The position adopted by the Council on tariffs imposed on Russian and Belarusian fertilisers completely disregards the concerns and proposals of the farming sector
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This was a long-awaited decision, and one eagerly anticipated by farmers and cooperatives across Europe. Today, Member States, gathered in COREPER, agreed on a negotiation mandate for the future regulation of NGTs in the EU. Copa and Cogeca welcome this move, which could revitalise European seed production and offer new opportunities to farmers and cooperatives by providing access to crop varieties that are more resistant to droughts and diseases, while improving yields and reducing input use.
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Farmers and Agri-Cooperatives seek greater recognition in the revision of the EU energy security framework
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McCain Foods, the maker of 1 in 4 fries worldwide, is making big strides towards its regenerative agriculture commitment, digging in with the aim to help combat climate change over time and secure the future of everyone’s favorite food, the golden French fry. According to research, most people are not sure what regenerative agriculture is or its potential role in mitigating the impacts of climate change, with a survey finding that less than 1 in 10 Canadians understand the concept of regenerative agriculture practices, with 26% of Canadians having never heard of it.
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The Vision for Agriculture and Food presented today by the European Commissioner for Agriculture and Food, Christophe Hansen, aims to show that the farmers’ distress, which culminated in a significant protest a year ago, has been well understood in Brussels. However, how this renewed political message will concretely translate into action remains an open question, especially in light of the concerning ideas initially put forward by the European Commission regarding the Multi Annual Financial Framework and the CAP budget .
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On the very day the European Commission unveils its strategic compass for European competitiveness, it has simultaneously introduced a proposal to impose sanctions on Russian and Belarusian fertilisers—a move that will severely impact agricultural production and competitiveness. Without a clear diversification strategy, European farmers will soon find themselves up against the wall.
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Following a comprehensive 12-month assessment, the European Commission's SCoPAFF on Animal Nutrition officially endorsed the upgraded Copa-Cogeca & FEFAC Code of Good Labelling Practices for compound feed. The endorsement at the meeting of 2-3 December marks a significant step forward in the promotion of sustainable feed production and reduction of livestock production’s emissions.
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On Tuesday, on the margins of the EU Agri-Food Days, the European Commission published its legislative proposals to strengthen farmers’ position in the agri-food supply chain and enhance cross-border enforcement against unfair trading practices (UTPs).
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The European wine sector is reporting an estimated 144 million hectolitres (Mhl) of wine and must production for 2024. This represents a slight decrease of almost 3% from the previous year and 10% below the five-year average. This decline reflects the ongoing challenges the sector faces, particularly in terms of adverse climatic conditions.
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European agricultural organisations are calling on EU policymakers to reconsider the EU-Mercosur trade agreement following Brazil's recent suspension of beef exports from female cattle.
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The European Commission’s intention to finalize the Mercosur agreement at the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro on November 18-19 is an extremely worrying development for the European agricultural community.
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The 11th edition of the Congress of European farmers, organised by Copa and Cogeca and supported by the Romanian Alliance for Agriculture and Cooperation (AAC), was held in Bucharest from 23rd to 25th October. With more than 400 participants and panellists, the programme focused on setting the course for the competitive and sustainable future of European Agriculture for the next political term.
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As the perspective of concluding negotiations on the EU-Mercosur trade agreement at the G20 meeting in Rio de Janeiro gets closer a proposal has emerged in Brussels to set up a “compensation fund” aimed at pacifying European farmers. For our sectors, this appears more like a fake quick fix rather than a genuine solution. It fails to address key concerns, particularly regarding the impact on sensitive sectors and the lack of reciprocity in production standards under the current terms of the agreement.
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Today, European Commission’s President Ursula von der Leyen presented the outcomes of the strategic dialogue on the future of agriculture. In this intensive seven-month process, CEJA committed to represent the voice of new generations in agriculture and rural areas, and continued to act as an enabler of dialogue in line with its own work methodologies.
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Today, the Commission proposed to mobilise €77 million from the agricultural reserve to support farmers from the fruit, vegetables and wine sectors of Austria, Czechia, Poland who have recently suffered from adverse climatic events of unprecedented magnitude, as well as Portuguese wine producers who face serious market disturbances.
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Today, the Commission’s proposal to make the use of geo-tagged photos voluntary for Member States gathered a positive opinion from national representatives, paving the way for its adoption.
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The EU agri-food chain Observatory (AFCO) held its first meeting on Wednesday 17 July. Its objective is to better understand the functioning of the supply chain and bring increased transparency on prices, structure of costs and distribution of margins and added value, while respecting confidentiality and competition rules. The launch of this Observatory was first announced in March 2024 as one of the measures to strengthen the position of farmers in the food supply chain and reinforce the trust between all actors throughout the chain.
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Today, the newly constituted European Parliament re-elected Ms. Ursula von der Leyen as President of the European Commission after an exchange of views in plenary that highlighted the importance of agriculture. The start of this new mandate is a crucial moment to ensure young farmers' voices are heard. The new strategy for the farming and food sector can be decisive in its capacity to set a long-term vision with prospects for the younger generation.
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Agriculture has been prominently featured in the European elections, frequently mentioned by candidates and highlighted in party manifestos. From the Farm to Fork experience, to the crises that have rocked Europe, and the significant agricultural protests earlier this year, a consensus has emerged: agriculture is one of the three pillars of the EU's strategic autonomy, alongside energy and defence. How the EU addresses these three critical areas over the next five years will be crucial for its future.
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Brussels, 2 July 2024 - COCERAL, the European association of trade in cereals, oilseeds, rice, pulses, olive oil, oils and fats, animal feed and agrosupply, published today the report on its mycotoxins survey from 2023.
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Yesterday, Cogeca held the first of its Business Fora for 2024, on the theme “How can agri-cooperatives secure robustness in the cereals and seeds sectors?”.
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This morning, the Environment Council voted to approve the Nature Restoration Law (NRL), with the slimmest majority possible, and one which was defined by the individual voices of ministers and not the positions of national governments! This course, deriving from a flawed proposal, will cause legal battles at regional, national, and European levels, with the future unclear as to how or when this law will be implemented.
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Today, the Commission adopted a Communication clarifying the use of force majeure and exceptional circumstances for the EU agricultural sector in case of unforeseeable and extreme weather events. By clarifying the legal interpretation of this concept, the Commission aims to provide certainty for affected farmers regarding their Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) payments, while also ensuring a uniform application across the Union by national administrations. This Communication forms part of the package of to reduce administrative burden for EU farmers.
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The sector's lead European organisations are sounding the alarm: faced with the re-emergence of late blight, European potato production is at risk. That's why the sector's key players are proposing an action plan, presented today in Brussels. Potato late blight is the most destructive disease of potatoes and responsible for the Irish Famine in the 19th century. The annual economic damage in the EU is estimated at around 900 million EUR.
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A European Parliament push to ease new EU rules on seed marketing has sparked concern in the potato sector, as stakeholders warn that the draft legislation could increase the transmission risks of crop diseases.
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In Strasbourg this week, the European Parliament adopted two Commission proposals regarding CAP simplification package for the short, medium, and long-term.
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European Agri Transition Fund finances small businesses and mid-caps in the farm and food sectors, particularly in Eastern Europe.
The EIF has committed €40 million to a fund aiding the transition to a fairer, healthier and more sustainable food system in Europe.
The EIF investment is backed by the InvestEU programme.
The portfolio will be managed by Switzerland-based INOKS Capital.
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As the European Union prepares for the forthcoming elections, the European Council of Young Farmers (CEJA) is proud to announce the publication of its Manifesto for generational renewal in agriculture. The document outlines 10 critical points that demand the unwavering consideration of candidates competing for seats in the European Parliament: (1) Access to investment; (2) Climate change and water; (3) Access to land; (4) Future of the CAP; (5) Innovation, education, knowledge & skills; (6) Governance and legal certainty; (7) Income and position in the value chain; (8) Rural areas and livelihood; (9) Youth involvement and funding; (10) A better consideration of the diversity of farming systems.
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The Commission welcomes the political agreement reached by the European Parliament and the Council of the EU yesterday on the revision of the Plant Health Law proposed by the Commission.
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In the middle of ongoing farmers protests in Brussels today, a Copa and Cogeca delegation led by Christiane Lambert and Lennart Nilsson met with the Belgian Presidency, David Clarinval, ahead of the Agri-Fish meeting. Copa and Cogeca also exchanged with Commissioner Wojciechowski.
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Open letter VDL
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The European Commission officially adopted a regulation which grants a partial exemption for European farmers from the conditionality rule on land lying fallow. This follows the Commission's proposal presented on 31 January, and discussions with Member States in committee meetings. The Regulation will enter into force tomorrow, 14 February, and will apply retroactively as of 1 January for one year – that is, until 31 December 2024.
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The Council and the European Parliament are presently deliberating on the Commission’s proposal for the renewal of Ukraine ATM. In Brussels, there has been a pervasive sense of uncertainty regarding an approach to address the issue for weeks. Should the Commission's proposed text remain unamended, the economic sustainability of the EU's poultry, eggs, sugar, grain, and honey sectors would be jeopardised.
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With the text adopted, by a high majority, by the joint Committees vote on the Green Claims Directive proposal, farmers who want to communicate on their environmental practices will be required to go through a double verification process, making them think twice before applying any of these practices.
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Today’s vote on new genomic techniques (NGTs) in the European Parliament is an important step towards NGTs use by EU farmers. It has been rightfully recognised: targeted mutagenesis and cisgenesis can support farmers in their transition with environmental and societal benefits, as well as advantages for their socio-economic resilience. However, mandatory labelling of NGT products, or the instantaneous re-assessment of a technique classification may come with practical difficulties. European young farmers are now looking at the Council for the next steps.
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Let me add a few words on the discussion on agriculture. Farmers play an essential role in Europe's economy and society. Their work contributes greatly to our food security and indeed also to our way of life. And they are key actors in ensuring the sustainable use of natural resources.
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In season 2023, potato growers were confronted with difficult weather conditions, a high disease pressure and rising costs. NEPG estimates that there are around 11.000 ha of potatoes which are written off and a minimum of 650.000 t lost (in fields or after harvesting). Due to a lower supply of seed potatoes, the start of the new growing season 2024 already has its challenges.
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Half of Member States face farming protests - It's up to the EU to respond to this emergency!
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Today, the ENVI Committee adopted the draft report of MEP Jessica Polfjärd (EPP, SE) on NGTs with a majority of 47 votes in favour, 31 against and 4 abstentions. Copa and Cogeca welcome this key vote, which brings the EU farming community closer to a position on the use of NGTs in EU Parliament.
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Regarding the discussion in various EU Member States about tax exemptions for agricultural diesel, the European Agricultural Machinery Association (CEMA) emphasizes the critical need to maintain the competitiveness of agriculture amidst evolving political demands. In light of this, CEMA advocates for the creation of EU political framework conditions that provide farmers with reliable prospects and incentives to navigate the changing agricultural landscape.
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Key figures on the European food chain provides a selection of recent data from the domains of agriculture and fisheries statistics, as well as the wider farm to fork chain. The publication is divided into ten chapters, providing facts and figures about farms, farmers, farm production and prices, the economic performance of the agricultural sector, fisheries activities, food and beverages processing, trade, distribution, wholesale activities and the consumption of food and beverages. It concludes with a chapter on environmental issues related to some of the stages of the food chain. It presents key messages for the EU, and highlights the main players and key specialisations, accompanying analysis with intuitive visualisations and innovative data presentations. Information is presented for the European Union (EU) and its Member States, and is supplemented (when available) with data for EFTA members.
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The EU's legislation on animal transport dates back almost 50 years and the last major overhaul was done in 2004, this is almost 20 years ago. Today's proposal for a much-needed revision is part of the EU's Farm to Fork Strategy for sustainable agriculture and food production and builds further on the latest scientific insights and technological developments.
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The European Commission adopted today Guidelines on how to design sustainability agreements in the field of agriculture (‘Guidelines') using a novel exclusion from EU competition rules introduced by the recently reformed Common Agricultural Policy (‘CAP').
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DLF Seeds A/S and Groupe Florimond Desprez announce their intention to enter into a Joint Venture for their beets operations with the ambition to redefine the landscape of the sugar beet seed industry
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The European Commission will allocate €185.9 million in 2024 to fund promotion activities for sustainable and high-quality EU agri-food products at home and abroad. The 2024 promotion policy work programme adopted by the Commission aims to develop new market opportunities, while taking into account the political priorities, analysis of projected exports to existing and emerging markets, as well as contributions from stakeholders.
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On 23th of November 2023, European Commission's report confirms the important role of CAP Strategic Plans for maintaining farmers' income and food security, while supporting EU agriculture's transition to a sustainable farming model in the 2023-2027 period.
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Today, MEPs from the Environment Committee voted, with a strong majority, in favour of an EU Certification Framework for Carbon Removals and Carbon Farming, including carbon storage in products and the reduction of carbon and GHG emissions, but with a stick approach on co-benefits and sustainability requirements.
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Today, the European Parliament adopted its initiative report on generational renewal in agriculture. CEJA welcomes the report and its focus on the main obstacles faced by the younger generation, such as access to land, access to credit, education, and training.
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CEMA, the association representing the European agricultural machinery industry issued a new position paper titled “Renewable and low-carbon fuels for climate-smart EU agricultural machinery: circular agriculture in action”. The paper sets out to outline the different options to deliver a significant reduction of agricultural equipment’s CO2 footprint. The assumption is that conventional fuel is still a contributor to the overall agricultural carbon footprint. Agriculture can only become sustainable when it overcomes its major dependency on fossil fuel.
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The European Agricultural Machinery Industry Association CEMA has released a Policy Paper on Rebuilding Ukraine’s Agriculture after the Full-Scale War: A Humanitarian and Economic Imperative. CEMA members often describe their purpose as feeding the world; in this context, CEMA is particularly concerned about the tragic consequences of the war in Ukraine on global food security. With this paper, CEMA wants to demonstrate its unwavering support for the Ukrainian people. CEMA expresses a genuine desire for a fair and prompt establishment of peace in Ukraine, allowing for the immediate initiation of reconstruction efforts.
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The world is confronted with a global food crisis fueled by conflict, climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, tobacco is grown in over 124 countries, taking up millions of hectares of fertile land that could be used to grow food, address food security and nutrition challenges and help feed families. Tobacco growing also has serious health impacts on tobacco farmers due to heavy use of pesticides and high absorption of nicotine through the skin.
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FEDIOL, the vegetable oil and protein meal industry, draws attention to acute market developments due to massive increases of imported biodiesel which lead to devastating consequences for the Europe based feedstock up to EU farm level.
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Following the formal approval of the Deforestation-free Commodities Regulation, COCERAL, FEDIOL, and FEFAC call on the European Commission and Member States to work with stakeholders to facilitate the implementation of the Regulation. Many implementation challenges remain unaddressed and will require multistakeholder collaboration, involving the European Commission, Member States, and producing country government and stakeholders. Furthermore, uncertainties around how the provisions translate in practice should be addressed as soon as possible to allow supply chain actors to prepare for implementation.
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Today, the Commission is responding to the European Citizens' Initiative (ECI) “Save bees and farmers! Towards a bee-friendly agriculture for a healthy environment”.
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The potato is the main food crop grown in the Andean region. More than 50% of small-scale producers in the region lack access to water and irrigation systems, which negatively impacts crop yields. Most losses, which can be as high as 95%, occur during production and stem from poor crop management practices that yield just 8 tonnes per hectare compared to the optimum of 16 tonnes per hectare, depending on the crop. Variable climate patterns, leading to frequent frost and droughts, also increase losses.
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Today, the Commission adopted a proposal on the voluntary digital labelling of EU fertilising products. In the EU, the digital labelling is already used for some products containing chemicals, for instance batteries, and rules for digital labelling are under consideration for others, like for detergents, cosmetics and chemicals.
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There is much debate about whether the (mostly synthetic) pesticide active substances (AS) in conventional agriculture have different non-target effects than the natural AS in organic agriculture. We evaluated the official EU pesticide database to compare 256 AS that may only be used on conventional farmland with 134 AS that are permitted on organic farmland. As a benchmark, we used (i) the hazard classifications of the Globally Harmonized System (GHS), and (ii) the dietary and occupational health-based guidance values, which were established in the authorization procedure. Our comparison showed that 55% of the AS used only in conventional agriculture contained health or environmental hazard statements, but only 3% did of the AS authorized for organic agriculture. Warnings about possible harm to the unborn child, suspected carcinogenicity, or acute lethal effects were found in 16% of the AS used in conventional agriculture, but none were found in organic agriculture. Furthermore, the establishment of health-based guidance values for dietary and non-dietary exposures were relevant by the European authorities for 93% of conventional AS, but only for 7% of organic AS. We, therefore, encourage policies and strategies to reduce the use and risk of pesticides, and to strengthen organic farming in order to protect biodiversity and maintain food security.
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"The year 2022 will go down in the books as a challenging year for our members. Costs in the fields rose sharply and our earnings model is under pressure."
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In a ruling (Case C-688/21) handed down on 7 February 2023, the European Court of Justice decided upon the genome of a living species that is modified without adding foreign DNA and is not subject to the EU GMO Directive.
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Farmers arrive with tractors at the Esplanades des Invalides during a demonstration against "constraints" in agriculture, in particular restrictions on the use of pesticides, in Paris, on February 8, 2023.
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A lower potato production throughout the NEPG zone and little effect of inflation, has up to now led to reasonably good free buy prices for producers. Higher contract prices and additional risks to producing potatoes have already led and will lead to different consequences for the whole potato sector, from seed growers to retail and consumers.
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Today, the Commission is presenting 'A New Deal for Pollinators' to tackle the alarming decline in wild pollinating insects in Europe, revising the 2018 EU Pollinators Initiative.
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The European Commission today launched a public consultation inviting all interested parties to comment on its draft proposal for Guidelines on how to design sustainability agreements in the field of agriculture (‘Guidelines') using the novel exclusion from EU competition rules introduced during the recent reform of the common agricultural policy (‘CAP').
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The European farmers’ confidence survey was carried out in seven[1] EU Member States and the United Kingdom. The survey saw a continuous decrease in overall confidence since the last semester of 2021. Going closer into national context, the results showed a mixed feeling in confidence mainly connected to the economic situations of the sectors.
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The European Agricultural Machinery Industry Association is glad to present its 2022 Industry Report, detailing the characteristics and key figures of the industry represented by CEMA.
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COCERAL, the European association of trade in cereals, oilseeds, rice, pulses, olive oil, oils and fats, animal feed and agrosupply, welcomes the recent extension of the Black Sea Corridor for another 120 days under the same provisions as agreed by the parties to the Initiative.
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In the fast-growing potato sector, innovations are the common thread that enables efficient, competitive and sustainable growth. An independent group of experts has carefully selected the most relevant innovations in the chain, which offer significant added value to you as a user and to the further sustainability and professionalisation of the potato sector.
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During its last meeting on November 9, 2022, the NEPG estimates that global potato production 2022 in the NEPG zone (EU-04) will be down by 6 % compared to last year.
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After two dry years out of four, many farmers are seriously considering the future viability of a water hungry crop like potatoes. An exceptionally dry summer for much of the UK this year came on the back of a dry growing season in 2018, which has led some growers to question which fields might continue to be fit for future potato planting.
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TThe Brazilian election held on 30th October 2022 was historic in many respects and will have repercussions far beyond the country's borders. For the EU, Lula's election is seen as a signal: the EU-Mercosur trade deal can be taken out of the freezer! In fact, the polemic deal signed with the Latin-American trade block in 2019, has not been yet ratified.
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McCain Foods, the world’s largest manufacturer of prepared potato products, is entering the Metaverse and introducing new Regen Fries as part of the #SaveOurSoil initiative. Regen Fries are made with potatoes that are grown using regenerative farming methods which build soil health, improve biodiversity, and enhance on-farm resilience to climate change.
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The 10th edition of the Congress of European farmers organised by Copa and Cogeca and supported by the Croatian Chamber of Agriculture (HPK), was held in Šibenik from 12 to 14 October. Among the 400 participants and panelists, concerns related to the multiple aftershocks of Covid-19, the war in Ukraine and the climate change effects marked the discussions. A consensus arised from all stakeholders involved in the panels: food security and sustainability must be the priority objectives, with innovation and investments connecting both.
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Today, the ‘Save bees and farmers! Towards a bee-friendly agriculture for a healthy environment' initiative has become the seventh successful European Citizens' Initiative (ECI).
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Agriculture is one of the important sectors in transforming the European economy and society towards a long-term sustainability. While contributing to this transition, European farmers will at the same time face several future challenges for agriculture and food production and consumption, especially regarding climate change and resource scarcity, technological change, infrastructural issues and food demand/dietary habits. The study ‘Farmers of the future’ explores who will be the farmers in the medium- and long-term future who will be dealing with those challenges. This report presents the results of this exploration, describing the 2040 landscape of farmers and possible policy implications.
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EU Energy Ministers will meet on Friday to discuss emergency interventions to address skyrocketing energy prices. Agri-food chain associations Copa-Cogeca, Primary Food Processors (PFP) and FoodDrinkEurope urge Members States to recognise the agri-food chain as a priority as it decides on a new emergency intervention and to ensure access to energy at affordable prices.
