putting genetically modified, or GM, food on the menu. More...
Data: 22/02/2011
After years of political wrangling by European Union policy makers, rising food prices may be putting genetically modified, or GM, food on the menu. More...
A taste for Europe
Data: 15/02/2011
EU quality labelling system protects 1 000 names used to designate traditional agricultural produce and foods. More...
Data: 15/02/2011
EU quality labelling system protects 1 000 names used to designate traditional agricultural produce and foods. More...
No seeds, no independent research
Data: 13/02/2011
Companies that genetically engineer crops have a lock on what we know about their safety and benefits. More...
Data: 13/02/2011
Companies that genetically engineer crops have a lock on what we know about their safety and benefits. More...
Intense lobbying could enable unapproved GM crops to enter European food chain
Data: 15/02/2011
Agribusiness accused of 'scaremongering' lobbying tactics as it pushes for the import of animal feed containing traces of unapproved genetically modified (GM) crops - using the guise of combating feed shortages More...
Data: 15/02/2011
Agribusiness accused of 'scaremongering' lobbying tactics as it pushes for the import of animal feed containing traces of unapproved genetically modified (GM) crops - using the guise of combating feed shortages More...
2.96 million hectares not irrigated
Data: 15/02/2011
In Romania there are now 2.96 million hectares that are not irrigated, compared to 300,000 ha irrigated. Figures indicate a huge potential of Romanian agriculture, very little exploited, with incipient investments and little EU fund absorption, says Ileana Stanciu, general manager of NaanDanJain Romania, a subsidiary of one of the leaders in the field of irrigations at world level. More...
Data: 15/02/2011
In Romania there are now 2.96 million hectares that are not irrigated, compared to 300,000 ha irrigated. Figures indicate a huge potential of Romanian agriculture, very little exploited, with incipient investments and little EU fund absorption, says Ileana Stanciu, general manager of NaanDanJain Romania, a subsidiary of one of the leaders in the field of irrigations at world level. More...
Biotech food? No thanks, we’re European
Data: 09/02/2011
Don’t look for Europeans to give much ground any time soon on their resistance to genetically engineered foods, products that are common in the United States. More...
Data: 09/02/2011
Don’t look for Europeans to give much ground any time soon on their resistance to genetically engineered foods, products that are common in the United States. More...
Taking on Pig Business
Data: 09/02/2011
Tracy Worcester's fight against the excesses of industrial pig farming reaches Brussels. More...
Data: 09/02/2011
Tracy Worcester's fight against the excesses of industrial pig farming reaches Brussels. More...
Romanian minister says it’s inadmissible that Romania imports milk, dairy
Data: 05/02/2011
Romanian Agriculture Minister Valeriu Tabara told a news conference Saturday it is inadmissible Romania has come to import milk and dairy products that aren’t always of the highest quality, Romanian Mediafax news agency reports. More...
Data: 05/02/2011
Romanian Agriculture Minister Valeriu Tabara told a news conference Saturday it is inadmissible Romania has come to import milk and dairy products that aren’t always of the highest quality, Romanian Mediafax news agency reports. More...
Growing GM crops ‘could pose a threat to public order'
Data: 03/02/2011
Commission prepares list for banning GM crops. More...
Data: 03/02/2011
Commission prepares list for banning GM crops. More...
Bulgaria Opposes GMO Invasion in EU
Data: 02/02/2011
Bulgaria will explicitly oppose to the proposed import of GMO-containing food products and livestock fodder in the EU. More...
Data: 02/02/2011
Bulgaria will explicitly oppose to the proposed import of GMO-containing food products and livestock fodder in the EU. More...
Valeriu Tabără: Foreigners will not have restriction-free access to Romanian farmland during my term
Data: 01/02/2011
Agriculture Minister Valeriu Tabără said that as long as he was in office, foreigners would not be allowed to buy farming land in Romania without restrictions. More...
Data: 01/02/2011
Agriculture Minister Valeriu Tabără said that as long as he was in office, foreigners would not be allowed to buy farming land in Romania without restrictions. More...