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During its last meeting prior to Potato Europe 2022, the North-western European Potato Growers (NEPG) estimates that total potato production in the NEPG zone (EU-04; Belgium, Netherlands, France and Germany) will be down by 7 to 11 %. Probable final hectareage of the NEPG zone (EU-04) in 2022 will be 510.938 ha, an increase of 3,2% in comparison with last year, and an increase of 1,7 % compared to the 5-year average. Dutch growers planted 7,7 % ha more potatoes compared to 2021.
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Almost three quarters of the world’s current food production will face extreme risks from heat stress by 2045, jeopardising the health of outdoor workers and threatening the world’s supply of key crops, according to our new research.
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Today, the European Commission approved the first package of CAP strategic plans for seven countries: Denmark, Finland, France, Ireland, Poland, Portugal, and Spain.
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* Drought, heatwaves set to bring worst potato yields in years
* Small, poor-quality crop may push up prices for fries
* Producers grapple with costs, consumers with food inflation
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Copa and Cogeca welcome the agreement reached today between Ukraine, the Russian Federation and Turkey under UN auspices for reopening Ukrainian Black Sea ports for grain exports, which could ease further rise of global food insecurity and market disruptions. It is an encouraging signal for fellow Ukrainian farmers and agri-cooperative colleagues after months of incredible hardships and uncertainty.
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The EU agri-food sector has backed the European Commission’s “save gas for a safe winter” proposal, pSublished today, which singles out the critical importance of Europe’s food supply chain and the need for a secure supply of gas to maintain food security.
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Faced with a tense situation on the fertiliser markets, the European Commission (DG Trade) has taken a long-awaited decision by the farming community: the suspension of conventional tariffs for certain fertilisers (urea and anhydrous ammonia).
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PJoint statement from EU biofuels, food and feed chain partners – from harvesting to transformation for food, feed and energy uses – after the ITRE vote to preserve a key role for crop-based biofuels
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Experts from the Copa and Cogeca working groups on cereal and oilseed gathered in Brussels this week, with an estimated total cereal production of 277 million tonnes in the EU-27 for the 2022 harvest.
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According to the latest Eurobarometer on agriculture and the CAP published today, nearly half of Europeans think that securing a stable supply of food in the EU at all times should be a main objective of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), an increase of 6 percentage points since 2020.
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These events have disrupted all four indicators of food security i.e., food availability, food access, food use, and quality as well as production stability. The world population is estimated to reach about 9.7 billion wherein people will demand 70% more food than is consumed today (FAO, 2018). The additional demand will further put immense pressure on the already fragile global agri-food system.
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From basic hand tools to sophisticated motorized equipment, mechanization covers all levels of farming and processing technologies. Where it is adopted, it can offer a range of benefits, helping to reduce hard labor, relieve labor shortages, improve productivity and efficient use of resources, enhance market access and mitigate climate related hazards. It can be a game changer for farm work – and a key component in developing sustainable agrifood systems.
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Delegates at this World Potato Congress in Dublin should commit to expanding support to under-serviced countries.
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February 24, 2022 was a turning point for both Ukraine and the rest of the world, since the Russian invasion of Ukraine has undoubtedly turned the normal world order on its head.
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Today, the Commission is launching a public consultation in all EU languages on the development of an Integrated Nutrient Management Action Plan.
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Today, the European Commission proposed an exceptional measure funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) to allow Member States to pay a one-off lump sum to farmers and agri-food businesses affected by significant increases in input costs. Such increases in prices, notably for energy, fertiliser and animal feed, are disrupting the agricultural sector and rural communities, leading to liquidity and cash flow problems for farmers and small rural businesses active in processing, marketing or development of agricultural products. By directly addressing these cash-flow challenges, helping to keep them afloat, the support will address the market disturbances and thus contribute to global food security.
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Today, the Commission proposed an exceptional measure funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) to allow Member States to pay a one-off lump sum to farmers and agri-food businesses affected by significant increases in input costs.
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Industrial compound feed production in the EU remained stable in 2021. Looking forward, the spread of animal diseases and the continuing global grain market rally fuelled by the Russian reinvasion of Ukraine is expected to reduce compound feed demand in 2022 by 4 – 5 Mio tons.
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How do different potatoes respond to heat, drought, and waterlogging stresses? EU-backed scientists are investigating the changes that make potatoes resilient or susceptible.
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Potato production in the current crop year is estimated to be 53.60 mt, down from 56.17 mt last year, according to the Ministry of Agriculture's first estimate of horticulture production. Production has been hampered in West Bengal, Punjab, and Haryana due to heavy rains in November and December of last year, just before sowing.
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Copa and Cogeca held their presidency meetings this week in Brussels. Speakers from the Commission, the FAO and UNAF analysed the complexity of the Ukrainian, European and global agri-food situation. These exchanges were at odds with the stances taken by Executive Vice President, Frans Timmermans, at the same time in the Environment Committee.
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While the COVID crisis has certainly represented an unprecedented challenge for us, I am happy to be able to say that it has also reinforced my belief in the potential and strength of our sector. Agri-cooperatives have in this time of crisis once again proved their ability to innovate, to face challenges and to further strengthen their resilience while delivering to consumers. Great innovate efforts had been put in place to ensure food security, readjust the mechanisms of the value chain, remain competitive on the market, and address the arising needs of consumers and our food chain partners
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In recent months, the market for tillage implements and equipment for sowing, fertilizing and crop protection has developed better than expected, according to more than two thirds of the participants to the Product Groups meeting of European Agricultural Equipment Manufacturers on 15th and 16th March 2022.
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Our four organisations – representing Europe’s farmers, food processors, retailers, wholesalers and traders – express our joint solidarity with the people of Ukraine, including the millions that have fled their country to seek safety elsewhere.
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Following yesterday’s Agri-Fish Council meeting, Copa and Cogeca welcome the adopted Council’s conclusions on the European Commission’s communication on sustainable carbon cycles in the agriculture and forestry sectors.
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After 20 months of service as first elected chairman of the NEPG, the Dutchman Jaap Botma from Friesland stopped as scheduled.
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The WASTE2FUNC project aims to resolve supply chain hurdles towards the efficient conversion of food (crop) waste into two types of biobased functional molecules for use in home- and personal care applications: lactic acid and microbial biosurfactants, functionally outperforming or equalling their respective fossil-based and/or 1G bio-based benchmarks.
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The European Potato Processors’ Association (EUPPA) released a special report highlighting progress made in recent years by the sector across key areas of environmental sustainability and corporate social responsibility.
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Dutch potato exports are not currently busy at all.
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As a conflict of a terrible violence and tragedy unfolds in Ukraine, the European Council of Young Farmers (CEJA) wants to express its profound sadness and solidarity with all the people affected directly and indirectly. With the peace and stability of the European continent at stake, and the physical and mental integrity of neighbouring communities undermined, it is the food security of millions of people now under threat. Europe’s young farmers call on EU institutions to take the necessary steps to ensure that food systems remain resilient and to support stranded communities.
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The Colorado potato beetle has evolved resistance to more than 50 different kinds of insecticides, making the insect a 'super pest' that wreaks havoc on potatoes around the world.
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Dutch potato exports are not currently busy at all.
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Potato growers acknowledge and appreciate better contract prices. All inputs have shown rising prices in the last months, going from energy to fertilizers, plant protection products, and construction prices but also machines and spare parts!
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After the July announcements by the Commission, the proposals of the ‘Fit for 55’ package are now making their way through the European institutions, with debates expected in the European Parliament, notably on the revision of the Renewable Energy directive.
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Following today’s vote in the European Parliament on the Recommendation for revision of animal transport legislation, Copa and Cogeca wish to echo Commissioner Kyriakides in underlining that any revision of legislation must protect animals, be backed by science and become easier to implement. This is especially important for EU farmers and cooperatives due to the potential socio-economic impact.
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Agriculture drones can be used to do anything from precision agriculture, to efficiently dispersing weed control or fertilizers, to optimizing field management. Drone manufacturer DJI shares its insights.
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The issue of large carnivores and the damage they inflict upon farmers’ livelihoods has been the subject of political debate since the first encounter between predators and livestock farmers. However, despite all the efforts of farmers and the measures put in place by the authorities of the countries concerned in the European Union, the strict protection status of large carnivores renders the measures ineffective, and the actions taken in the context of the debate with a view to establishing harmonious coexistence between humans and wild predators insufficient.
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The European Commission unveiled today the long-awaited communication on “restoring sustainable carbon cycles” (the so-called carbon farming communication), which will be followed by a legislative proposal on carbon removal certification by the end of 2022. Copa and Cogeca welcome the inclusion of carbon farming in the political agenda and future developments to capitalize agriculture’s potential to fight climate change and achieve a greener Europe.
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After a very wet summer, slow and difficult harvesting conditions in Belgium, Holland and Germany.
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On 1 June 2018, the European Commission presented legislative proposals on the common agricultural policy (CAP) for the period 2021-27. In June 2021, following extensive negotiations between the European Parliament, the Council of the EU and the Commission, agreement was reached on the new CAP. Subject to formal approval of the necessary legislation by the European Parliament and the Council in the autumn of 2021, the new CAP will begin on 1 January 2023.
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Following the outcome of the vote in the ANIT Committee of the European Parliament on the Draft Report and Recommendation following the ‘investigation of alleged contraventions and maladministration in the application of Union law in relation to the protection of animals during transport within and outside the Union’, Copa and Cogeca welcome the initiative to review the current legislation on animal transport.
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Today the European Commission released a new strategy focused on achieving good soil health by 2030. Soil conservation is at the heart of many farmers work and initiatives, regardless of the production methods; conventional or organic. At European level, a large set of EU policies are already directly and indirectly affecting soil health and are addressing the hazards associated with this highly precious natural resource.
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Members of the European Parliament voted yesterday to define their position on the Farm to Fork Strategy released in May 2020 by the European Commission. While European young farmers welcome discussions on making our food system more sustainable, concerns remain on the lack of certainty currently surrounding the Strategy. Young farmers reiterate their call for potential risks and trade-offs to be addressed, and for solid enablers to be put at their disposal in the implementation phase on their pathways towards more sustainability.
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IBM (NYSE:IBM) today announced a suite of environmental intelligence software that leverages AI to help organizations prepare for and respond to weather and climate risks that may disrupt business, more easily assess their own impact on the planet, and reduce the complexity of regulatory compliance and reporting.
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North Dakota State University (NDSU) Extension soil science specialist Dave Franzen examines soybeans in a field. Due to increasing natural gas prices, nitrogen fertilizer prices are relatively high compared to recent years and are expected to remain high and possibly increase through next spring.
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Potatoes are the most consumed vegetable in the United States. According to the USDA, US farmers grew more than 42 billion lbs. of potatoes in 2019. That’s 128 lbs. of potatoes per person. But farmers growing potatoes face many challenges. One tiny, yet devastating, the pest is the Colorado potato beetle. It can cause immense damage to potato crops. It’s also notorious for becoming resistant to chemical insecticides.
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2020 marked another improvement in the EU's leading position among the world's biggest exporters of agri-food products. On the import side, the EU has become the third largest importer after the United States and China, according to a report published today.
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The European farmers’ confidence survey was carried out in seven[1] EU Member States and the UK, and saw a tendency for a slight increase after autumn 2020. However, while the results of the survey show a bit more optimism for the future, they vary across and within countries and even where the sentiment had improved significantly it still remained in the negative spectrum.
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After a complicated year in 2020 throughout Europe, Copa and Cogeca is forecasting better results for the 2021 harvest. Still, for cereals, the total EU-27 production should be about 3.8% beyond the 5 year trimmed average with around 292.45 million tonnes, while for oilseeds EU production could reach the threshold of 30 million tonnes, 1.6% beyond the 5 year trimmed average.
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The provisional political agreement reached today by the European Parliament and Council on the new Common Agricultural Policy introduces a fairer, greener, more animal friendly and flexible CAP. Higher environmental and climate ambitions, aligned with Green Deal objectives, are to be implemented from January 2023. The new CAP will also ensure a fairer distribution of CAP support, especially to small and medium-sized family farms and young farmers.
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Co-legislators reached today a provisional agreement on the three new core regulations which will shape the reformed Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) for the period 2023-2029. CEJA congratulates the legislators for their efforts in reaching a deal and welcomes negotiators’ decision to further support young farmers.
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Potatoes are the fourth most important food crop in the world after corn, rice and wheat and play an important role in Europe and worldwide in ensuring food security. Their short cultivation cycle and adaptability to a wide range of climatic conditions have helped potatoes to spread from their South American roots across multiple geographical borders. Today, there are over three thousand potato cultivars distributed far and wide across more than 125 countries, particularly in temperate, subtropical and tropical regions. They are of major economic value on the global agricultural market and their global production exceeds 370 million tonnes of potatoes. Europe is the world’s second major potato-producing region.
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It's a good season for import potatoes in the Netherlands. More people are cooking at home. That's undoubtedly contributing to this, as are the 'old' potatoes deteriorating quality.
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Covid-19: agricultural machinery manufacturers, dealers and contractors welcome the European pandemic response allowing to use transition engines built in 2019
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Northern Ireland Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots has announced more information on the £2 million financial support package for potato growers. The package has been granted in response to the significant reduction in demand from the hospitality and foodservice sector for processing potatoes in the past six months, due to Covid-19 lockdown measures.
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Please find attached CEJA’s latest position paper. The paper investigates avenues to rebalance the agri-food supply chain and boost its resilience. It also explores ways to strengthen relations between consumers and young farmers.
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In an effort to increase agricultural productivity and limit waste, a team of researchers from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HU)'s Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment developed a method to detect signs of stress before the plant is damaged.
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COCERAL, the European association of trade in cereals, oilseeds, pulses, olive oil, oils and fats, animal feed and agrosupply, published today the report on its mycotoxins survey from 2019.
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In 2019 the European Green Deal established the ambitious objective of climate neutrality for the EU’s economy, to be reached by 2050. This objective is included in the Commission’s proposal for the first European Climate Law. In 2020 the new EU Climate Target Plan set a target of a 55% GHG reduction by 2030 compared to 1990. Agriculture is responsible for about 10% of total EU GHG emissions and needs to contribute to the EU reduction goals. In addition, the contribution of the agriculture and forest sectors will be essential to reach the climate target because of their unique role as sinks, and therefore their capacity to compensate for the unavoidable GHG emissions of agriculture and other sectors. For these reasons, carbon farming will play a key role in achieving EU’s climate targets.
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Member States have until tomorrow, 1 May 2021, to transpose EU rules banning unfair trading practices into national law.
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Following the Council adoption of Horizon Europe back in March and the European Parliament approval of the 9th Framework Programme for European Research and Innovation - Horizon Europe - has been officially adopted. The programme, which will be implemented through three pillars and a budget of €95.5bn aims to foster a sustainable, fair, and prosperous future, with a targeted budget to tackle climate change, achieving SDG’s whilst boosting the EU’s competitiveness and growth.
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In October 2019, the newly elected European Commission released its Farm to Fork strategy with great fanfare. With a strong focus on the “fork” part of the equation, the Commission proposed ambitious targets in all the major agronomic areas: 50% reduction in plant protection products, 20% less fertiliser, 10% of agricultural area devoted to non-productive uses, 25% organic[1].
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Water availability and thoughtful use of available water are becoming an increasing priority for agricultural and horticulturalists. In times of drought and water scarcity, irrigating crops with rain and groundwater is no longer a given. Therefore the partners in the VLAIO project Irrigation 2.0 are developing the online viewer WaterRadar. This tool integrates water demand and supply and thus promotes sustainable and circular water use.
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Available data shows us that an increased occurrence and intensity of disasters is the new normal.
Within the first few months of 2020, huge swarms of desert locusts began ravaging countries across the Greater Horn of Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and Southwest Asia - just one more hit to farmers already impacted by floods, cyclones, hailstorms, animal diseases, droughts, and other shocks.
By its end, the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season produced 30 named systems, far surpassing the usual 12-storm annual average.
Meanwhile, the COVID-19 pandemic has been devastating lives, livelihoods, and economies the world over.
Agriculture and the billions of farmers who keep the rest of us fed bear the brunt of such shocks - more than any other productive sector. Disasters take lives, but also devastate rural livelihoods, destroy food, and drive up hunger.
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Today, the Commission presented an Action Plan for the development of organic production. Its overall aim is to boost the production and consumption of organic products, to reach 25% of agricultural land under organic farming by 2030, as well as to increase organic aquaculture significantly.
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Copa and Cogeca take note that agriculture will not be part of the first set of economic activities that will be covered under the re-drafted Taxonomy delegated act as discussed yesterday by the Member States Expert Group on Sustainable Finance. European farmers and agri-cooperatives welcome this postponement as the only way to ensure consistency with the ongoing discussion of the future CAP.
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In February, the executive Vice-President and Commissioner for Trade, Valdis Dombrovskis presented a communication of fundamental importance for the EU farming sector; the EU trade policy review.
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The European Commission adopted today a new EU Strategy on Adaptation to Climate Change, setting out the pathway to prepare for the unavoidable impacts of climate change. While the EU does everything within its power to mitigate climate change, domestically and internationally, we must also get ready to face its unavoidable consequences. From deadly heatwaves and devastating droughts, to decimated forests and coastlines eroded by rising sea levels, climate change is already taking its toll in Europe and worldwide. Building on the 2013 Climate Change Adaptation Strategy, the aim of today's proposals is to shift the focus from understanding the problem to developing solutions, and to move from planning to implementation.
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Commission acknowledges implementation by Denmark of a € 255.5 million Danish scheme to compensate mink farmers affected by coronavirus measures
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Fears over supermarket shortages during the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic led many people to buy their food from local producers, raising the prospect of a transformation in the way people get their food in the future. But while eating locally and shorter supply chains are often viewed as a more sustainable alternative to our global food system, the reality is much more complicated, explains Dr Tessa Avermaete, a bioeconomist at the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven in Belgium.
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2SummaryCrop farming in Northwest Europe highly depends on non-renewable nutrient sources such as imported rock-phosphate. Within the scope of a Circular Economy, nutrient recycling rates at the scale of Northwest Europe need to be increased. Farmers’ requirementstowards recycling-derived fertilisers (RDFs) are the focus of the Interreg NWE project ReNu2Farm. In this context theobjective of this study is to quantify the requirement of N, P and K in various regions within the NWE territory and to formulate the desired properties of the RDFs, from an agronomic perspective.
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The EU trade agenda is set to have an overall positive impact on the EU economy and the agri-food sector, according to a new study published today. Trade agreements are due to result in substantial increases in EU agri-food exports, with more limited increases in imports, creating a positive trade balance overall. The study also confirms that the EU's approach to grant a limited amount of lower duty imports (through tariff rate quotas) is the best approach in terms of protecting specific vulnerable agri-food sectors in the EU
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With the data offered by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food on the crop, the 2020 potato campaign in Spain can be considered closed with two sets of conflicting data.
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The Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), QU Dongyu, launched the International Year of Fruits and Vegetables 2021 (IYFV) with an appeal to improve healthy and sustainable food production through innovation and technology and to reduce food loss and waste.
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Cabinet Secretary Fergus Ewing has revealed he is already in talks with the UK Government's Secretary of State for the Environment and Rural Affairs, George Eustice, to find a solution to the new export ban on seed potatoes to the EU and Northern Ireland.
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Today, the Commission published recommendations for each Member State to assist in the drafting of their Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) strategic plans, accompanied by a Communication. These recommendations are part of the dialogue between the Commission and Member States to support them in implementing the CAP as of 2023 as well as to ensure that their CAP strategic plans contribute in an ambitious way to the European Green Deal.
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As the EU and UK trade negotiations seem be reaching a conclusion, Europe's farmers and agri-cooperatives, food manufacturers, traders, and agri-food sector workers have issued the following joint statement outing what will need to be done next:
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“We are the first to examine the prospective impacts of the Strategies in their current form.”. This is how, a few weeks ago, the US Department of Agriculture presented the first impact assessment on the Farm to Fork and Biodiversity Strategies. Two key milestone elements of the Green Deal package that were released in May.
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Copa and Cogeca Presidents underline the importance of EU action and strong Common Agricultural Policy to stabilize markets and assist farmers during uncertain times
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This afternoon, Executive Vice-President Timmermans and Commissioner Wojciechowski will represent the Commission at the first trilogue on the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) reform.
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2020 EU compound feed production has been adversely affected by the spread of animal diseases and is indirectly impacted by COVID-19 due to a shift in consumer demand for products of animal origin.
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One bad year follows another for European beekeepers. 2020 marks a new negative record for the sector with a drop of 40% in honey harvests. The EU, that is not self-sufficient, will only provide 40% of the honey placed within the EU market. Tense climate conditions have affected honey producers in most EU countries with the reduction of flowering periods. A new blow for a sector that suffers from deep and structural market distortions as evidenced by the volatility of the markets despite the low volumes produced.
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In view of the current global economic climate and the many uncertainties surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, the organisers of SIMA have taken the decision to hold the next edition of SIMA in November 2022 (from Sunday 6 to Thursday 10 November 2022).
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It's a green light for a temporary Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) for the sprout inhibitor, chlorpropham. That level may be 0.4 mg/kg in ware potatoes.
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The European Parliament, followed by the European Council, decided today to go forward and continue working on the key policy for our farming community, the CAP – EU’s Common Agriculture Policy.
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With the harvest season underway, the impact of summer's drought-like conditions is being unearthed in New Brunswick. Due to a lack of rainfall during the growing season, potato farmers say their yields are down significantly for fall 2020.
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Facing growing uncertainties with Brexit, the COVID-19 crisis and the effects of climate change, having a swift decision on CAP next week is of paramount importance. Farmers and their cooperatives are looking up to EU policy makers to set clarity on what they should expect in the next CAP. Considering the current socio-economic situation, it is a necessity, not a luxury! Together with 76% of EU citizens, Copa-Cogeca believe that CAP benefits all citizens, not only farmers[1].
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The EU agri-food chain supports the continuation of the negotiations in the coming weeks and we are pleased the EU reaffirmed its determination to have a close partnership with the UK on the basis of the EU negotiations directives, while maintaining the integrity of the single market.
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The Women’s Committee of Copa-Cogeca published today, on the occasion of the UN’s 13th Rural Women’s Day, a reflection on the European Commission Communication on the Gender Equality Strategy, outlining the ways in which gender equality within the agricultural sector can be better supported, also highlighting key measures and opportunities to better promote gender equality within European policies.
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Three out of four Europeans are aware of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and consider all citizens benefit from it, according to the latest EU-wide Eurobarometer survey of public opinion about agriculture and the CAP, published today by the European Commission.
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Following yesterday’s vote in the European Parliament on the Resources for the recovery of Union agricultural sectors and rural areas, led by MEP Paulo De Castro, Copa and Cogeca underlined the urgent need for a rapid deployment of European Recovery Instrument/Next Generation EU (ERI/NGEU) funds and the importance for an equally rapid approval of the CAP Transition Regulation. Facilitating further investments in the sector should most importantly allow for a faster recovery and dealing with on-going COVID-19 crisis
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Following yesterday’s vote in the European Parliament’s Plenary Session on the report of MEP Jytte Guteland on the EU Climate Law, Copa and Cogeca welcome European Parliament support for establishing a carbon-crediting scheme for farming, with the aim to boost agricultural lands’ carbon sequestration potential and increase agricultural incomes via a market-based approach.
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The United States and Europe share a great history, a history that goes back centuries and will continue for centuries to come.
This shared history has seen the advent of new technologies that have transformed life and bettered the human condition.
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The debate on meat and dairy denominations for plant-based imitations is far more complex than it seems at first glance. If the European Parliament decides in the coming month to condone food denomination loopholes to protect “vegan sausages” or “ vegan burgers”, it will open a Pandora's box that will in the long run impact consumers and livestock farmers alike – a fact that is not well understood in the European assembly. Faced with this situation, the European livestock sector is making a stand and launching the European campaign ceci n’est pas un steak.
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The prospect of negotiators failing to reach a deal on future EU-UK trade relations will result in a devastating double whammy for farmers, agri-food businesses and traders who are already struggling to cope with the Covid-19 pandemic.
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Last week, the North-western European Potato Growers (NEPG) association announced their harvest estimate for the 2020/2021 season.
They reckon potato yields will be between 27 and 27,3 million tons. That's for the five most important potato-growing countries in North-western Europe.
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Copa and Cogeca, representing European farmers and agri-cooperatives published today their position on the front of pack nutritional labelling (FOPNL), for which the Farm to Fork Strategy aims to propose a mandatory harmonised labelling in the EU. As first producers of food, the European farming community takes great pride in providing EU’s citizens healthy, safe and nutritious food and firmly believes that it is essential to properly inform consumers and help them in making healthy food choices.
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Copa and Cogeca confirm an overall drop in production for wheat and oilseed rape and express their concern about the dire cash-flow situation of European cereal producers
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CEJA President Jannes Maes addressed today EU agriculture Ministers during the informal AGRIFISH meeting in Koblenz (Germany) on the subjects of food chain resilience, labelling and animal welfare. At a time when the COVID-19 crisis together with investment gap created in the agriculture sector and other systemic difficulties put significant pressure on the shoulders of young farmers, already faced with high risks, Mr Maes underlined the necessity to build up further resilience.
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The political start of the second semester 2020 was eagerly awaited by the entire European farming community. Many essential issues were put on the agenda of the German Presidency Informal Council on Agriculture held in Koblenz, in a context made uncertain by the evolution of the Covid pandemic. Copa and Cogeca Presidents Joachim Rukwied and Ramon Armengol took the floor to ask the ministers present to take into account the lessons learned from the first wave of the crisis, particularly in the context of the upcoming discussions on the CAP and the Green Deal.
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State aid: to support farmers breeding large and small ruminants and potato growers affected by coronavirus outbreak
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On 25 July 2018 the European Court of Justice (ECJ) published its ruling on mutagenesis breeding including targeted genome editing techniques. This ruling put new forms of mutagenesis breeding under the strict rules and requirements for GMOs and with that factually made the tools unavailable for European plant breeding and agriculture.
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CEJA welcomes the reaching of a deal on the 2021-2027 Multi-annual Financial Framework (MFF) and the Next Generation EU recovery instrument.
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CEJA’s online working group which took place yesterday (13th July 2020) led to the approval of the organisation’s position paper on the Farm to Fork Strategy to make the voice of Europe’s next generation of farmers heard in upcoming political debates. In the morning, CEJA members got the opportunity to meet online with Agriculture Commissioner Janusz Wojciechowski. Young farmers from all over Europe shared with Commissioner Wojciechowski their concerns on the lack of generational renewal in the sector and their needs for more targeted policies.
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New DLG Feldtage Digital robot webinar explored mechanical weeding as alternative to herbicide: Field requirements, monitoring, wear parts, solar power and remote service. Webinar attended by 450 international participants
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The EU Farmers Confidence Barometer survey was carried out over the first semester of 2020 across ten EU Member States and showed a slight lift in farmers’ moods compared to that of autumn 2019. However, this increase was not enough to make up for the negative sentiment still felt across all Member States.
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Does “agri-bashing” impact farmers’ moods? The EU Farmers’ Confidence Barometer conducted an initial survey to assess the reality of this concept. The first results showed that French and German farmers felt the most criticised while Italy and Hungary seemed less affected by this trend. In both France and Germany, over 30% of farmers reported that this criticism had a clear impact on their motivation to continue farming.
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The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the proposed acquisition of Bayer AGs animal health division by Elanco Animal Health Inc. The decision is conditional on the divestment of otitis products and several types of parasiticides in the European Economic Area (EEA), the UK and globally.
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Following the publication of the Farm to Fork Strategy, the European farming community welcomes any measure encouraging consumers to adopt a healthy diet.
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In its proposal for a reinforced long-term budget, the Commission will increase the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) by €9 billion (€4 billion for the CAP's European Agricultural Guarantee Fund and €5 billion for the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development) and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) by €500 million.
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Sub-zero conditions have caused severe damage to potato haulms in some areas around the country.
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Corteva Agriscience announced today its 10-year commitments to advance sustainability throughout the global food system. The goals span a wide range of initiatives for farmers, the land, communities where employees and customers live and work, and in its own operations. Improvements in soil health, on-farm productivity, climate action, water stewardship, biodiversity, supply chain transparency and worker safety, among others, are included.
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The European Commission has approved a €12 million Italian scheme to support companies active in the agricultural sector affected by the coronavirus outbreak.
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The poultry sector, as the rest of the economy, is going through difficult times facing the aftermath of the COVID pandemic. This crisis was not caused by European agriculture, but it is our responsibility to maintain the investments already made and ensure our capacity to keep on following the EU standards of production.
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Europe’s young farmers have been engaged for a stronger European Union, able to face crises with resilience and solidarity, and to show the path to the next generations. Following today’s proposals for a Recovery Fund and revamped long-term budget, CEJA stands together with the Commission and the Parliament to step up the ambition of our Union.
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Looking at the Union’s revised Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2021-2027 and the Next Generation EU Recovery Programme published today, Copa and Cogeca stress the need for more joint action at Union level and call for more support to agriculture under the Common Agriculture Policy (CAP).
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COVID-19 has shaken the whole world-impacting society and the global economy similar to the effect of a world war. Among many economic sectors, the frozen potato products value chain has been confronted with a true drama.
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Today, the European Commission presented two highly ambitious strategies. Their success will depend on the actors on the ground: farmers, forest owners and their cooperatives. A comprehensive independent inception impact assessment must be conducted before any legislative action is taken. European farmers, forest owners and their cooperatives need alternatives to enable them to reach the ambitious targets without destroying their livelihoods and the European rural economy. A blindfolded approach will jeopardise food security, European agricultural competitiveness and farming income, which have already been heavily impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.
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While acknowledging the value of a Farm to Fork and Biodiversity Strategy, CEJA feels today’s publications have failed to propose a long-term vision by understating the role of farmers and new generations in the future of our food systems.
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The following statement is issued on behalf of three trade associations representing farmers and agri-cooperatives (Copa-Cogeca), food manufacturers (FoodDrinkEurope) and brands (AIM) in response to the European Commission Joint Research Centre (JRC) report on retail alliances and their impact on the food supply chain, which was published on 13 May.
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The European Commission has found a €650 million Dutch scheme that compensates companies in the floriculture, specialty horticulture and potato sectors for the loss of revenue or additional costs related to the collapse in demand for their products to be in line with EU State aid rules.
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The European Commission is working on the Strategy that will outline the EU’s position on the global negotiations and put forward EU commitments to address the causes of biodiversity loss by 2030. However, the approach currently under consideration is a justified cause for concern for all European farmers, forest owners and their cooperatives. This is because the current draft of the Strategy fails to build on some of its main premises:
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The Commission published today the latest package of exceptional measures to further support the agricultural and food sectors most affected by the coronavirus crisis.
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In a letter sent today to DG AGRI, Copa and Cogeca express the growing concerns of the poultry meat and eggs sector regarding the impact of the closure of hotels, restaurants and catering services due to the COVID-19 crisis. Faced with a fall in consumption of specific segments, the European organisations call on the Commission to managed imports through the TRQ management mechanisms according to consumer market changes to avoid any oversupply in Europe.
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Belgians are being called upon to eat fries at least twice a week as more than 750,000 tons of potatoes are at risk of being thrown away.
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CEJA welcomes the announcement made by the European Commission today on the unlocking of market measures to help the agricultural sector cope with the COVID-19 effects but expresses reserves on actual results it will demonstrate amid a crisis of unprecedented dimension.
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The COVID-19 pandemic is having a devastating effect on the ware potato market (destined for human consumption), which will have repercussions on the other potato market segments including the European producer organisations like the cooperatives involved in the fresh potato supply chain, as well as starch processing. In the turmoil, the sector, represented by Copa and Cogeca, proposes different solutions in a letter sent today to the European Commission.
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The Commission is taking swift action and proposes additional exceptional measures to further support agricultural and food markets most affected.
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The latest results of the study on milk production costs in Germany show a clear shortfall of costs, with milk producers missing 22% to cover their cost of production. According to the quarterly figures published by the Farm Economics and Rural Studies Office (BAL) – current figures of January 2020 –, production costs amount to 44.07 ct/kg, whereas the farm-gate milk price was only 34.56 ct/kg in the same period. Producers thus lack 9.51 ct/kg to cover their costs.
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Today, the European Commission adopted two measures to help the agri-food sector. The measures will increase the cash flow of farmers and reduce administrative burden for national, regional authorities and for farmers in these particularly challenging times.
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The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has dealt a blow to a, particularly Belgian market, as the country begins to see declining sales of the humble fries.
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With preliminary figures suggesting that demand has decreased by up to 80%, the sector (cut flowers, ornamental plants, trees, bulbs and nurseries) has, since mid-March, endured a historic collapse in demand and consumption in most EU Member States and abroad. The coronavirus crisis is currently responsible for the widespread closure of shops, the disappearance of sales channels and some major losses for the ornamental sector. Against this backdrop, Copa and Cogeca have sent a letter to the European Commission asking for the Community aid scheme to urgently address the specific needs of the sector.
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The outbreak and spread of COVID-19 and the subsequent measures implemented by governments to contain it have resulted in an abrupt closure of the majority of the continent’s food services. This in turn has had a marked effect on the suppliers of these services across the agricultural sector. Copa and Cogeca have gathered data from their members showing the impact that the COVID-19 crisis has on the dairy, beef, sheep and goat sector. Based on this information, several letters have been sent to the European Commission calling for specific measures to be put in place and to be financed outside the CAP budget.
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Statement by Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, on measures to support farmers during the coronavirus crisis
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Today, the Commission published the budget for the EU school scheme for the 2020/2021 school year: €145 million is allocated to the distribution of fruit and vegetables and €105 million for the distribution of milk and dairy products to schoolchildren.
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Following the outbreak of coronavirus, the European Union's agri-food sector is showing its resilience and continues to provide Europeans with high quality and safe food. Nonetheless, farmers and producers are facing difficulties and increasing pressure. Ensuring food security and an effective food supply chain across the continent remains one of the Commission's priorities.
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Following an initial request from the Italian authorities facing an unprecedented crisis in relation to the COVID-19 outbreak and the overall difficult situation faced by the European Union, the European Commission has decided to allow Member States to offer an extension of one month for the deadline for farmers to submit their applications for direct payments and certain payments under rural development. The extension will be possible for all eligible farmers in all Member States. It is however up to the Member States to decide whether to use the extension.
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Europe’s food supply chain will work closely together to ensure everybody in Europe continues to have access to safe, quality and affordable food and drink products during the Coronavirus pandemic.
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Given the dramatic consequences of the spread of COVID-19, the priority of the whole food and feed supply chain is obviously to strictly comply with EU and national instructions to prevent further dissemination of the virus among its employees, suppliers and customers.
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Copa and Cogeca welcome the new European Circular Economy Action Plan published today, as it recognises the potential of circular bioeconomy and of the implementation of the EU’s Bioeconomy Strategy in enabling greater circularity.
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Overall, some 191,587 “tractors” were registered across Europe in the full year 2019, according to numbers sourced from national authorities. Of these registrations, 43,642 vehicles were 37kW (50 hp) and under, and 147,945 were 38kW and above. CEMA considers that 154,321 of these vehicles are agricultural tractors, the rest being quads, telehandlers or other equipment. Corrections are significant (i.e. more than half of registrations) in countries such as Slovakia, Finland, Sweden, Iceland, Luxemburg, Estonia and Switzerland. An overview of the total tractor registrations can be found in the annex.
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The private storage aid scheme for olive oil adopted in November 2019 was concluded today, with the last tendering procedure.
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Producers Organisations (POs) and Association of producers Organisations (APOs) key role in helping strengthen farmers’ position in the food supply chain has once again been confirmed, as well the importance of the technical assistance they provide to their members
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The European Commission welcomed the decision by the European Parliament to approve the EU-Vietnam trade and investment agreements.
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The second forecasts of the economic accounts for agriculture confirm an improvement in 2019. The sector’s gross value added would therefore once again pass the 2 billion mark (2.28 billion compared to 1.96 in 2018). The significant differences with the previous estimate concern cereals, industrial crops and fruit.
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Advanced smart technologies and their data play a vital role in ensuring sustainable production in today’s agricultural systems. The agricultural machinery industry understands its role as a major producer of agronomic data, and how digital agriculture can lead to a modernisation of the sector in Europe.
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The fact that the reality of being a farmer has been very difficult for a number of years now is no secret. For example, there is a systematic shortfall between milk production costs and producer prices. Over a five-year period, the cost shortfall for German producers has been 20 percent, which implies that production costs to the tune of 9 cents per kilogramme of milk are coming out of farmers' pockets. The situation with organic milk is quite similar, with a shortfall of 21 percent in 2018/2019.
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Syngenta is not making any specific promises, but it expects to release chemical alternatives to glyphosate if the popular broad spectrum herbicide is pulled off the market.
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This outlook report aims to serve as a baseline for policy and market analysis and evaluation. It is based on the existing policy framework and on expected macroeconomic trends.Under these assumptions, despite labour outflow(i.e. more workers leaving the agricultural sector than entering it), agriculture remains a key part of the fabric of the EU’s rural communities and the primary use of land. Due to competition fromother uses, to tal agricultural land use in the EU is expected to continue to decline, though at a slower pacethan in the past decade, to 178 million ha by 2030. Already high on average, EU yields will grow more slowly than in the past. Advances in seed selection, management and technology will improve farmers’ ability to integrate environmental policy requirements into production systems. Most of the EU’s produce will still be consumed domestically. Consumers in the EU and abroad will become more demanding about the food they consume, increasingly opting for local, organic or other certified products and shifting between food categories. With growing global demand and shifts in global trade flows, the EU will have opportunities to gain market shares in some export markets (e.g.dairy products) while facing increased competition in others (e.g. cereals).
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TODAY, over 50 farmers from Central and Eastern Europe protested outside the meeting of EU leaders, calling on them to deliver on their promises to equalise payments across the European Union under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
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Today’s Green Deal presentation by Commissioner Frans Timmermans highlighted the key role that the European farming community will have to play in realising the Commission’s new vision.
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Representatives from the European livestock sector gathered today in front of the European Commission buildings in Brussels to address the danger of oversimplifying the debate around livestock and its role in European society. This flash action echoes a number of concerns highlighted by the numerous protests that have taken place in different European countries in recent weeks.
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Manufacturers of grassland equipment experienced an unexpected small growth in shipments in the year 2018/2019. On the basis of the developments in the previous season they expected a balanced market.
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Plant breeding innovation is essential to contribute to a sustainable agriculture production that fosters food security and healthy nutrition. This is one of the key messages by the High-level Conference on Plant Breeding Innovation “Growing the Future Together” held by Copa-Cogeca and Euroseeds in Brussels this morning.
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While newly-elected representatives are starting their jobs at the EU institutions in Brussels, dairy-farmer representatives from 15 European countries met yesterday and today in the Italian city of Montichiari near Lake Garda. The discussions about the dairy sector centred around the new guidelines to restructure European agricultural policy.
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Today, the EU and China concluded the negotiations on a bilateral agreement to protect 100 European Geographical Indications (GI) in China and 100 Chinese GI in the EU against imitations and usurpation. This landmark agreement is expected to result in reciprocal trade benefits and demand for high-quality products on both sides.
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Following the publication by the European Commission of transitional provisions for the calendar year 2021 of the CAP, CEJA urges co-legislators to ensure predictability and stability at farm level. To this end, it is crucial that transitional rules, as well as the new CAP, are guaranteed a stable budget.
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Last week the European Commission published its first proposal for the CAP transitional provisions, which are crucial for the continuation of the EU landmark policy. For Copa and Cogeca, the transition measures should not be an excuse for subjecting the CAP to new cuts. How can we explain to European farmers and cooperatives that the same rules do not deserve the same funds?
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This paper reviews the findings from the last 20 years on the behavioural factors that influence farmers’ decisions to adopt environmentally sustainable practices. It also proposes policy options to increase adoption, based on these behavioural factors and embedded in the EU Common Agricultural Policy. Behavioural factors are grouped into three clusters, from more distal to more proximal: (i) dispositional factors; (ii) social factors and (iii) cognitive factors. Overall, the review demonstrates that considering behavioural factors enriches economic analyses of farmer decision-making, and can lead to more realistic and effective agri-environmental policies.
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Haulm destruction represents an important challenge in potato production following the loss of the chemical diquat. This step, which also contributes to a reduction of food waste, will result in far-reaching changes.
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British potatoes have been delisted from a number of lines in Poland’s largest supermarket due to fears of a no-deal Brexit, according to a large UK potato exporter, which has had to cancel orders with its growers as a result.
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Despite the difficult global economic climate, European companies have continued to make good use of the opportunities created by the European Union's trade network - the largest in the world. In 2018 this network covered 31% of Europe's trade exchanges, a figure that is set to rise significantly (to almost 40%) as more trade agreements enter into force, according to the European Commission's annual report on the implementation of trade agreements released today. Overall, trade accounts for 35% of the EU's gross domestic product (GDP).
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ADAMA, BASF, Corteva Agriscience, Nufarm and Syngenta join forces to further improve the way crop protection products are handled in Europe by promoting the use of closed transfer system (CTS) technology. The companies are now each piloting the CTS ‘easyconnect’ in selected countries to benefit operators, farmers and the environment.
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The Service Public de Wallonie has granted a building permit for “Mydibel Fresh”, the new production site of Mydibel in Mouscron. The construction of Mydibel Fresh is part of the company’s strategy of sustainable development. The new plant will be ready by the autumn of 2020 and will create 70 full-time jobs.
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Today marked the deadline set by the European Patent Office (EPO) to end its consultation process (G3/19) that aimed to clarify legal concerns related to the patenting of conventionally bred plants and animals.
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In its third estimate for the 2019 crop, Coceral sees the EU total grain crop at 304.9 mln t. This is up from the May forecast of 301.0 mln t and significantly up from last year’s crop when farmers harvested 281.5 mln t of grains.