EC recommends Romanian land sale to foreigners before 2014
Data: 01/02/2011
European Commission has recommended that Romania and Bulgaria should allow EU citizens who are not established in the two countries to buy agricultural land before 2014, when the transition period detailed in the EU accession treaty will expire More...
Data: 01/02/2011
European Commission has recommended that Romania and Bulgaria should allow EU citizens who are not established in the two countries to buy agricultural land before 2014, when the transition period detailed in the EU accession treaty will expire More...
Agriculture: a step closer to Parliament's final views on the CAP post 2013
Data: 27/01/2011
How to make direct payments fairer to farmers, manage food price crises, and improve rural development policies were the key issues debated in a public hearing held by the Agriculture Committee on Wednesday to feed debate on the post-2013 future of the EU's common agricultural policy. More...
Data: 27/01/2011
How to make direct payments fairer to farmers, manage food price crises, and improve rural development policies were the key issues debated in a public hearing held by the Agriculture Committee on Wednesday to feed debate on the post-2013 future of the EU's common agricultural policy. More...
Doha round agreement would leave EU farm subsidies untouched
Data: 27/01/2011
According to the EU’s recent notification of farm subsidies to the WTO for the marketing year 2007/08, the EU’s trade distorting farm subsidies fell to a record low of 12.3 billion euros. More...
Data: 27/01/2011
According to the EU’s recent notification of farm subsidies to the WTO for the marketing year 2007/08, the EU’s trade distorting farm subsidies fell to a record low of 12.3 billion euros. More...
Tabara: Romania will not experience food crisis
Data: 26/01/2011
Romania will not get into a food crisis as it has the capacity to feed 80 million people. If it gets into such a situation it will be because of carelessness, laziness and lack of initiative, the minister of agriculture Valeriu Tabara declared on Tuesday. More...
Data: 26/01/2011
Romania will not get into a food crisis as it has the capacity to feed 80 million people. If it gets into such a situation it will be because of carelessness, laziness and lack of initiative, the minister of agriculture Valeriu Tabara declared on Tuesday. More...
Czech minister: 'Fairer' CAP not good enough
Data: 24/01/2011
Eastern European countries have waited long enough to get their fair share of the EU's farm budget, said Ivan Fuksa, the Czech agriculture minister, in an interview with EurActiv.cz. He dismissed European Commission proposals for an additional transition period to even out differences in payments between 'new' and 'old' EU members. More...
Data: 24/01/2011
Eastern European countries have waited long enough to get their fair share of the EU's farm budget, said Ivan Fuksa, the Czech agriculture minister, in an interview with EurActiv.cz. He dismissed European Commission proposals for an additional transition period to even out differences in payments between 'new' and 'old' EU members. More...
Romania, Poland plan harmonized stance on new Common Agricultural Policy
Data: 24/01/2011
Romania and Poland seek a harmonized stance as regards the future Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), as the Agriculture Ministers of the two countries already had a bilateral meeting to this end, on the occasion of the ‘Green Week’ International Food Industry, Agriculture and Horticulture Exhibition in Berlin. More...
Data: 24/01/2011
Romania and Poland seek a harmonized stance as regards the future Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), as the Agriculture Ministers of the two countries already had a bilateral meeting to this end, on the occasion of the ‘Green Week’ International Food Industry, Agriculture and Horticulture Exhibition in Berlin. More...
Food speculation: 'People die from hunger while banks make a killing on food'
Data: 23/01/2011
It's not just bad harvests and climate change – it's also speculators that are behind record prices. And it's the planet's poorest who pay More...
Data: 23/01/2011
It's not just bad harvests and climate change – it's also speculators that are behind record prices. And it's the planet's poorest who pay More...
Commissioner repeats call for ceiling on subsidies
Data: 21/01/2011
European farm commissioner Dacian Cioloş has repeated his calls for a ceiling on farm subsidy payments. More...
Data: 21/01/2011
European farm commissioner Dacian Cioloş has repeated his calls for a ceiling on farm subsidy payments. More...