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The DLG (German Agricultural Society), organiser of Agritechnica, today announced the winners of the Agritechnica Innovation Awards. Overall, the DLG Innovations Jury recognised one innovation with the Agritechnica Gold Innovation Award 2019, and 39 innovations with the Agritechnica Silver Innovation Award 2019. The full list of awards follows:
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Few days before the Informal Meeting of Ministers for Agriculture taking place in Helsinki next week, Copa and Cogeca presents a new position paper on climate action, showcasing concreate actions and political options that should allow EU farmers and cooperatives to remain front runners in the fight against climate change.
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A more sustainable, competitive and modern agriculture in Europe will certainly call for increasing the use of precision farming technologies. Reducing the application of inputs, improving knowledge on soil quality or facilitating day-to-day farm data management are some of the operations that can be improved by adopting smart technologies in agriculture.
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On 11th September, the EU’s Trade Defence Instruments Committee will examine the Commission’s proposal enforcing definitive anti-dumping measures on imports of UAN fertilisers[1] originating from Russia, Trinidad and Tobago and the USA. What might at first seem like a dry, technical decision sounds like a potential new hard blow to many farmers across Europe. Such an approval could impact our competitiveness and our livelihood.
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In a report published today, the EU confirms for yet another year its position as largest global exporter of agri-food products, with EU exports reaching €138 billion in 2018.
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Member States today agreed to a series of support measures proposed by the Commissionto ease the financial difficulties faced by farmers due to adverse weather conditions, and increase the availability of feed for animals.
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European Commissioner in charge of Budget and Human Resources, Günther H. Oettinger, will travel to the Netherlands later today to talk about the EU budget for 2021-2027.
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InTouch, the award-winning feed management platform, and UNIFORM-Agri, one of the world’s leading herd management software providers, are pleased to announce an exciting new data-sharing collaboration, empowering dairy farmers with cutting-edge insights and herd management tools.
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The confidence survey carried out in ten EU Member States in the spring of 2019 showed some positive development, with the confidence index rising after two years of stagnation and decrease. Farmers’ outlook on their future economic situation is also somewhat more optimistic than their assessment of the state of play.
There are not many significant differences between countries, with a majority of them indicating that both the current and the future economic situation are improving.
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Farmers throughout Germany, and especially in the country’s most populous state of North Rhine-Westphalia, are desperately hoping for rain in August.
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De Ruiter and Seminis seed brands discuss sustainable and tailored solutions / Industry collaborators demonstrate new advances in digital automation technology
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Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development Neven Mimica is in Kigali, Rwanda, to speak at the Africa Food Security Leadership Dialogue.
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UK consumers may face a home-grown potatoes shortage next year as stocks run out due to new storage rules.
Experts fear a 12-week gap could open up in the UK supply in 2020 as a result of the loss of the main chemical used on stored spuds.
But Suffolk farmers could play a critical role in helping to solve the problem, as an advice group for growers tries to work out potential solutions which can be used on-farm.
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Prior to the Mercosur trade deal agreement, the European farmers’ sentiment barometer showed positive developments in the first half of 2019.
The confidence survey carried out in ten EU Member States in the spring of 2019 showed some positive developments, with the confidence index rising after two years of stagnation and decrease.
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Today the Commission has decided to refer Germany to the Court of Justice of the EU for not applying the EU Value Added Tax (VAT) scheme for farmers correctly.
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Copa and Cogeca congratulates Mr David Sassoli for his election as President of the European Parliament and welcome the increase in the number of seats in the Agriculture and Rural Development Committee (from 46 in previous legislative term to 48 seats).
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Plants collected by Darwin have helped reveal the ancestry of European potatoes. New genetic analysis, led by scientists from the Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology in Germany, settles nearly 100 years of debate about the origins of the European potato.es.”
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European agri. and forest cooperatives call in an event today for the support of the EU to foster their development as their model and value creation play a pivotal role in a faster uptake of bioeconomy in Europe’s rural areas.
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At the last tender sale, the remaining 162 tonnes of skimmed milk powder out of a total, original amount of 380,000 tonnes in public stocks were sold, fully emptying as a result the total stocks bought and managed by the Commission.
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Reduction of veterinary antibiotic sales by 63 % in the Netherlands from 2009 to 2017 showed no evidence of a negative effect on average production and economic results on broiler and pig farms. Also the international cost competitiveness of Dutch broiler and pig farms was not hampered by the reduction in antibiotic usage. This is evident from a study by Wageningen Economic Research at the request of the ministry of agriculture, nature and food quality.
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On 6 June 2019 FEFAC celebrated its 60th Anniversary, with the theme “Resource Efficiency Champions of the Food Chain”. The event featured a key note speech[1] by European Commissioner for Agriculture & Rural Development Phil Hogan and panel sessions on the challenges for the agricultural and livestock sector linked to sustainability and societal expectations.
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The last potatoes were planted at the end of April at PotatoEurope’s demo site and until the end of May the participation demands continued to come in … so now, time for an update! With more exhibitors, more space and more demo machines this year it looks like PotatoEurope 2019 is once again going to be a big hit. The ultimate potato event of the year takes place on 4 and 5 September 2019 in Kain, near Tournai (B).
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Innovation and technologies make agriculture more productive and sustainable / NemaStrike™ Technology helps corn, soybean, and cotton farmers protect their yield / Bayer expands biological seed treatment portfolio with JumpStart™ and ProStablish™
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The industrial compound feed production for farmed animals[1] in the EU-28[2] in 2018 reached an estimated level of 163.3 mio. t, i.e. 1.8% higher than in 2017, according to data provided by FEFAC members.
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CEJA President Jannes Maes addressed the informal meeting of agriculture ministers in Bucharest, Romania, today on the subject of research in agriculture and the bioeconomy.
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It is possible to see a glass as being either half full or half empty. This saying applies well to the outcome of these 2019 elections. While we can rejoice in the fact that 2019 finally brought about a record turnout, we can still regret that 1 out of 2 Europeans decided not to vote. Although this election has created a more plural European Parliament, it will also be a more fragmented one.
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Roger & Roger, a rapidly growing producer of potato- and corn snacks, and Greenyard, a global market leader of fresh, frozen and prepared fruit & vegetables jointly announce today that Roger & Roger completed the acquisition of the assets - including the employees - of Greenyard Frozen Hungary. Roger & Roger distributes crisps to more than twenty countries from its base in Mouscron (Belgium).
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Milk has nourished humankind since the dawn of time and has allowed our advanced civilisations to progress. Milk is pure and untouched, and it is now impossible to imagine life without it. Milk is a nutritive mix of proteins, fatty acids and lactose, together with folic acid and a number of vitamins and minerals. In fact, milk is one of life’s simple pleasures.
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Having banned unfair trading practices and improved producer cooperation, the Commission is today presenting the third element to improve fairness in the food supply chain by introducing greater transparency in the way prices are reported throughout the chain.
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In its second forecast for the 2019 crop, Coceral projects the EU total grain crop at 301.0 mln t.
This is slightly up from the March forecast of 298.5 mln t and significantly up from last year’s crop when farmers harvested 281.0 mln t of grains.
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Researchers from Australia, Germany, Switzerland and the United States have quantified the effect of climate extremes, such as droughts or heatwaves, on the yield variability of staple crops around the world.
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Three weeks ahead of the crucial European elections, EU farmers and agri-cooperatives, represented by Copa and Cogeca, are launching their manifesto entitled WeFarm4EU, encouraging the whole European farming community to raise their profile and to vote. In a tense European and international political climate, agriculture is a solution to many key social, political, environmental and economic challenges. For the Brussels-based organisations, Copa and Cogeca, a strong Europe cannot move forward without strong agriculture.
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The protection of farmers is at the heart of the Common Agricultural Policy.Each day, our farmers produce high-quality and safe food for 500 million European citizens. Farmers should be treated fairly and get a fair share of the price which the European citizens pay for food.
In order to produce food of the high quality standards European consumers expect, farmers need to be able to rely on conditions of fair and effective competition.
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• EIB loans, channelled through partner banks, will mobilize close to EUR 2 billion of financing for agriculture and the bioeconomy
• At least 10% of EUR 1 billion loans package will be dedicated to young farmers
• Results of fi-compass survey of 7,600 farmers in 24 EU countries confirm need to step up access to finance for farmers
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Tests of Europe’s rivers and canals have revealed more than 100 pesticides – including 24 that are not licensed for use in the EU.
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While the Withdrawal Agreement negotiated between the EU and the UK remains the best possible outcome, the EU is prepared for a possible “no-deal” scenario in the area of agriculture. The EU remains focused on protecting the agriculture and farming interests of EU citizens.
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Belgapom, the association for the Belgian potato trade and processing industry, can announce that in 2018 the 5 million tonne mark was passed with regard to processed potatoes. This is absolutely a new record and what makes it even more remarkable, is that it is the sharpest annual increase since the nineteen-nineties.
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CEJA is deeply concerned about the direction the CAP Strategic Plans report is taking regarding the compromise amendments related to young farmers that will be voted on in COMAGRI on 2 April. Despite the vocal support expressed for generational renewal and the fact that it is one of the nine key objectives in the future Policy, the need for additional support for young farmers is being undermined and overlooked.
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On March 21st, the Commission intends to propose provisional anti-dumping duties on imports of liquid nitrogen fertilizers (UAN) originating in Russia, Trinidad and Tobago and the USA. In the eyes of European farmers and Agri-cooperatives’ organisations, the Commission should not underestimate the adverse impact on European farmers and the additional pressure this puts on their already fragile incomes when weighing up possible benefits of imposing anti-dumping duties on fertilizer manufacturers.
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Commissioner for Agriculture Phil Hogan is in Dublin today where he participates in two citizens' dialogues.
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Today, the European Commission released the delegated regulation establishing the framework for the use of palm oil feedstock in the EU for the decade to come. Despite listening to the concerns expressed by a broad range of stakeholders over the past weeks, the final proposal failed to close loopholes that will inevitably result in the expansion of the use of palm oil feedstock, undermining the new renewable energy directive (RED II) in the long run.
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The European Parliament voted today on a new set of EU rules that will ensure protection of 100% of European farmers as well as small and mid-range suppliers against unfair trading practices in the food supply chain.
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In its first forecast for the 2019 crop, Coceral projects the EU total grain crop at 298.5 mln t.
This is significantly up from last year’s crop when farmers harvested 280.2 mln t of grains.
Wheat production is seen at 139.8 mln t, up from 127.4 mln t in 2018, because of higher plantings and an expected recovery in yields in Germany, France, the UK, Poland and Scandinavia. The Spanish crop is seen down on year due to dry weather and lower soil moisture levels.
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The ceiling for national support to farmers will rise significantly, allowing greater flexibility and efficiency, notably in times of crisis and situations demanding a swift response by the public authorities.
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European young farmers are calling on MEPs to double the ambition for generational renewal in the agricultural sector. The much-appreciated vocal support given to young farmers in the CAP reform negotiations must be matched through funding and concrete, effective measures at the farm level.
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Copa and Cogeca, CELCAA and FoodDrinkEurope, on behalf of the entire EU agri-food chain, acknowledge the significant efforts of the EU and UK negotiation teams in securing the Withdrawal Agreement and finalising the Political Declaration.
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At Fruit Logistica 2019 in Berlin, Bayer will announce new collaboration agreements with some companies active in the agricultural sector, with research institutes and with the American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), an intergovernmental organization in the Americas.
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After a record-breaking 251 startups from 53 countries applied to be part of The Pearse Lyons Accelerator, the class of 2019 has been selected to work with Alltech and Dogpatch Labs to accelerate their business development. This year’s applicants have already raised over $143 million, with 135 startups disclosing funding.
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Following the release of statistics showing a decrease in European farmers’ income in December, the EU Farmers’ Confidence Barometer dropped in the second half of 2018, after two years of recovery. This decline mainly reflects the consequences of the severe drought and flooding episodes faced by EU farmers during the summer.
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The latest successful tender sale of skimmed milk powder public stocks means that 99% of the total stocks bought and managed by the Commission have now been sold.
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The current calculation of production costs in Germany shows that only 85% of production costs were covered in October 2018. This is a slight improvement of 5% compared to the July figures; in January 2018, cost coverage was still 88%.
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Acknowledging the report from the European Commission on progress in the implementation of the Forest Strategy the undersigned organizations, representing forest owners, managers, contractors and the forest-based industry, call on the European Commission, Parliament and Council to update the EU Forest Strategy with an aim to strengthen its role as a key reference for sustainable forest management. An update of the EU Forest Strategy is essential to ensure that the development of forest-related EU policies in the coming decades is better coordinated and more coherent.
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A total of 80,424.05 tonnes of the skimmed milk powder bought into public stock by the Commission since 2015 were sold in the latest tender sale, bringing the remaining stock to around 22,000 tonnes out of the original 380,000 tonnes, stockpiled since the crisis that hit the dairy sector in 2015.
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The Climate Corporation (Climate), a subsidiary of Bayer and the industry leader in bringing digital innovation to farmers, today announced strong harvest results for farmers using Seed Advisor, its new predictive seed selection and placement technology for corn. In addition to Seed Advisor, Climate accelerated 25 innovation advancements in 2018 through its global, digital farming pipeline to provide farmers more data-driven insights to sustainably improve their productivity.
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Food security under climate change depends on the yield performance of staple food crops. We found a decline in the climate resilience of European wheat in most countries during the last 5 to 15 y, depending on the country. The yield responses of all the cultivars to different weather events were relatively similar within northern and central Europe, within southern European countries, and specifically regarding durum wheat. We also found serious Europe-wide gaps in wheat resilience, especially regarding yield performance under abundant rain. Climate resilience is currently not receiving the attention it deserves by breeders, seed and wheat traders, and farmers. Consequently, the results provide insights into the required learning tools, economic incentives, and role of public actors.
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The European Parliament, the Council and the Commission reached today a political agreement on a new set of rules that will ensure protection of 100% of EU farmers and of a very large majority of EU agri-food companies against practices contrary to good faith and fair dealing.
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Last Friday, Eurostat released its first estimates regarding farmers’ income for 2018. As Copa-Cogeca expected, after a record increase in 2017, real agricultural income has dropped by 3% in comparison with last year. Net entrepreneurial income has also declined by 7%.
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Potato tubers of one of the founder lines of Solynta. These parental plants could be the first self-compatible, diploid potato plants ever grown. Homozygous parents are needed for the creation of hybrids.
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That the potato harvest this year in Europe was well below average due to extreme weather conditions is well known by now. I this article we present some recent data from Great Britain, The Netherlands and Spain that further clarify the situation.
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The EU institutions have found an agreement on new EU rules on fertilisers proposed by the Commission in 2016 as a key deliverable of the Circular Economy Package.
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In its fourth forecast for the 2018 crop, Coceral revised down its EU total grain crop forecast from its September figure of 283.5 mln t to 281.7 mln t.
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On November 25th, the endorsement by the European Council of the Withdrawal Agreement is a new step forward an orderly Brexit, further minimising the prospect of a 'no-deal’ scenario which would be catastrophic for both EU and British farming communities. 60% of UK agri-food exports go to the EU. EU-27 exports make up an average total of between 70% and 99% of all UK imports
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The European Commission will reimburse €444 million to European farmers, in line with the regulation published today. This amount was originally deducted from the 2018 budget for farmers' income support under the common agricultural policy (CAP) to create this year's so-called agricultural crisis reserve.
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The International Fair Trade Movement today called on the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to introduce transparent, fair and binding mechanisms for trade justice in order to achieve climate justice in their negotiations at COP24.
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The third meeting of the soy Memorandum of Understanding Steering Group took place in Brussels on 21 November 2018 The third meeting since the signature of the Memorandum of Understanding on a Brazil-EU partnership for sustainable soy took place on 21 November 2018 in Brussels.
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Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development Neven Mimica is today in Rome to participate in a Conference organised by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
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Today the European Commission adopted its report on the development of plant proteins in the European Union. The report reviews the supply and demand situation for plant proteins (such as rapeseed, sunflower seeds or lentils) in the EU and explores ways in which to further develop their production in an economically and environmentally sound way.
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With the last round of trilogue negotiations on CE marked fertilizing products taking place on November 20th, Copa and Cogeca expresse concerns regarding the limited progress made on critical points highlighted by farmers and agri-cooperatives at earlier stages of the legislative process, especially on cadmium limits.
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CEJA and DeLaval announced a collaborative agreement at EuroTier, the world's leading trade fair for animal production in Hannover, Germany.
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Royal Agrifirm Group is introducing a number of integrated agricultural and feed solutions for agricultural entrepreneurs and feed manufacturers at the EuroTier international trade fair in Hanover, Germany. All these new and recently launched solutions are the result of synergy effects within and between the various divisions of Agrifirm and the company's cooperation with third parties. The solutions comprise of a combination of products, advice, knowledge sharing, and monitoring of results. The objective of this customized cooperation is to deliver demonstrable returns on farms, in fields, and within the industry. Agrifirm has demonstrated that its ‘Better Together’ strategy, launched last year, is flourishing.
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The 2019 programmes for the promotion of EU agri-food products will focus primarily on markets outside the EU with the highest potential for growth.
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Half of the skimmed milk powder bought into public stock since 2015 (190,000 out of 380,000 tonnes) has been put back into the market without jeopardising its functioning and the recovery of the sector. The latest tender sale of 30,000 tonnes took place on 8 November.
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The European Commission has published the first report on the application of competition rules in the agricultural sector. The report shows that the work of European competition authorities can help farmers to obtain better conditions when selling their products to large buyers or cooperatives.
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Manufacturers of grassland equipment look back on a very positive market in the year 2017/2018. Due to positive developments in the prices for milk products, dairy farmers and contractors invested in their equipment. The increase of roughly 12 % was unexpected and was a challenge for the manufacturers, especially as suppliers struggled to cope with the significant increase.
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The European Commission today adopted the EU-Vietnam trade and investment agreements, paving the way for their signature and conclusion. Through this adoption, the Commission is demonstrating its commitment to putting these agreements in place as soon as possible.
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Published today, the latest farm economics overview, covering the years 2014 and 2015, shows that incomes in the EU farming sector grew. This increase reverses the decline seen in 2013.
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In this exclusive interview with Marc Van Herreweghe, the new Chairman of Belgapom and CEO of Mydibel, we discuss the role and challenges that the Association faces going forward, as well as sustainability issues and problems related to recent weather conditions in Belgium and elsewhere, amongst other topics.
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On October 16th, in a workshop held in the European Parliament, the EU Agri-food chain partners - COPA and COGECA, CELCAA and FoodDrinkEurope - reiterated their support for the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA).
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The quarterly cost figures for Germany show that only 80% of production costs were covered in July 2018, while in April it was 78% and 88% in January. Production costs in July amounted to 43.28 cents; however, producers only received 34.56 cents for their product.
Milk prices and production costs are still far apart. These figures come from the German quarterly cost studies published by the Farm Economics and Rural Studies Office (BAL).
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The results of the latest milk production cost calculations in six European countries show in objective economic terms – black on white – that daily business for milk producers is grim: Milk production costs and farm-gate prices are moving further apart! Even in so-called 'good years' i.e. between dairy crises, prices are permanently below production costs.
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A UK based company focused on the analysis and interpretation of satellite data - has in collaboration with AHDB Potatoes investigated the effectiveness of using satellite data to map the extent of potato crops in pilot locations across England and Scotland.
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CEJA President Jannes Maes addressed the informal meeting of agriculture ministers in Schloss Hof, Austria, today on the subject of shaping the future of vital rural areas and quality food production in the European Union.
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Friday 21 September will mark the first anniversary of the provisional entry into force of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between the EU and Canada.
Early signs show that the agreement is already starting to deliver for EU exporters. Commissioner Malmström will visit Canada on 26 and 27 September to take stock of progress.
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The European Commission adopted today the derogations on certain greening rules, which were proposed earlier this summer. This additional flexibility is aimed at increasing the availability of fodder, one of the main challenges that livestock farmers are facing due to the impact of drought​.
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Joined by farming stakeholders, academia, NGOs and industry experts from around the globe, Bayer outlined its vision for the future of agriculture today, reaffirming its commitment to innovation, sustainability and digital transformation to help ensure the world’s rapidly growing population can be fed without starving the planet.
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EU agriculture Commissioner, Phil Hogan signed today in Romania a European Investment Fund (EIF) financing agreement that will channel over €150 million, including €87.8 million from the EU budget, to Romanian farmers.
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The Emsland Group, a potato processor with seven production plants throughout Germany, produces Potato Starch, Protein and fiber, Potato Flakes, Potato Granules and a number of potato specialties.
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In light of the difficulties faced by European farmers affected by drought this summer, the European Commission continues acting to provide practical support to the sector. Additional flexibility will be granted to help farmers provide sufficient feed to their animals.
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The German family business and specialist in agricultural engineering LEMKEN has acquired the Machinefabriek Steketee B.V. With this, LEMKEN has taken over all rights of Steketee regarding weed control technology, including the soil cultivation program of Rumptstad.
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Young farmers in a number of EU countries have been severely affected by the dry weather conditions this spring and summer. CEJA urges the European Commission and national governments to put in place additional measures to help young farmers deal with the losses caused by drought. Young farmers are particularly vulnerable to the damages caused by extreme weather conditions because they are just starting out and have few options to fall back on.
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With increased numbers of both exhibitors and visitors, the second editions of AGRITECHNICA ASIA and Horti ASIA last week reached a successful conclusion in Thailand. There were nearly 300 exhibitors from 29 countries, an increase of about 25 percent from last year, and 10,677 trade participants and conference delegates from 69 countries, a 30 percent increase.
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Due to the consequences of the ongoing drought, farmers all across Europe are facing major difficulties. In the dairy sector, developments in recent years have only led to the situation becoming even more acute. In the throes of the dairy crisis, reserves were completely decimated and, in many places, debts piled up. These underlying factors make it even more difficult to deal with the current situation. Drastic decreases in yield and failed harvests are hitting producers hard. Rising feed costs imply increased pressure and are leading to growing financial deficits.
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The North-Western European Potato Growers (NEPG) report that by now it is clear that the potato production this year in North-Western Europe will be much lower than average and that quality issues will be a main challenge.
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In Belgium, the continuing drought and especially the extreme heat is increasingly disastrous for the upcoming potato harvest and threatens to cause havoc for processors as well.
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The European Commission is standing by Europe's farmers this summer, as they grapple with the difficulties of extreme droughts.
Farmers will be able to receive their direct and rural development payments in advance and will be granted more flexibility to use land that would normally not be used for production, in order to feed their animals.
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Today the European Commission has published the latest figures on EU imports of soybeans, showing an increase of 283% in imports of soybeans from the U.S., bringing the EU's total share of imports of U.S. soybeans to 37%, up from 9% one year ago.
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ESA-funded demo project “agriloc” successfully completed – hybrid modem for data transmission also via satellite developed – almost autonomous and absolute position of actuators of mobile machines possible – test methods for both prototypes established
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The non-production requisite on land lying fallow for farmers under crop diversification and/ or ecological focus area requirements have been lifted in eight EU member states for 2018. A severe drought significantly affected agricultural activities, especially in relation to animal feed resources, in those countries.
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At the EU-Japan summit in Tokyo, Presidents Jean-Claude Juncker and Donald Tusk, and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, signed today the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA).
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Copa and Cogeca released new estimates for this year’s EU grain harvest today, forecasting a 6% drop in EU cereal and oilseeds production, due to extreme weather conditions.
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Copa and Cogeca underlined the great strides European farmers and cooperatives have made in improving the quality of Europe’s freshwater at a launch event for the European Environment Agency “State of Water” report 2018.
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CEMA is pleased to announce that the INNOSETA project (in which CEMA is a participating partner) was recently selected for funding by the European Commission under H2020 (RUR-2016-2017 - Rural Renaissance - Fostering innovation and business opportunities) Call for proposals RUR-1-2017.
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Copa and Cogeca underlined today the importance of having a strong CAP in the future, with a strong budget behind it, to stabilize EU farm incomes and to keep rural areas alive.
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The organizer of the DLG-Feldtage 2018 outdoor exhibition for crop cultivation, the DLG (German Agricultural Society), along with exhibitors, have expressed their satisfaction with the way this year’s event has been carried out, and with the overall result.
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Faced with cuts under the future Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), uncertainties on trade and Brexit, European farmers and agri-cooperatives united in Brussels today to urge the EU to minimize the severe impact of these and to call for more coherence between policies.
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And the Golden Faironika goes to... At today's awards ceremony at the Fair Milk Conference in Lille, seven charming golden cows were given to engaged citizens and institutions for their positive contribution to sustainable dairy farming. For example, the European Committee of the Regions was one of the recipients for their responsible work in the dairy sector. In addition, journalists, representatives from processing and distribution and, of course, farmers as well were thanked for investing their heart and soul in their work, with a special focus on fairness
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Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) President Dennis Slater issued the following statement today calling on the United States Senate Agriculture Committee to mark up the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, which contains a robust safety net for U.S. farmers and ranchers:
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Amidst farmers’ protests in Paris, Copa and Cogeca held a press event today urging the EU to have a long term stable EU renewable energy policy which keeps the share for crop-based biofuels at 7% to decarbonize the transport sector.
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In its second forecast for the 2018 crop, Coceral revised down its EU total grain crop forecast from the previous figure of 302.5 mln t to 299.1 mln t. This would be almost exactly as much as last year’s crop when farmers harvested 299.2 mln t of grains. The wheat crop was revised down from 140.5 mln t to 138.8 mln t, which would also be lower than the 141.6 mln t reached in 2017. Reductions have been made for Germany, Scandinavia, all Baltic countries as well as Romania due to the ongoing dryness. Crops in France and Spain, in turn, have been revised up.
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With an agri-food trade value of €255 billion in 2017, the EU confirms for yet another year its position as largest global exporter and importer of agri-food products.
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A priority for new Chairman of Copa and Cogeca’s Biofuel Working Party Alexander Bachler is to boost the share of agriculture and forest biomass in the EU renewable energy mix post 2020, and to have a stable long-term policy for crop-based biofuels,
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The international comparison of winter wheat cultivation methods, which has been an important part of the technical program at the DLG-Feldtage since 1988, will this year feature crop experts from seven countries presenting their strategies for growing the crop. This will once again give visitors the opportunity to get to know a wide variety of cultivation philosophies from different European growing regions, as well as Germany, and to discuss these with the experts involved to reach conclusions that could inform how they cultivate their own wheat crops.
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Copa and Cogeca urged EU Farm Ministers today for a real simplification of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) in the future, with measures to attract young blood to the sector.
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CEJA provided an initial response to the CAP legislative proposals published by the European Commission today. It welcomes the specific focus on young farmers in the CAP’s objectives, “Attract young farmers and facilitate business development in rural areas”, and the greater emphasis on young farmers’ needs.
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One in ten pollinating insects is on the verge of extinction, and a third of bee and butterfly species is declining. This is why today the Commission is proposing the first-ever EU initiative to address the decline of wild pollinating insects.
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Reacting to the EU Commission proposal on the Future of Food and Farming, Copa and Cogeca warn against plans to erode farmers’ incomes and call for a real simplification of CAP rules. It is vital to ensure that there is no renationalization of the CAP, and it is backed up by a stronger budget.
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The European Commission today published proposals for regulations modernising and simplifying the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
These proposals are for a regulation on the CAP Strategic Plans (a proposed new way of working covering direct payments to farmers, rural development support and sectoral support programmes), a regulation on the Single Common Market Organisation (CMO) and a horizontal regulation on financing, managing and monitoring the CAP. These proposals give shape to the ideas for the future of the CAP, as outlined in the Communication on the Future of Food and Farming, presented by the Commission in November 2017.
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For the next long-term EU budget 2021-2027, the Commission is proposing to modernise and simplify the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
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Even in 2018, an appeal on World Milk Day for fairness in the dairy sector is not excessive but is, in fact, the need of the day! After all, fair prices are especially important for us milk producers in the EU as well as for our colleagues on other continents.
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Copa and Cogeca re-affirmed in Brussels today their commitment to ensuring a sustainable wine culture, governed by responsible drinking, and renewed its participation in the Wine in Moderation (WiM) programme.
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Copa and Cogeca celebrate on World Milk Day (1.6.18) the more favourable conditions on the dairy market, underlining the crucial role the sector plays in keeping rural areas alive.
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German farmers are currently faced with a long list of challenges that are impacting on their businesses, according to the president of the DLG (German Agricultural Society), Hubertus Paetow. Addressing agricultural journalists at Neugattersleben, Germany, on 26 April, he said the issues included: resistance to pesticides; approval-related loss of important active ingredients for crop protection; stagnation in breeding progress; loss of biodiversity; problems due to too narrow crop rotations; and new measures aimed at protecting water and soil.
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Copa and Cogeca welcome some aspects of European Parliaments’ vote on an own-initiative report today on the Future of Food and Farming.
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Copa and Cogeca welcomed in Brussels today MEPs vote on the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) which calls for no reductions in farming spending.
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The DLG International Crop Production Center (IPZ) will host the DLG-Feldtage 2018 field exhibition, which takes place from 12-14 June. The event will occupy about 40 ha of the IPZ area, which is set to welcome some 25,000 visitors from across Europe and the rest of the world.
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As part of its ongoing move to simplify and modernise the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), the European Commission has adopted new rules that will for the first time expressly allow a range of modern technologies to be used when carrying out checks for area-based CAP payments. This includes the possibility to completely replace physical checks on farms with a system of automated checks based on analysis of Earth observation data.
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Today, the Commission is proposing new rules to stimulate and facilitate water reuse in the EU for agricultural irrigation. The new rules will help farmers make the best use of non-potable wastewater, alleviating water scarcity whilst protecting the environment and consumers.
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As part of its ongoing move to simplify and modernise the EU's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), the European Commission has adopted new rules that will for the first time expressly allow a range of modern technologies to be used when carrying out checks for CAP payments.
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Preparations for this year's PotatoEurope exhibition are progressing well, with planting now complete at the event venue, Rittergut Bockerode farm, near Springe-Mittelrode in Lower Saxony (Germany).
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Copa and Cogeca express strong disappointment with the proposed cuts to the budget of the future Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) as part of the EU Commission’s budget plans post 2020.
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Farmers and forest owners provide consumers with quality food, preserve landscapes, reduce land abandonment and maintain biodiversity.
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Following last year’s successful launch of the Spanish BayG.A.P. online training aimed at supporting farmers in Latin America, Bayer is now also offering an English version, for which participants can register with immediate effect. The virtual self-learning course is free and available worldwide. It will last from May 28 until July 16, 2018. Further training sessions in Portuguese and Spanish are planned for the second half of 2018.
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With world food demand set to rise by 60% by 2050, the European Agri-Cooperative (Cogeca) Presidency Business Forum examined today strategies that agri-cooperatives are creating to overcome the economic and environmental challenges created by climate change.
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Copa and Cogeca support the Polish Chamber of Agriculture (KRIR) press event held in Brussels today on the future EU budget post 2020, expressing deep concern and opposition to the planned cuts in EU agricultural spending.
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The DLG-Feldtage 2018 will have live machinery demonstrations on all three days of the exhibition, with an expanded program on offer this year. Comparative demonstrations will take place on the key topics of crop protection sprayers, mineral fertilizer spreaders, sensor technology for precision farming Seed drills for cereals and steering and data management systems and, new for 2018, mechanical weed control. Many of the demonstrations will have live commentaries, which will mostly be in German.
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A complete liquid fertilizer that contains every essential plant nutrient has been the ‘holy grail’ of liquid fertilizers for many decades. Many have tried to create such a product, all have failed. That is why the development of “Gold Leaf” by Plater Bio is such a major achievement.
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Efficient, alternative and environmentally friendly ways of dealing with farm slurry and digestate will be in the spotlight at the 2018 DLG-Feldtage, which will be held from 12 to 14 June at the DLG’s International Crop Production Centre at Bernburg, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany.
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As German arable farmers deal with the consequences of limited cropping practices, DLG-Feldtage 2018 will provide them with the opportunity to find out how increasing the number of different crops in their rotations could address problems that currently need to be addressed by special management practices and crop protection regimes
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According to a proposal tabled by the EU Commissioner for Budget and Human Resources Günther Oettinger, the agriculture budget is to be cut by five percent. The planned savings under the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2021-2027 were presented in Brussels last week.
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European Commissioner for Agriculture & Rural Development, Phil Hogan, has confirmed that he will agree to UK requests for EU rules on crop diversification to be relaxed following excessive rain that has delayed crop planting.
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The Commission today published a new report on the implementation of the Nitrates Directive.
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Reacting to EU Commission budget plans post 2020 released in Brussels today, Copa and Cogeca express strong disappointment with the proposed cuts to the future Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
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Copa and Cogeca welcome European Parliament’s vote today on a report highlighting the multiple benefits of support for EU sheep and goat farmers via the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
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European young farmers today reacted with disappointment to the announcement of the European Commission’s budget proposal for the period 2021-2027.
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The Commission is today proposing a pragmatic, modern, long-term budget for the 2021-2027 period.
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The European Commission has conditionally approved under the EU Merger Regulation the acquisition of parts of Bayer's Crop Science business by BASF. This transaction is related to the Bayer/Monsanto merger divestment commitments.
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Ahead of release of EU Commission proposals on the future EU budget and the future Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), Copa and Cogeca call for a strong, competitive, market-oriented, more sustainable CAP based on simple, common rules across the EU. It must be backed up by a strong budget.
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Today, a new potato processing plant was officially opened in Lipetsk by Ivan Lebedev, State Secretary and Deputy Minister of Agriculture of the Russian Federation, and by Oleg Korolev, head of the executive branch of the Lipetsk region.
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Copa and Cogeca fully back the EU’s decision to ban meat imports from 20 Brazilian meat plants and call for results from European Parliaments latest mission to Brazil to be urgently examined too.
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CEJA welcomes today’s approval by COMAGRI MEPs of the ‘Draft Report on the implementation of CAP young farmers’ tools in the EU after the 2013 reform’.
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A coalition of associations from the EU agri-food chain launched a joint EU Code of Conduct on agricultural data sharing in Brussels today. The Code promotes the benefits of sharing data and enables agri-business models, including agri-cooperatives and other agri-businesses, to swiftly move into an era of digitally enhanced farming. The Code sheds greater light on contractual relations and provides guidance on the use of agricultural data, particularly the rights to access and use the data.
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Commissioner for Agriculture Phil Hogan will today participate in a Citizens' Dialogue on the future of food and farming in Kilkenny, Ireland. Entitled "Making CAP 2020 work for you", the dialogue will focus on the future of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and its implications for Irish farmers. Commissioner Hogan will be joined on stage by Mr. Joe Healy, President of the Irish Farmers' Association.
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After European Parliament approved today the political agreement on the EU organic farming review, Copa and Cogeca are ready to work on effective implementing rules to ensure a smooth transition and harmonised implementation of organic technical rules.
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From yesterday’s general assembly of the European Milk Board (EMB), Erwin Schöpges emerged as the new President of the European umbrella organisation. The 53-year-old dairy farmer from Belgium has actively championed a fair milk policy ever since the EMB was founded.
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Organisations representing potato farmers in Belgium and France, ABS (Algemeen Boerensyndicaat, Flanders), FWA (Walloon Federation of Agriculture) and UNPT (National Union of Potato Producers, France), jointly started Interreg project GEPOS to look for alternative destinations for potatoes in Belgium and the North of France in seasons marked by large surpluses.
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When purchasing pork, consumers are very interested in information about the individual farm where the pigs were kept and they are willing to pay more for this information. These were the findings of research by Wageningen Economic Research that was conducted among consumers in the Netherlands, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Consumers primarily want information on the way in which the pigs are kept.
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The European Investment Bank (EIB), the EU bank, today announced the launch of a new financing initiative that aims to unlock close to EUR 1bn of investment in the agriculture and bioeconomy sector. Bioeconomy encompasses the value chains of production and the processing of food, material and energy using renewable biological resources from land and sea. This large EIB lending programme for agriculture and bioeconomy outlines the Bank’s broader support to this sector. The operation will be guaranteed by the EU budget under the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI), which forms a central part of the “Investment Plan for Europe” of the European Commission under the Juncker administration. In a new Regulation applicable from early 2018, the scope of EFSI was extended to include a specific sectorial focus on sustainable agriculture and the wider bioeconomy.
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Copa and Cogeca welcome EU Farm Ministers almost unanimous support for the EU Commission’s plan to tackle unfair trading practices (UTPs) in the food chain at their meeting in Luxembourg today.
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Questions and Answers
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The Commission is targeting the most damaging unfair trade practices to grant farmers and small and medium sized businesses greater certainty and less need to manage risks over which they have little or no control.
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Reacting to the EU Commission plan to combat unfair trading practices (UTPs) in the food chain presented to MEPs today, Copa and Cogeca said it is a step forward but it needs to go further.
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Today, the European Commission proposed legislation on unfair trading practices in business-to-business relationships in the food supply chain. Right now, supermarkets’ poor practices lead to insecurity among their suppliers, which directly impacts the most vulnerable people in the value chain. The directive aims to protect small and medium-sized food suppliers against abusive practices of large buyers by prohibiting certain trade practices and requiring Member State to enforce this ban.
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Copa and Cogeca highlight benefits of support for Areas facing Natural or other Specific constraints (ANCs) in future Common Agricultural Policy (CAP)
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After New Plant Processing Techniques (NBTs) have been allowed in the USA without restriction, Copa and Cogeca urge the EU to improve Europe’s challenging policy and regulatory framework.
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The European Commission has approved under the EU Merger Regulation the acquisition of Monsanto by Bayer. The merger is conditional on the divestiture of an extensive remedy package, which addresses the parties' overlaps in seeds, pesticides and digital agriculture.
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Benjamin 'Benjy' Firester, 18, of New York City, won the top award in the Regeneron Science Talent Search 2018, the oldest and most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors in the United States.
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Copa and Cogeca welcomed today the adoption by the Bulgarian Presidency of conclusions on the future of food and farming.
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Basic Payment Scheme for farmers – operationally on track, but limited impact on simplification, targeting and the convergence of aid levels
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Copa and Cogeca welcomed today the adoption by the Bulgarian Presidency of conclusions on the future of food and farming.
Cogeca President Thomas Magnusson said “The conclusions which were backed by many EU Farm Ministers support many of our demands, especially those which underline that the new delivery model must bring a real simplification for farmers. Simplification is a number one priority for us”.
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Over 30 million children across the EU receive milk, fruit and vegetables under to the EU's School Scheme.
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Copa and Cogeca sent a letter to the EU Commission today urging the EU to abolish customs duties and taxes on fertiliser imports to the EU, warning that farmers are being put at a competitive disadvantage.
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On 13 March, the European Commission will launch a Knowledge Centre for Food Fraud and Quality to respond to consumer concerns about the quality and authenticity of the food we eat. This network made up of experts in and outside the Commission will support Commission services and national authorities with access to and sharing of up-to-date knowledge on protecting the integrity of the food chain.
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Copa and Cogeca call on EU heads of state and governments to approve draft guidelines on the future EU-UK relationship when they meet next week.
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Responding to consumer concerns about food quality and fraudulent practices concerning food, the European Commission will tomorrow launch a Knowledge Centre for Food Fraud and Quality, operated by the Joint Research Centre.
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The Sandals group, with 11 resorts in Jamaica, provides potato farmers with major financial assistance in order to cut its import bill, support the local farming community and to serve their guests with local potatoes...
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On 13 March, the European Commission will launch a Knowledge Centre for Food Fraud and Quality to respond to consumer concerns about the quality and authenticity of the food we eat. This network made up of experts in and outside the Commission will support Commission services and national authorities with access to and sharing of up-to-date knowledge on protecting the integrity of the food chain.
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Copa and Cogeca expressed serious concerns today about the threat of a trade war escalating with the USA as it could have a severe impact on the agriculture sector in the EU and worldwide.
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Copa and Cogeca expressed serious concerns today about the threat of a trade war escalating with the USA as it could have a severe impact on the agriculture sector in the EU and worldwide.
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Copa welcomed in Brussels today International Women’s Day and underlined the importance of women in the agriculture sector as drivers of innovation.
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Copa and Cogeca outlined the many benefits of the EU olive sector in terms of improving biodiversity, health, growth and jobs at a major event held in European Parliament today, and underlined the positive contribution of the CAP.
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This year’s Agritechnica Asia trade fair in Bangkok will include the new Systems & Components Asia exhibition for the first time. Systems & Components, which was introduced at Agritechnica 2013 in Hanover, is a platform where visitors involved in research and development, procurement and purchasing at original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in the off-highway sector can find out about innovations in the fields of engines, hydraulics, axles, gearboxes, cabins, electronics and other components.
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The European Commission is proposing changes to the rules governing state aid in the agriculture sector, increasing the amount that national authorities can use to support farmers without the need for prior approval.
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A bill has exited the Ministry of Rural Affairs regarding the payment of support to potato growers and field-scale vegetable growers who were unable to harvest part of their crops due to excessive rainfall last fall.
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The European Commission is looking for 20 experts such as farmers, foresters, advisers, scientists, industry and other relevant actors for the European Innovation Partnership 'Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability' (EIP-AGRI) to start a new Focus Group on ‘Protecting fruit production from frost damage’.
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At the end of February, the European Commission sold over 4,300 tons of skimmed milk powder at a set minimum price of 110 €/100 kg. This has been the lowest selling price since the beginning of the tendering process and has been met with severe criticism from European milk producers.
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Young farmers from across Europe visited the UK to discuss the impact of potential trade and policy changes post-Brexit at a seminar organised by The National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (NFYFC) and the NFU Next Generation Forum.
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The European Commission proposes to increase the maximum amount of agricultural state aid that Member States can distribute without prior notification from €15,000 to €25,000, over three years, per farm holding.
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The DLG-Feldtage 2018 will take place under the theme "Crop 2030”. The focus is on productivity, innovations and strategies. Exhibitors at the event will present their pioneering developments in processes, technologies and resources that will enable sustainable increases in output from crop production.
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Copa and Cogeca welcomed today calls by European Parliament’s Agriculture Committee to enhance EU sheep and goat support via the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
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Ahead of EU Ministers debate on the future EU budget on Friday, Copa and Cogeca call for no cuts to the spending of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
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Copa and Cogeca welcome publication by the EU Commission of a Roadmap on the Revision of the Bioeconomy, and underline the importance of the EU agriculture and forestry sectors to maximize it’s potential.
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The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is one of the best performing policies, but improvements are vital to make it work better, Copa and Cogeca told EU Farm Ministers today.
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New Holland Agriculture will enable its customers to seamlessly share in-depth real-time machine data with The Climate Corporation in order to enhance productivity and in-field efficiency
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Commissioner for Agriculture Phil Hogan is today to Seville, Spain where he took part in a Citizens' Dialogue on the future of food. It is the second time this year that the Commissioner engages with civil society in this kind of event, following his visit to the Netherlands last month.
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At Fruit Logistica 2018 in Berlin, Bayer will sign collaboration agreements with two non-governmental organizations (NGOs) committed to supporting smallholder farmers. "80 percent of the food consumed in developing countries is produced by more than 500 million smallholder farmers. Helping them to increase their productivity in a sustainable manner is key to address food security whilst protecting the environment," says Liam Condon, Member of the Board of Management of Bayer AG and President of the Crop Science Division. "That’s why we are collaborating with strong partners to ensure access to important know-how, quality products and markets."
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The European Farmers Organisation Copa urged European women farmers to submit applications for the 2018 European Innovation Award.
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The European Cooperative Organisation Cogeca underlined today at a United Nations event the importance of cooperatives in combating poverty and ensuring vibrant rural areas.
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Faced with increasing challenges, Copa and Cogeca underlined, during a meeting today with the Bulgarian Presidency, the need for a strong, properly funded CAP in the future.
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The European Cooperative Organisation Cogeca underlined today at a United Nations event the importance of cooperatives in combating poverty and ensuring vibrant rural areas.
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aced with increasing challenges, Copa and Cogeca underlined, during a meeting today with the Bulgarian Presidency, the need for a strong, properly funded CAP in the future.
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New results from Copa and Cogecas’ survey in the third quarter of 2017 shows that farmers are concerned about their future economic prospects, mainly as a result of global market developments and trade.
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Copa and Cogeca welcomed in Brussels this week MEPs vote on the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) which calls for no cuts in farming spending.
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New results from Copa and Cogecas’ survey in the third quarter of 2017 shows that farmers are concerned about their future economic prospects, mainly as a result of global market developments and trade.
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Ahead of the Ministerial meeting between the EU and Latin American trade bloc Mercosur, Copa and Cogeca urge the EU not to increase its offer on agriculture in the trade talks.
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DLG-Agrifuture Insights large-scale multi-country farmer survey shows willingness to invest in agricultural machinery is increasing. January’s "Chart of the month" shows farmers’ investment intentions – Spending focus is on tractors, combine harvesters, and mulch and direct sowing technology – Subscriptions now available for the full DLG-Agrifuture Insights survey.
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CEMA, the European association representing the manufacturers of agricultural machinery, has appointed Jérôme Bandry as new Secretary General. A French national, Mr. Bandry joins CEMA following an international career within Caterpillar Inc, where he held several leadership positions with increasing responsibilities over the last 27 years.
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European forestry and agricultural organisations urge MEPs to ensure that the role of forest bioenergy to decarbonize Europe is not hindered when they vote on an EU Commission proposal on the promotion of renewable energy sources (RES).
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CEJA welcomes the ‘Draft Report on the implementation of CAP young farmers’ tools in the EU after the 2013 reform’ outlined by MEP Nicola Caputo (S&D) and presented today during the European Parliament’s AGRI Committee meeting.
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Copa and Cogeca supported outright today a plea from EU Commission President Juncker for Member States to increase their contribution to the EU budget beyond 1% of Gross National income (GNI).
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Copa and Cogeca supported outright today a plea from EU Commission President Juncker for Member States to increase their contribution to the EU budget beyond 1% of Gross National income (GNI).
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The importance of developing the role of agri-cooperatives in upcoming legislation to help farmers overcome key challenges was underlined by Cogeca President Thomas Magnusson in Ireland today.
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The European Commission has approved under EU State aid rules a trading system for phosphate rights for dairy cattle in the Netherlands. The measure aims to improve water quality in the Netherlands by limiting phosphate production from dairy cattle manure and promote a shift to land-based farming.
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Copa and Cogeca welcome progress made and the green light given by European leaders at a summit in Brussels for talks on the UK’s future relationship with the EU.
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Ahead of EU Transport and Energy Ministers meeting, Copa and Cogeca urges the Estonian Presidency not to cut the target for crop-based biofuels used in transport by 2030.
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The European Parliament and Council today reached a provisional agreement on a key legislative proposal for implementing the EU's 2030 climate objectives – on accounting of emissions from land use, land use change and forestry (LULUCF). They form part of the EU's policy to drive Europe's transition to a modern and clean economy.
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A raft of changes due to come into force on 1 January 2018 continue the drive towards a simpler, more modern Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
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Reacting to the EU Court of Auditors report today on greening measures under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), Copa and Cogeca underlined that effective and simple “greening measures” under the CAP are vital to ensure that farmers are paid for the good work that they do. This is important as the market does not reimburse farmers for the public and the environmental services that they provide.
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Copa and Cogeca welcomed today the approval by European Parliament of the agreement struck in the trilogues between MEPs and the EU Council on rules to simplify the EU farming policy. It is good news that agricultural aspects of this Regulation have been split from other issues so that the rules can be introduced swiftly.
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During a high-level meeting with the Estonian Presidency today, Copa and Cogeca told EU Farm Ministers that the new EU Commission Communication on the future of food and farming is a good starting point. It is ambitious and as such requires the appropriate levels of funding.
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During a high-level meeting with the Estonian Presidency today, Copa and Cogeca told EU Farm Ministers that the new EU Commission Communication on the future of food and farming is a good starting point. It is ambitious and as such requires the appropriate levels of funding.
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Geopa-Copa sent a letter to the EU Commission today calling for support to improve rules on social security contributions for seasonal workers across the EU.
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DLG-Agrifuture Insights, the new DLG knowledge brand and platform for international trend analyses in the agricultural sector, supplies insights into the developments that are taking place in the world’s most important agricultural regions.
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Copa and Cogeca opposed this week a joint food nutritional labelling initiative by 6 major multi-nationals which risks misleading consumers and works against ensuring that they have a healthy, nutritious, balanced diet.
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Copa and Cogeca adopted a position today on the exit of the UK from the EU, calling for the UK to remain in the Single Market and Customs Union.
The UK is a net importer of agri-food products, worth 57 billion euros, and it is a key country in the EU with fully integrated rules and economy. Between 70-99% of all UK agricultural imports originate from the EU. Trade is mainly concentrated in 6 EU countries: Ireland, Germany, France, Spain, Belgium and the Netherlands. Agricultural trade is also important for the UK with 60% of UK agri-food exports (beef, lamb, poultry, dairy, cereals) worth £11 billion to the UK economy go to the EU.
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Young farmers from across the EU gathered in Warsaw last week at the CTR 2017 agricultural fair to discuss the European Commission’s communication on the future CAP released on 29 November. “Generational renewal must become a priority in the new policy framework” said CEJA President Jannes Maes.
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Copa and Cogeca adopted a position today on the exit of the UK from the EU, calling for the UK to remain in the Single Market and Customs Union.
The UK is a net importer of agri-food products, worth 57 billion euros, and it is a key country in the EU with fully integrated rules and economy. Between 70-99% of all UK agricultural imports originate from the EU. Trade is mainly concentrated in 6 EU countries: Ireland, Germany, France, Spain, Belgium and the Netherlands. Agricultural trade is also important for the UK with 60% of UK agri-food exports (beef, lamb, poultry, dairy, cereals) worth £11 billion to the UK economy go to the EU.
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Copa and Cogeca opposed this week a joint food nutritional labelling initiative by 6 major multi-nationals which risks misleading consumers and works against ensuring that they have a healthy, nutritious, balanced diet.
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The European Commission has informed AB InBev of its preliminary view that the company has abused its dominant position on the Belgian beer market, by hindering cheaper imports of its Jupiler and Leffe beers from the Netherlands and France into Belgium.
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The 2017 European Awards for Cooperative Innovation were presented in European Parliament in Brussels this week to five agri-cooperatives for their outstanding innovation practices and solutions.
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Simpler rules and a more flexible approach will ensure the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) delivers real results in supporting farmers and leads the sustainable development of EU agriculture.
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Reacting to the EU Commission plan on the future Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) today, Copa and Cogeca called for a real simplification of CAP rules and for any further renationalization of the CAP to be prevented.
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After the political agreement on the EU organic farming review was endorsed, a top priority for Copa and Cogeca will be to work on the implementing rules to ensure that there is a smooth transition over the next 3 years.
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Copa and Cogeca are disappointed that Member States today in the EU Appeals Committee only agreed to re-authorise the herbicide glyphosate– declared safe by EU scientists – for 5 years instead of 15 years.
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Copa and Cogeca underlined today the importance of respecting the objectives in EU General Food Law to guarantee a high level of protection for consumers and animal health, based on science, at its 15th anniversary event.
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The European Parliament’s COMAGRI hosted a public hearing on young farmers at which CEJA Vice President Iris Bouwers delivered a speech on the importance of generational renewal in the future CAP.
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With consumption below the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendations, Copa and Cogeca and Freshfel promoted this week their #FruitVeg4you Campaign underlining the many nutritious benefits of eating fruit and vegetables as part of a balanced diet.
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CIBE, CEFS, COPA-COGECA and EFFAT strongly warn the EU Commission to reject any attempt to include sugar in trade offer to Mercosur
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"With 2,803 exhibitors and 450,000 visitors, including more than 100,000 from outside Germany, Agritechnica has further extended its leading role as the global industry gathering for agriculture and agricultural machinery," said Dr. Reinhard Grandke, Chief Executive Officer, DLG (German Agricultural Society), at the conclusion of the fair on 18 November 2017 in Hanover.
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The success story of cooperatives in boosting farmers positioning in the food chain and driving innovation to help farmers produce more efficiently using less resources was underlined by Cogeca President Thomas Magnusson in Estonia today.
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The success story of cooperatives in boosting farmers positioning in the food chain and driving innovation to help farmers produce more efficiently using less resources was underlined by Cogeca President Thomas Magnusson in Estonia today.
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As the EU readies itself to step up its offer to the Latin American trade bloc Mercosur, Copa and Cogeca denounced the EU move to improve the beef offer, warning it jeopardises public health and climate change objectives.
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Dewulf, full-liner in potato and root crop machinery, announced a licencing agreement with Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd (M&M Ltd), part of the USD 19 billion Mahindra Group, headquartered in Mumbai (India), today for the manufacturing and marketing of potato planting equipment in India. Under this agreement, Dewulf will work with Mahindra to bring its renowned potato planting technology to the Indian market.
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In order to cut down on red tape and to encourage uptake of insurance measures, Copa and Cogeca called today for implementation of the political agreement on the EU Omnibus Regulation by 1st January 2018.
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Ahead of the upcoming AGRITECHNICA fair in Hannover (12-18 November), the world’s largest exhibition for farm machinery, CEMA today launched AgriTech 2030, a new long-term Strategic Vision for Europe’s Agricultural Machinery Industry.
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COCERAL regrets that no decision has been made during today’s Standing Committee meeting on the European Commission proposal to re-authorise glyphosate.
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Copa and Cogeca launched today the new edition of our magazine featuring interviews with our Presidents and key politicians on the future CAP, Brexit, climate change, renewable energy, glyphosate renewal and more
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Reacting to a new EU report on the Sustainable Use of Pesticides debated by EU Farm Ministers today, Copa and Cogeca said it confirms the high safety standards that farmers and their cooperatives meet and how well trained they are in applying these products. Something that it is not promoted enough by the EU Institutions.
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New figures released by Copa and Cogeca today estimate a good EU olive and olive oil harvest this year, despite the spread of the disease Xylella fastidiosa
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Up against increasing challenges, Copa and Cogeca launched in Brussels today a new EU action plan to secure a viable future for EU beef producers .
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Reacting to a new EU report on the Sustainable Use of Pesticides debated by EU Farm Ministers today, Copa and Cogeca said it confirms the high safety standards that farmers and their cooperatives meet and how well trained they are in applying these products. Something that it is not promoted enough by the EU Institutions.
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Ahead of discussions on 9 November, COCERAL calls on the European Commission and Member States to re-authorise the active substance glyphosate for fifteen years following positive assessments on the safety of the substance from both the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).
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As a reaction to the recent discussions concerning the re-authorisation of glyphosate that took place among EU institutions, CEJA would like to emphasise some principles that must be kept in mind when making decisions in this domain.
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Agriculture is steadily developing into a digitized industry as the limits of engineering progress approach. Increased productivity and efficiency in machines has been achieved for many years by increasing engine power, weight and size, but as manufacturers are forced to operate within limited dimensions and weight specifications, the process of optimizing individual components and systems for additional productivity is almost exhausted.
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The EU Commission plan to re-authorise the widely used herbicide active substance glyphosate for only 5 years instead of the full 15 years is unacceptable. It will undermine credibility in the EU institutions and put at risk our safe food supplies, Copa and Cogeca warned.
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Brazilian farming business SLC Agricola is not afraid to try new smart farming technologies, but will only invest in those that are proven to provide a financial return in tests on the company’s farms
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Sustainable agriculture and smart technology are today´s drivers of the agricultural industry. There is a huge potential for a greener farming future and Trelleborg is at the forefront of shaping that future together with its industry partners.
We are pleased to introduce you to Trelleborg´s latest innovations during our press conference held at
Agritechnica 2017 – Convention Center CC, room 1A
November 13, 2017 at 10 am
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Multinational feed additives producer Nutriad, participated for the thirteenth time in the World Dairy Expo earlier this month. An industry leader for decades, Nutriad was a proud Two Star sponsor of the event. The popular conference welcomed eighty- five thousand dairy farmers and professionals.
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The price of potatoes in New Zealand has almost doubled in the last 10 years, according to Statistics New Zealand.
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Agritechnica role as a global meeting point for farmers and technical professionals involved in the agricultural industry is well known, but the exhibition, which takes place from 12 – 18 November at Hanover’s exhibition grounds, is developing a growing reputation among young farmers too.
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Copa and Cogeca warn that European Parliament’s vote today to harmonise the cadmium level in phosphate fertilizers at 40 mg/kg P2O5 6 years after the date of publication of the new EU Fertilizers Regulation is unrealistic and urge the EU Council to take a balanced approach..
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There were more than 320 innovations registered for the innovation awards contest at Agritechnica 2017 and, as always, entrepreneurial vision and risk-taking by the companies’ managers and great inventiveness of the engineers involved were necessary to produce the new products presented.
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Manufacturers of grassland equipment are upbeat about the market and expect a moderate growth of 3% for the 2017-2018 season. Due to higher prices for farm-gate raw milk dairy farmers and contractors have been able to invest in this type of equipment. This was the key conclusion of the meeting of the CEMA Product Group “Grassland Equipment” in September at AGCO in Feucht (Germany) which brings together manufacturers of mowers, tedders and rakes.
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There will be 23 national pavilion stands at Agritechnica 2017, where smaller companies can get together to exhibit under the banner of their home nation. The popularity of the pavilions, which will represent 13 different countries at this year’s event, has increased consistently, with the numbers growing hand-in-hand with Agritechnica’s international scope.
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Copa and Cogeca regret the lack of progress in the talks on the exit of the United Kingdom from the EU, warning that the uncertainty is bad for farmers across the EU.
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Top priority for the new Chair of Copa’s Women Committee, Lotta Folkesson , from Sweden is to take the next step in gender mainstreaming and ensure more equal treatment of men and women in rural areas.
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As talks step up on the commonly used herbicide glyphosate, Copa and Cogeca call on the EU to re-authorise this active substance for 15 years, as strong EU scientific evidence has confirmed its safety. Failing to re-authorise it would put food supplies produced in an environmentally friendly way at risk.
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The middle session of the three scheduled Ag machinery conference events within Agritechnica 2017’s specialist conference for farm equipment manufacturers and exporters will focus on Northern China, Russia and Ukraine. The conference series Ag Machinery International 2017 – Business Opportunities in Emerging Markets aims to help inform delegates about interesting markets in emerging economies and developing countries, and the program on 15 November is titled “Emerging markets in focus – positive outlook despite political uncertainties”.
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Copa and Cogeca welcomed this week an agreement struck during the trilogues between MEPs and the EU Council on rules to simplify EU agricultural policy, boost farmers’ bargaining power and improve insurance schemes to compensate for losses.
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Copa and Cogeca celebrate on World Food Day the vital role of European Farmers and Cooperatives – the first producers of food – who provide nutritious, quality, tasty, affordable food worldwide.
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Copa and Cogeca welcomed this week an agreement struck during the trilogues between MEPs and the EU Council on rules to simplify EU agricultural policy, boost farmers’ bargaining power and improve insurance schemes to compensate for losses.
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The EU should forge ahead and become a ‘world leader’ in Digital Farming, according to the conclusions of today’s ‘Farming 4.0’ Summit in Brussels which saw EU policy-makers, industry leaders, digital experts and representatives from the farming community come together to discuss the way forward.
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Copa and Cogeca underlined the importance of innovation and new technologies to secure a viable agriculture sector and to meet growing demand at the EU Agri-Innovation Summit hosted by the EU Commission in Lisbon today.
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The European Commission has today issued guidance to help Member States protect agricultural land from threats such as excessive price speculation and ownership concentration.
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The report on the sustainable use of pesticides Directive adopted today by the Commission takes stock of progress made by the EU Member States in applying measures to reduce the risks and impacts of pesticides.
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Copa and Cogeca underlined today the importance of the EU agriculture sector for meeting the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) at EU Farm Ministers meeting, saying that the CAP has proved to be a successful tool to ensure sustainable agricultural production.
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President of Cogeca - the voice of European Agri-Cooperatives - Thomas Magnusson met with the United Nations Director in New York today to underline the multiple benefits of agri-cooperatives for farmers and to encourage their development.
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The very last agricultural quota system in place, managing sugar production in the European Union, will be scrapped on 30 September 2017, after nearly 50 years.
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The European Commission has cleared unconditionally under the EU Merger Regulation the proposed acquisition of joint control over Linden Foods by ABP Food Group and Fane Valley. The Commission concluded that the transaction would not adversely affect competition in the EU Single Market.
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The EU must lift the barriers to young people in the farming sector by offering them access to land and a fair income, according to a survey released today by CEJA in partnership with DeLaval.
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Copa and Cogeca underline urgent need to develop new and better plant varieties using new breeding techniques to deal with increasing challenges like climate change
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Implementation of new EU animal health law and eradication of animal diseases top priority for new Chairman Copa and Cogeca Animal Health and Welfare Party
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Ahead of the European Commission’s conference on Modern Biotechnologies in Agriculture on 28 September, the European seed sector launches the campaign #EmbracingNature to underline and explain the essential role plant breeding innovation plays in tackling Europe’s agri-food challenges, including meeting consumer demands and contributing to a highly productive and more sustainable agriculture and food production system.
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Copa and Cogeca call on the EU Commission to deal with European biodiesel industry’s appeal against dismantling duties on Argentinian biodiesel imports to EU via fast-track procedure
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The European Farmers Organisation Copa, representing 23 million farmers and their families, elected a new President Joachim Rukwied from Germany in Brussels today to help secure a viable future for EU farmers.
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In view of Brexit and upcoming trade talks with Latin American Trade Bloc Mercosur, Copa and Cogeca underline that agriculture must not pay the price
Copa and Cogeca underlined today that agriculture must not pay the price for the exit of the UK from the EU or for the trade liberalizing talks between the EU and Mercosur.
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CEMA calls on the EU to focus a fact- and priority-based approach when it comes to reducing on-road accidents with farm vehicles ahead of the next meeting of the Working Group on Agricultural Tractors (WGAT) on 25 September in Brussels which is chaired by the European Commission.
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Digitally assisted agricultural machinery and equipment can already be found in arable farming. A few examples of this are self-steering tractors, application technology with variable dose rates for fertilizers and plant protection agents, and automatic yield logging with combine harvesters. Milking robots, sensors, databases and various items of digital auxiliary equipment have been assisting farmers in animal husbandry for a long time too.
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Copa and Cogeca welcome European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker’s work programme and vision of the future of Europe announced today, and underlined the need for a strong budget to fund an innovative Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
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The trend towards further automation of processes – coupled with intelligent data management systems to optimize the regulation and control of equipment, logistics, documentation, quality assurance and traceability – is proceeding unabated in agriculture. This is demonstrated by the more than 320 new product registrations the DLG (German Agricultural Society) has received for this year's Agritechnica.
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Advances in process automation - Agritechnica 2017 shows solutions – International mood displays confidence – World’s leading trade fair for agricultural machinery and equipment with more than 2,800 exhibitors from 53 countries – Fairgrounds fully booked – More than 400,000 visitors expected
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Continental is returning to the agricultural tire business with its first premium radial tires for agricultural operations of the new portfolio. "Re-entering the agricultural tire business is an important step for us on the growth path of the tire division," says Nikolai Setzer, member of the Executive Board of Continental AG and head of the tire division. "Over the past few years, we have been able to successfully expand the specialty tire business with the launch of port and earthmoving tires. The agricultural tire portfolio completes the product range for off-road use."
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Up against extreme market volatility, Copa and Cogeca told EU Farm Ministers today that more focus must be put on measures to help farmers better manage risks under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP)
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Up against extreme market volatility, Copa and Cogeca told EU Farm Ministers today that more focus must be put on measures to help farmers better manage risks under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP)
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The second edition of the AGRITECHNICA ASIA exhibition, taking place next year in Thailand, is guaranteed to include a wide range of farming solutions that are directly relevant to farms in Asia-Pacific. Scheduled just nine months after the original and world-renowned AGRITECHNICA exhibition in Hanover, Germany, which will present over 300 world premieres of farm machinery innovations later this year, AGRITECHNICA ASIA will offer the ideal opportunity for agricultural experts throughout the region to preview the latest equipment appropriate to their businesses.
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MEPs from the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development praised this week a report presented by the Employers Group of Professional Agricultural Organisations in the EU (Geopa-Copa) on social dumping and undeclared work (UDW) in the EU agricultural sector which calls for more social dialogue and simplification of administrative requirements to effectively tackle UDW.
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New results from Copa and Cogecas’ survey in the first quarter of 2017 shows that farmers are more optimistic about future economic prospects, compared to 2016, when they hit an all-time low.
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Copa and Cogeca regretted in Brussels today the latest announcement by the U.S. to impose anti-dumping measures on imports of Spanish black table olives, warning that such action is unjustified
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Amazon and Whole Foods Market today announced that Amazon’s acquisition of Whole Foods Market will close on Monday August 28, 2017, and the two companies will together pursue the vision of making Whole Foods Market’s high-quality, natural and organic food affordable for everyone.
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The Commission has opened an in-depth investigation to assess the proposed acquisition of Monsanto by Bayer under the EU Merger Regulation. The Commission has concerns that the merger may reduce competition in areas such as pesticides, seeds and traits.
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Copa and Cogeca demand EU legislation to stop unfair trading practices (UTPs) in food supply chain in formal reaction to EU Commission inception impact assessment
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The European Commission is launching today an EU-wide public consultation on how to make the EU food supply chain fairer.
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The new EU school fruit, vegetables and milk scheme will be in place on 1 August, ready to be implemented across the Union as of the first day of the 2017/2018 school year.
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Copa and Cogeca welcomed in Brussels today publication by the EU Commission of an inception impact assessment to help improve farmers positioning and the functioning of the food chain.
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The Commission launched today a market observatory for crops to ensure more transparency and increase availability of market data for European farmers and traders.
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Copa and Cogeca organized a press trip this month on livestock farmer Daniel Coulonval holding where a renewable energy plant has been developed on the farm to produce electricity for 350 households using manure from the cattle.
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Copa and Cogeca welcome Estonian Presidency priority to make progress on future Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and underline need for a stronger, simpler, competitive CAP
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Joint WTO proposal also addresses promotion of food security in a way that does not distort the market.
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On 6 July 2017, the CEJA General Assembly met in Brussels in order to elect a new President and four new Vice-Presidents for the next mandate of 2017-2019.
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Copa & Cogeca urged MEPs in Brussels today to approve the draft report by Ms Gàll-Pelcz on the review of the EU fertilizer regulation which is set to be voted on by European Parliaments Internal market and Consumer Protection Committee this week.
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Bayer and the Israeli company Netafim are joining forces to enhance the application of crop protection products while supplying crops with water in the most efficient way. With the new approach called "DripByDrip", both water and crop protection are distributed throughout the fields via the drip irrigation system and then delivered directly to the roots of the crops. This approach will enable farmers to apply crop protection products in a more targeted way using Netafim’s drip irrigation technology. The companies plan to launch the system in Mexico by the end of 2017.
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Agricultural policy is best managed at the EU level, focusing on core issues of support for farmers and environmental protection, consultation findings show.
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Copa & Cogeca and Agricord hosted an event in Rome on Sunday on increasing cooperation between European and African farmers’ organisations to help tackle poverty and ensure rural transformation in Africa and underlined the need to step up investments in skills.
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As of tomorrow, 1 July, the exceptional measures already in place to help producers of perishable fruits affected by the ban on imports imposed by the Russian authorities will be extended for a further year until end of June 2018.
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Reacting to publication of a new EU reflections paper on the future of EU finances, Copa and Cogeca called today for no cuts in EU agricultural spending to enable the EU to meet its ambitious targets for the environment, competitiveness, growth and jobs.
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Yesterday, the negotiators of the Council and the European Parliament reached an agreement to update the rules for organic production, thereby accommodating the needs of a growing sector.
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Reacting to publication of a new EU reflections paper on future EU finances, Copa and Cogeca call for no cuts in EU agricultural spending to enable EU to meet environmental targets, competitiveness, growth and jobs
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Ahead of the release of the EU Commissions reflections paper on the future budget, Copa and Cogeca call for no cuts in agriculture spending, warning EU farm incomes already 40% of average earnings
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As trade talks between the EU and Latin American trade bloc Mercosur intensify, Copa, Cogeca and Celcaa held a high-level breakfast debate with MEPs in Brussels today to look at the impact of a potential trade deal with Mercosur.
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Copa and Cogeca welcomed in Brussels today European Parliaments calls for legislation to be introduced at EU level to tackle unfair trading practices (UTPs) in the food chain and outlined other key elements needed to make the food chain work better.
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Signaling good news for livestock farmers and their cooperatives, Copa and Cogeca welcomed in Brussels today the European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruling to stop food companies who sell products labelled “soya milk” or “tofu butter” from being labelled as “milk” or “butter”.
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Signaling good news for livestock farmers and their cooperatives, Copa and Cogeca welcomed in Brussels today the European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruling to stop food companies who sell products labelled “soya milk” or “tofu butter” from being labelled as “milk” or “butter”.
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Copa and Cogeca are set to present our views on the EU organic farming review to EU Farm Ministers in Luxembourg on Monday, after the EU did not reach a deal on it in May.
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Copa & Cogeca held a major Workshop this week on How to integrate the Sustainable Development Goals and Climate Change in the future CAP, looking at how to produce more using less resources in the future to feed a growing world population in a changing climate.
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Agritechnica’s organizer, DLG (Deutsche Landwirtschafts-Gesellschaft or German Agricultural Society) today announced that more than 2,400 exhibitors from 53 countries have already registered for the international agricultural exhibition Agritechnica, which will be held in Hanover from 12 to 18 November 2017 (preview days on 12 and 13 November). Agritechnica's project manager, Marie Servais, says all the world's leading companies will be represented at Agritechnica 2017, where they will present their innovations and current developments.
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Copa and Cogeca, CEPF and ELO underlined the potential benefits today of the ‘EU Action Plan for nature, people and the economy’ to make Natura 2000 a success in order to protect biodiversity at a major Conference at the Committee of the Regions in Brussels.
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FEFAC will discuss the competitiveness of EU animal production with European Commissioner for Agriculture & Rural Development, Mr Phil Hogan, at its XXVIII Congress in Cordoba on 8 June 2017.
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Copa & Cogeca celebrated in Brussels today World Milk Day and underlined the many nutritious benefits of consuming milk and dairy products, especially for the young and elderly.
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Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development Phil Hogan is today in Kilkenny, Ireland to participate at a seminar on 'Digital Innovation Hubs for Agriculture' organised by the European Innovation Partnership and the European Commission.
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Overview of protein crops – a useful tool in CAP post 2020 discussions
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European fruit and vegetable producer organisations will benefit from simpler rules, a reduced administrative burden and greater financial support in times of crisis thanks to new legislation that comes into force on 1 June 2017.
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Copa and Cogeca underlined at a major workshop today during this years’ Green Week the important role farmers and their cooperatives play in driving green jobs in Europe.
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Ahead of vote, Copa & Cogeca urge MEPs to approve draft opinions by MEPs Jan Huitema and Elisabetta Gardini on review of EU fertilizer regulation
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Today, CEJA President Alan Jagoe addressed EU Agriculture Ministers, Commissioner for Agriculture Phil Hogan and Commissioner for Environment Karmenu Vella in the context of the Maltese Presidency’s informal Council meeting on the theme “Climate Change and Water Resources in the EU: Emerging Challenges for Agriculture.”
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Copa and Cogeca regret EU Commission plans to re-authorise use of herbicide active substance glyphosate for only ten years and not fifteen after the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) gave it a positive scientific assesssment #farmers4glyphosate
Copa and Cogeca regretted today the EU Commission plans to re-authorise the use of the herbicide active substance glyphosate in EU crop production for only ten years and not fifteen, after the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) gave it a positive scientific assessment.
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The European farm machinery market is expected to return to growth again in 2017. Sales expectations for most European countries are cautiously positive, as CEMA’s Business Barometer continues its steady increase, reaching its highest monthly value in May since 2012.
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The European farm machinery market is expected to return to growth again in 2017. Sales expectations for most European countries are cautiously positive, as CEMA’s Business Barometer continues its steady increase, reaching its highest monthly value in May since 2012.
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Technology and innovation will be the main themes of Macfrut in the Field (Macfrut in Campo), an event featuring field demonstrations of precision horticulture 2.0 machines and equipment.
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McCain Foods USA has announced it will invest more than USD 200 million into expanding its Burley, Idaho potato processing plant, creating 180 jobs and increasing potato production throughout the state.
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Copa and Cogeca adopt position on future EU rural development policy and underline importance of implementing the Cork 2.0 Declaration to ensure a better life in rural areas at major Conference
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European farmers and cooperative Presidents united in Brussels today and agreed on a joint position on the future Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), underlining the need for a stronger, sustainable and more modern CAP which is more capable of responding to current and future challenges.
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Syngenta in Zambia, through its subsidiary MRI Seed, has partnered with the Feed the Future Partnering for Innovation, a United States Agency for International Development (USAID) programme implemented by Fintrac Inc., to help smallholder farmers gain access to high-quality, disease-free horticultural seedlings, giving them the opportunity to become commercially viable vegetable farmers.
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At least one farm in the province's east has already planted a few acres, according to P.E.I. Potato Board chair Rodney Dingwell.
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Potato breeder Solynta started a potato revolution nearly ten years ago: to develop and apply new breeding technologies to convert potatoes into a hybrid crop. Years of research went into the development of a hybrid potato.
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”DLG will be co-operating with Informationssystem Integrierte Pflanzenproduktion e.V. (Information System Integrated Plant Production) on a new special feature at Agritechnica 2017
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Copa and Cogeca underline at major event on “smart villages” that EU farmers and cooperatives are key drivers of rural areas and it’s crucial to ensure right infrastructures in place to fulfil potential
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The European Commission published for the first time on April 10 a comprehensive EU protein balance sheet. The EU protein balance sheet 2015/2016 is an overview of total EU production, consumption and trade of all marketable sources of proteins used in animal feed production. Next to well-known protein-rich materials such as soybean meal, rapeseed meal and pulses, the balance sheet includes sources with lower protein content like cereals.
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Copa and Cogeca underline at major event on “smart villages” that EU farmers and cooperatives are key drivers of rural areas and it’s crucial to ensure right infrastructures in place to fulfil potential #DynamicAgri
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The European Commission has approved under the EU Merger Regulation the proposed acquisition of Syngenta (based in Switzerland) by ChemChina. The approval is conditional on the divestiture of significant parts of ChemChina's European pesticide and plant growth regulator business.
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Around 8,200 high quality visitors from 76 countries travelled to Bangkok (Thailand) to collect information at the trade fair for agricultural machinery held there from 15 to 17 March 2017 together with Horti Asia, the tradeshow for horticulture and floriculture. With altogether 219 exhibitors from 30 countries, an international information agri-machinery platform for the Asian market was created straight away.
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In a high-level meeting with the Maltese Presidency, Copa & Cogeca outlined views on the EU Omnibus Regulation and simplification of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) discussed by EU Farm Ministers in Luxembourg today
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Copa and Cogeca welcomed in Brussels today the fact that the EU Commission will keep the rate for Ecological Focus Areas (EFAs) at 5% after releasing a new report.
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Farmland set aside as ecological focus areas helps improve biodiversity and supports eco-systems services, according to a European Commission report on the first two years since the introduction of ecological focus areas (EFAs) as part of the last reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
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In an initial reaction to the UK governments’ decision to trigger Article 50 to launch Brexit proceedings with the European Union, Copa and Cogeca outlined in Brussels today key concerns on the impact of it on EU farmers and agri-cooperatives.
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Many European farm and cooperative organisations are opening their doors free to the public in 2017, bringing consumers back in touch with nature and showing the many benefits of farming.
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Top priorities for newly re-elected Chairman of Copa and Cogeca pig working party are to develop strategies to eradicate the final cases of African Swine Fever (ASF) and to find new market outlets for EU pork and pork produce.
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The European Commission has approved under the EU Merger Regulation the proposed merger between US-based chemical companies Dow and DuPont. The approval is conditional in particular on the divestiture of major parts of DuPont's global pesticide business, including its global R&D organisation.
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Underlining the importance of the 60th anniversary of the signature of the Treaty of Rome, Copa President Martin Merrild and Cogeca President Thomas Magnusson highlighted today how it has achieved its objectives in ensuring peace and prosperity across Europe as well as safe and abundant food supplies, thanks also to the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
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Copa and Cogeca sent a letter to the EU Commission today calling for stronger action to be taken against Brazilian meat imports to the EU after the scandal which emerged there.
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Copa and Cogeca underline importance on World Water Day of sustainable water management to produce quality food and call for research and innovation to be stepped up WorldWaterDay
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Nearly 44 000 farmers from across the EU have applied for support from the EU for agreeing to voluntarily reduce their production of milk by nearly 852 000t in the last quarter of 2016.
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Some 23,000 farmers in 13 potato-producing counties in Kenya have signed contracts with various potato processing companies in the country to buy the produce to supply enough food to consumers.
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Copa and Cogeca Secretary-General Pekka Pesonen said "On the basis of the strong scientific evidence, vis a vis both the opinions of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) and the European food Safety Authority (EFSA), we urge the EU to re-authorise this substance for use in crop production without further restrictions.
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Copa & Cogeca welcome EU Commission move to simplify rules and increase support for EU fruit and vegetable producers
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European fruit and vegetable producer organisations will benefit from simpler rules, reduced administrative burden and greater financial support in times of crisis thanks to new rules adopted today by the European Commission.
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New Copa & Cogeca EU-28 cereal estimates show production is expected to be stable this year but producers are cautious about the estimates which are dependent on weather events, newly elected Chairman of Copa & Cogecas Cereals Working Party Max Schulman said today.
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Copa welcomed in Brussels today the initiative from European Parliament to debate on International Women’s Day the Women’s Economic Empowerment: Let’s Act Together[1] and underlined the importance of this also in the agriculture sector.
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Royal DSM and Evonik today announced their intention to establish a joint venture for omega-3 fatty acid products from natural marine algae for animal nutrition. This breakthrough innovation will, for the first time, enable the production of omega-3 fatty acids for animal nutrition without using fish oil from wild caught fish, a finite resource.
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The latest addition to the Copernicus satellite Earth observation family will halve the time needed to provide precision land-use data to benefit farmers, builders, fishermen and anyone who needs rapid access to up-to-the-minute data on conditions on the ground.
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Newly elected Chairman of Copa & Cogecas Oilseeds Working Party Arnaud Rousseau optimistic about this years’ EU oilseeds harvest
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New Copa & Cogeca EU-28 cereal estimates show production expected to be stable this year but producers cautious about estimates as depends on weather events
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Agrifirm Feed NWE, a division of the Dutch Royal Agrifirm Group, and Deutsche Tiernahrung Cremer GmbH & Co. KG (DTC) today announced their strategic partnership as well as DTC’s takeover of Agrifirm’s compound feed plant in Neuss. This strategic partnership will significantly improve the supply of feed products to customers in Germany.
Agrifirm Feed NWE has redefined its feed strategy in response to evolving market conditions and increased demand complexity.
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Engine manufacturers to exhibit their strategies at Agritechnica as off-road engines face new Stage V exhaust emissions rules
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The industrial compound feed production for farmed animals in the EU-28 in 2016 reached an estimated level of 153.4 mio. t, i.e. 1% less than in 2015, according to data provided by FEFAC members.
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Trade agreements can help increase sales and support jobs in the EU agri-food sector, a new study shows.
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At the SIMA trade show in France’s capital, KEENAN proudly showcased the latest in a string of innovations since its acquisition by Alltech in April 2016. The introduction of the KEENAN MechFiber345SP, the first self-propelled machine in the KEENAN range, marks a new path for the company and one that has been long-awaited.
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Agritechnica will have an overall theme for the first time this year. It has chosen “Green Future-Smart Technology”, which recognizes the need for today’s agriculture to be sustainable in terms of ecology, economy and human resources. It also suggests the way to achieve this is for farmers to use all the available knowledge about interactions of plants and soil, technology and labor to develop appropriate farming systems.
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New Copa Chairman of the Horse Working Party underlined the need to have a true European policy for horses to maximize the economic potential of the sector and to take better account of the benefits of the equine sector for rural areas.
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Copa President Martin Merrild pays tribute to FNSEA President and Copa Vice-President Xavier Beulin, saying it is a great loss to agriculture
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European Parliaments vote on new rules on financial markets (MiFID II) represents victory for common sense and will allow markets to function properly
Copa and Cogeca welcomed today European Parliaments’ vote on new rules on financial markets (MiFID II ) saying that it represents a victory for common
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Newly elected Chairman of Copa & Cogeca Poultry and Eggs Working Party steps up pressure to support EU poultry producers hit hard by impact of bird flu.
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Agritechnica 2017 has just launched its overall theme “Green Future – Smart Technology” in 2017.
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Mitsui Chemicals Agro, Inc. (MCAG) has acquired a 10% shareholding position in Belchim Crop Protection NV. The two companies agreed on a business collaboration. This collaboration and shareholding will reinforce the relationship with MCAG and drive further success for both companies by accelerating the development of products in the market as well as introducing new products into the market.
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The European Agri-Cooperatives Confederation (Cogeca) launches European Award for Cooperative Innovation
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Copa & Cogeca welcome European Farm Commissioner Phil Hogans’ statement that adequate budget needed for #futureCAP in high-level meeting
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Copa & Cogeca underline that EU agriculture and forestry sectors part of the solution in tackling climate change but right policy must be in place to maximize potential
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Royal Cosun announces an increase in its profit for 2016 in comparison with 2015. The projected decline in the profit on sugar was offset by firmer results on other activities, especially potatoes.
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Bayer showcases its Food Chain Partnership activities at Fruit Logistica in Berlin that is taking place from February 8 to 10. The company presents a number of successful partnership examples from various regions that link partners along the value chain enabling safety, quality, affordability, transparency and above all sustainability, from seed to shelf.
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Last week the CEJA team attended the kick off meeting of the “Creating Entrepreneurs in Food (CEF)’ project in Ireland. The project -- supported by the Erasmus+ programme -- aims to build food innovation and entrepreneurship-focused rural communities, and develop a model for Europe.
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Worldwide about a third of all food gets lost before it reaches our stomachs. For Swiss potatoes this is even more – half of the total harvest.
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Trouw Nutrition presented the Swine Gut Health programme, aiming to reduce antibiotic use, increase microbial control and enhance animal production efficiency.
Last January 16th – 18th, the Trouw Nutrition Global Swine Meeting took place in Madrid.
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Reacting to launch of EU Commissions public consultation on modernising and simplifying the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), Copa and Cogeca outline views
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Modernising and simplifying the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), one of the European Union's longstanding policies, will allow it to better respond to today's social, political, environmental and economic challenges.
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Representatives of EUWEP, Copa & Cogeca, AVEC and EuroCommerce today called upon the European Commission to look urgently at the current rules on how long poultry flocks might be kept indoors before losing their free range status.
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Benefits of tools to help farmers better manage risk and of EU legislation to ensure farmers get fairer share of price paid by consumers underlined at high-level workshop
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Prof. Leo den Hartog, Director of R&D at Trouw Nutrition since 2001, presented about the usage of antibiotics in animal production in a seminar organized by Trouw Nutrition.
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In a high-level meeting, Copa and Cogeca discussed today the Maltese Presidency’s work programme and outlined key ways to ensure a sustainable EU agriculture sector in the future Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
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Together with the EU Livestock and Meat Trade Union (UECBV) and the EU Commission, Copa & Cogeca held a high-level event at Green Week in Berlin today and underlined the success of strategies to contain the spread of African Swine Fever which has enabled the EU to consolidate and even increase its market share on many export markets.
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Studies on the safety of GMOs, glyphosate or other pesticides could enjoy higher levels of trust from the general public if there were stronger guarantees that the science behind them is really independent, says Bernhard Url, executive director of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
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Together with leading politicians, Copa & Cogeca supported today at a major hearing recommendations made by the EU Agri Markets Task Force to improve farmers weak position in the food chain to ensure that they get a fairer share of the price paid by consumers.
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Together with leading politicians, Copa & Cogeca supported today at a major hearing recommendations made by the EU Agri Markets Task Force to improve farmers weak position in the food chain to ensure that they get a fairer share of the price paid by consumers.
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The Hassan Horticulture Research Extension Station of the University of Horticultural Sciences-Bagalkot (UHS-B) in Karnataka, India, is all set to introduce 35 new varieties of potatoes in the next one to three years.
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Despite its relative isolation, the Russian dairy market is rising in sympathy with European prices, said Stephan Duerr, the president of EkoNiva group.
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NRGene's GenoMAGICTM Software Makes Genomic Selection and Trait Mapping More Efficient
Syngenta, a leading global agrochemical and seed company, has chosen NRGene's GenoMAGICTM cloud-based software package for more comprehensive evaluations to accelerate trait discovery and breeding across diverse crops. NRGene is the leading genomic big data company.
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Jan van Luchene of Bruwier Potatoes, a Belgian company specialized in acquiring and delivering the potatoes you need offers his view of the current potato market in Belgium and Europe.
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Reacting today to EU Commission reflections on the Fitness Check of EU Nature legislation and implementation of the Birds and Habitats Directives, Copa & Cogeca underlined the need to strike the right balance between environmental, economic and social objectives.
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Copa Vice-President Henri Brichart elected to Chair EU Commission stakeholder group on the future Common Agricultural Policy (CAP)
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The new Plant Health Regulation[1], which enters into force today, is a major overhaul of the EU's Plant Health legislation which has been in place since 1977. It will repeal and replace seven Council Directives on harmful organisms and will become fully applicable on 13 December 2019.
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IPIFF - the European Umbrella Organisation representing the interests of the Insect Production sector for Food and Feed – welcomed today’s ‘green light’ given by EU Member States on the authorisation of insect proteins as fish feed.
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With the opening of exhibitor registrations for Agritechnica 2017, the new exhibition theme has been announced. Reflecting the high-tech side of modern agriculture, and the new working environment of today’s farmer, Agritechnica’s new main theme in 2017, “Green Future – Smart Technology”, will shape many of the features at the fair, which takes place in Hanover, Germany, from 12–18 November 2017.
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Copa & Cogeca welcome EU Farm Ministers calls to introduce EU legislation to fight unfair trading practices (UTPs) in food chain & to maintain targets for conventional biofuels used in transport
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The potato cultivators and owners of cold storages in the district are delighted due to soaring prices of potato this season.
Sources said last year potato growers who stored potato in cold storage had to count massive loss owing to low price of the crop.
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A top priority for the new Chairman of Copa & Cogecas’ Working Party on Research and Innovation Dr. Daniel Rossi is to focus work on “green growth” - how to produce more while using less resources.
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Copa and Cogeca underlined key measures needed for a strong rural development policy at a major event held in Brussels this week, stressing that it’s important to have efficient EU rural networks (ENRD and EIPagri)) and to improve infrastructures and skills in rural areas to unleash the potential of digital farming.
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Copa & Cogeca rejected in Brussels today EU Commission plans to cut by almost half the targets for conventional biofuels used in transport by nearly half by 2030, warning that it will reduce the EU’s ability to meets its climate goals and to decarbonise the transport sector.
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Multinational feed additives producer Nutriad, through its distributor in Indonesia Kalbe Animal Health successfully launched their Digestive Performance products ADIMIX® (ADIMIX® Precision & ADIMIX® Easy) and their Mycotoxin Management portfolio (TOXY-NIL®, TOXY-NIL® PLUS and UNIKE® PLUS) at a technical swine seminar in Medan (Indonesia).
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Copa & Cogeca outlined key priorities and goals for the EU Platform on Food Losses and Waste (FLW) at the first meeting held in Brussels today.
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Washington State University (WSU) scientist Mark Pavek and two Tri-State potato research colleagues check out new potato varieties in a WSU research field.
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European farmers eligible for direct payments will receive as from 1 December 2016 an additional €435 million amounting to the unused crisis reserve. Since the 2013 CAP reform, a relevant amount is deducted every year from farmers' direct payments in order to create a yearly agricultural crisis reserve.
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INTERVITIS INTERFRUCTA HORTITECHNICA will open its doors today in Stuttgart: around 400 exhibitors will present their innovations at the International Technology Trade Fair for Wine, Juice and Special Crops up until 30 November.
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Copa & Cogeca call on EU Ministers to support the EU Commission and not allow patents on products created via essentially biological processes
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Copa & Cogeca supported today calls for the EU milk package - which focuses on strengthening contractual relations between farmers and processors in order to improve producers weak position in the food chain and enable them to get a better return from the market - to be extended after 2020.
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The European Commission published today the second report on the operation of the so-called Milk Package, a series of measures launched in 2012 to strengthen the position of European dairy producers in the supply chain.
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Copa and Cogeca send letter to MEPs urging them to approve herbicide active substance bentazone after EU food safety authority (EFSA) gave positive assessment
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The long-term consolidation of the coffee industry, as unprofitable farms switch to other crops, while farmers in areas with a low cost of production up their output, will leave the coffee market more vulnerable to volatility from weather and pests, Sucden Financial warned.
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Copa and Cogeca welcome recommendations by EU Agri Markets Task Force especially calls for EU legislation to be introduced to tackle unfair trading practices (UTPs) in the food chain
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Copa & Cogeca debate ways with EU Commission & MEPs to protect farmers against increasing risks in EU agriculture sector
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On European Antibiotic Awareness Day 2016, Copa & Cogeca underlined its commitment to ensure that all veterinary medicines, including antibiotics, are used responsibly in farm animals.
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A new EU trade impact study released by the EU Commission in Brussels today confirms the negative impact that upcoming trade deals could have on the EU beef, sheep meat, rice and poultry sectors whilst the impact on the dairy sector is more favourable, Copa & Cogeca Presidents said today.
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The Commission will consider the report's recommendations and an appropriate policy response in line with its continuous support to the agricultural sector.
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As fall potato harvest wraps up around the Columbia Basin, farmers are expecting above-average yield and quality thanks to an exceptional growing season.
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The move came after the EU Commission released a statement saying that EU promotion funds will rise to 133 million euros in 2017 . This will contribute to raise awareness in the EU and also in non-EU markets of our high quality and diverse EU products. It also comes after Commissioner Hogans’ mission to Hong Kong, Vietnam and Indonesia in November to promote EU agri produce. Copa and Cogeca representatives play a key role in these missions.
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Global nutritional health company Diamond V brings pre-harvest food safety research and expertise to the EuroTier international agricultural trade show in Hanover, Germany during 15-18 November.
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Copa & Cogecas’ Cereals and Oilseeds working parties confirm bad 2016 EU market situation but prospects promising as long as sufficient supply plant protection products available
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The European Commission has opened an in-depth probe to assess whether the proposed acquisition of Syngenta by ChemChina is in line with the EU Merger Regulation. The Commission will assess whether the deal may reduce competition in crop protection products and the supply of certain input chemicals.
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Chinese authorities on Sunday recommended separating various rights to rural land, which they say would better protect property rights, improve land circulation, increase farmers' incomes, and contribute to the development of modern agriculture.
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The European Investment Fund (EIF) and The Danish Growth Fund (Vækstfonden) have signed a COSME agreement in Denmark, guaranteed by the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI), the heart of the Investment Plan for Europe.
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With producer prices at critical levels for two and a half years, new Copa & Cogeca Milk and Dairy Products Working Party Chairman Thierry Roquefeuil from France launched a debate on the milk market situation with members from across the EU in a meeting in Brussels today.
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Copa & Cogeca sent a letter to Vice-President of the EU Commission Maros Sefcovic today to strongly oppose plans to phase out conventional biofuels post-2020, saying that a long term and stable EU policy is needed to meet EU climate goals, decarbonise the transport sector and ensure food security
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On World Food Day, Copa and Cogeca underlined in Brussels the crucial role of EU farmers and cooperatives in producing sustainable food supplies to help fight hunger and malnutrition across the world.
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COCERAL and COPA & COGECA organized a workshop in the European Parliament this week, hosted by MEPs G. La Via, D. Buda and N. Nicolai, to discuss the outlook, competitiveness and challenges of producing and supplying raw materials in the EU.
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Copa & Cogeca warned against EU Commission plans to phase out conventional biofuels post-2020 at a high-level dinner debate organised by the European Oilseed Alliance in European Parliament this week.
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At a major event held in European Parliament today, hosted by MEP Elisabeth Köstinger, Copas’ Innovation Prize for Women Farmers and Special Achievement Award were presented to Margaret Farrelly from Ireland and Lisa Paganelli from Italy.
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European forest owners, managers and forest-based industries released a joint statement today outlining key elements to be included in the review of the FOREST EUROPE process to ensure Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) at the first meeting of the working group on the future direction of the FOREST EUROPE in Bratislava.
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Copa & Cogeca outline views on the EU omnibus regulation proposal and CAP greening simplification measures discussed by EU Farm Ministers in Luxembourg this week.
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Copa & Cogeca outline views on the EU ombudsman regulation proposal and CAP greening simplification measures discussed by EU Farm Ministers in Luxembourg today.
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Copa & Cogeca outlined first thoughts on the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) post 2020 after two days of intensive talks at a high-level Congress of European Farmers organized in Greece today.
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Bayer plans to further expand its position in the market for biological crop protection products and has invested some EUR 16 million in new capacity for research, development and production at its Wismar site.
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Highlights:
 The reduction in EU milk supply supports price recovery.
 World grain bumper crop, in spite of a lower EU cereal harvest, pressures grain prices.
 A second year of global sugar production deficit increases sugar prices.
 EU meat production and exports: toward a record year
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Laurie Breuch, World Dairy Expo dairy cattle show coordinator, and Wisconsin Secretary Ben Brancel pose with Miss Madison a granite statue commissioned in honor of World Dairy Expo Anniversary and unveiled.
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Read the latest edition of Copa & Cogecas’ quarterly magazine for EU farmers and agri-cooperatives giving our detailed views on upcoming issues crucial to the EU agri-food sector. The magazine is available on our social networks and www.copa-cogeca.eu .
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Copa & Cogeca welcomed today calls made at a public hearing for legislation to be introduced at EU level to tackle unfair trading practices in the food chain and to ensure a fair margin for producers.
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Koppert and Lantmännen BioAgri have agreed on the acquisition of the assets of BioAgri’s microbial products, registrations and IP by Koppert. The agreement means Koppert will expand its seed treatment capabilities and Lantmännen BioAgri will continue to cover its home market area in Scandinavia and around the Baltic Sea. Both parties have also agreed to further develop a strong partnership around the acquired product portfolio with joint R&D and marketing.
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Copa & Cogeca welcomed today calls made at a public hearing for legislation to be introduced at EU level to tackle unfair trading practices in the food chain and to ensure a fair margin for producers.
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The Milk Production Reduction Scheme, announced by the Commission to incentivise a reduction in milk production, has been almost fully subscribed (98.9 %), with applications made offering to reduce production by 1.06 million tonnes (of the 1.07 million tonnes available) in the final quarter of 2016.
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Copa & Cogeca approved a position in Brussels today on the review of the EU fertilizer regulation, and outlined some key concerns vis a vis quality and costs.
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Copa & Cogeca Presidents sent a letter to the EU Commission today warning against latest EU Commission plans to simplify the greening measures under the Common Agricultural Policy, saying that they will not make life easier for farmers.
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Copa and Cogeca Presidents outlined key challenges facing the EU agriculture sector at a major press event in Brussels today, warning of the fragile state of the commodity markets and excessive red tape under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
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New Zealand dairy co-operative Fonterra on Wednesday lifted its farmgate milk price forecast for the current season to NZ$5.25 ($3.84) per kilogram of milk solids, citing reduced global supply and steady demand.
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DuPont Pioneer celebrated today the opening of its Multi-Crop Technology Center in Seville, Spain. The center’s expert researchers will focus on continuing to increase yields and expanding the Pioneer Protector® defensive native trait lineup, which currently offers solutions for major sunflower pests.
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Copa and Cogeca pay tribute to André Herlitzka: founder & creator of the most powerful agricultural lobby in the EU
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Copa & Cogeca welcomed today the Slovak presidency initiative to focus EU Farm Ministers talks on strengthening farmers positioning in the food chain so that they can get a better and fairer price for their produce.
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Copa & Cogeca welcomed today the Slovak presidency initiative to focus EU Farm Ministers talks on strengthening farmers positioning in the food chain so that they can get a better and fairer price for their produce.
Speaking at the Ministers’ meeting in Bratislava today, Cogeca President Thomas Magnusson said “The imbalance of power in the food supply chain has been
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CEJA has called for a fair, well-functioning and practical food supply chain where farmers determine the price at the Informal Meeting of Ministers of Agriculture and Fisheries on Tuesday 13 September in Bratislava, Slovakia. Although CEJA acknowledges the recent creation of the Milk and Meat Market Observatories, as well as the Agricultural Markets Task Force, much more decisive action needs to be urgently taken to strengthen farmers’ position in the food supply chain.
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Copa & Cogeca cereals and oilseeds working party discuss difficult market situation and warn of farmers severe cash flow problems
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Despite a big world grain harvest this year with low prices seen globally, new figures released by Copa & Cogeca show that EU-28 wheat production fell by as much as 10% this year and rapeseed by 9.2%, compared to 2015, leaving EU farmers with severe cash flow problems.
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European Commissioner for Agriculture, Phil Hogan, welcomed the Declaration entitled "A Better Life In Rural Europe" presented to him by the participants of the Cork 2.0 Conference.
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Strong innovation pipeline will help solve key agricultural challenges / Sustained high R&D investment level of about 10 percent of sales confirmed / EUR 2.5 billion capital expenditure program from 2017 to 2020 / Strong commitment to sustainability also supported by investments in Digital Farming, ForwardFarming and Smallholder Farming
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Bayer AG raised its offer to buy Monsanto Co. and create a new global leader in seeds and pesticides, though the German firm said the higher price depended on achieving a "negotiated transaction."
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Copa & Cogeca welcomed adoption today of a 2016 European Rural Development Declaration in Cork & underlined the importance of farmers and forest owners and their cooperatives in achieving its goals with the right support and investments in place.
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Ahead of the European Rural Development Conference in Cork on Monday and Tuesday, Copa & Cogeca outlined today key points to feed into the panel debate at the Conference and into the drafting of the Cork declaration, to reflect the new challenges facing the sector in the 21st century.
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The European agricultural machinery industry is experiencing a difficult year in 2016. Following a decline last year, many markets in Europe have seen further decreases during the first six months of the current year.
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Consumers in Croatia say that local potatoes should not be more expensive than German or French potatoes.
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Aviko Potato is responsible for the purchase, logistics and quality management of all potatoes for the Aviko Group factories.
This mainly concerns the raw material supply for the five factories in the Netherlands, but the company are also closely involved with the cultivation of potatoes for Aviko Group production locations in Germany, Belgium, Poland, Sweden and China.
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Apples are the second most commonly consumed fruit in the U.S., according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, but the way apples are harvested in the orchard hasn’t changed much in the past two centuries. It’s still a manual process, by and large.
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Potatoes are the second largest cultivated crop in Belgium and a key ingredient in Belgian cuisine. It's the base of the world-famous French fries, and is considered by Belgians as part of their national pride.
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The Commission has opened an in-depth probe to assess whether the proposed merger of Dow and DuPont is in line with the EU Merger Regulation.
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The Commission has opened an in-depth probe to assess whether the proposed merger of Dow and DuPont is in line with the EU Merger Regulation. The Commission will investigate further whether the deal may reduce competition in areas such as crop protection, seeds and certain petrochemicals.
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Researchers have identified potential mastitis biomarkers in milk samples – opening the door for the development of an on-farm diagnostic test.
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The European Investment Bank (EIB) is lending EUR 15 million to Agricover Credit IFN in order to finance smaller projects implemented by SMEs in the agricultural sector.
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Maize plantings for the 2016/17 crop year are over in the northern hemisphere. The USDA has confirmed a strong maize area increase in the U.S. (the first world maize producer), to 38,1 million hectares (up 7 percent from 2015), above the March estimate of 37,9 million hectares, despite the operators’ expectations as to a rebound of soybean plantings and a maize area limited at 37,6 million hectares.
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New EU study reveals EU would need 19 million more hectares of farm land to produce same amount of food without plant breeding techniques but warns of challenging policy environment
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Together with the EU Feed Manufacturers Federation FEFAC, Copa and Cogeca welcomed today publication and endorsement by the EU Commission of our EU code of good labelling practice for compound feed for food producing animals.
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Russia has experienced its lowest level of inflation for a quarter of a century, but the prices of the borscht set of vegetable have increased substantially. Potatoes have hit record high prices due to supplies being imported and a lack of vegetable storage.
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Reacting to new EU rules to tackle climate change, Copa & Cogeca welcome fact flexibility has been included in the plans to enable EU agriculture and forestry sectors to curb climate change at the same time as ensuring food security
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Low-emission mobility beyond 2020 will still need conventional biofuels Acknowledging the European Commission long-term strategy to tackle emissions in the EU transport sector, FEDIOL welcomes the proposal to set blending obligations for fuel suppliers as a means to grant a certain share of renewable energy in transport, but expresses concern on the lack of perspective for crop-based biofuels after 2020. “Conventional and advanced biofuels do not mutually exclude each other.
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Commissioner Hogan Engages with Young Farmers at CEJA General Assembly on Access to Land and Credit
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The European Commission yesterday presented a new package of measures worth €500 million from EU funds to support farmers in the face of ongoing market difficulties, particularly on the dairy market.
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Copa & Cogeca welcomed tonight EU Farm Ministers approval of the 500 million euros rescue package to help struggling EU agricultural producers.
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Copa & Cogeca welcomed today a new EU Commission report showing a 5.7% rise in EU agricultural exports in 2015, but warned that EU farmers’ incomes are critical and they should be benefiting more from this gain.
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Ahead of the Agricultural Council meeting on Monday 18 July, CEJA calls on Ministers to focus any additional support measures on those who need it most: young farmers, because they are the most vulnerable in times of crises. CEJA would also like to remind Ministers that the dairy sector is not the only one in crisis, and that other farming sectors should not be overlooked in terms of additional support measures.
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EU confirms its No. 1 position as agri-food exporter worldwide. Agri-food exports reached €129 billion in 2015, more than 7 % of all goods exported from the EU.
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EU confirms its No. 1 position as agri-food exporter worldwide. Agri-food exports reached €129 billion in 2015, more than 7 % of all goods exported from the EU.
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New Copa & Cogeca forecasts released today reveal EU-28 soft wheat and oilseeds production is down this year, compared to 2015, mainly as a result of bad weather as well as increasing pests and diseases.
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New EU impact study reveals if more crop protection products removed from market, quality food supplies threatened and unemployment will rise, costing the economy billions of euros
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Waste from potato crops could be ‘recycled’ into personal care products such as medical gels and beauty creams – thanks to a new University of East Anglia (UEA) research project.
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The digital revolution has the potential to change European Agriculture profoundly: Decision-making becomes sharper, smarter, and simpler. By combining the power of a farmer’s instinct with cutting-edge technologies such as satellite imagery, variable application algorithms, high-tech sensors, mobile applications or GPS, a farmer can make better informed choices that lead to higher yields and a lower environmental impact.
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In view of the Agriculture Council meeting of 27-28 June 2016 and the ongoing EU agricultural market crisis, CEJA has published a statement requesting immediate action to be taken by decision-makers in terms of funding the implementation of Article 222 as well as more medium to long-term measures to ensure crises of such scale are avoided at all costs in future. Young farmers – and therefore the future of EU food production – are being hit the hardest by this crisis due to recent investments, a lack of financial backing and cash flow difficulties, all of which adds to their vulnerability when it comes to such substantial price drops.
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Copa & Cogeca warned EU Farm Ministers of the critical situation on EU agricultural markets in a high-level meeting today and welcomed calls from Ministers for a new support package to help alleviate the impact of it.
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Copa and Cogeca, representing 23 million EU farmers and 22,000 agri-cooperatives, regret that the EU Appeal Committee did not today deliver an opinion on re-authorising the herbicide active substance glyphosate, after EFSA gave a positive assessment.
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Following the referendum in the UK yesterday 23 June 2016 on whether the UK should leave or remain in the European Union, this morning it was declared that the majority of British people voted to leave the EU with 51.9% of the vote.
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High quality, innovative meat products and new easy to cook recipes were presented at a major event organized by Copa & Cogeca and hosted by MEP Michel Dantin in European Parliament today as part of the #livestockcounts #enjoyagrifood campaign.
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The Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr Phil Hogan, participates today in a Citizens' Dialogue in Aarhus, Denmark to discuss among other topics farming, sustainability and growth.
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Overall satisfaction among exhibitors and visitors despite adverse weather conditions - Some 22,000 visitors at the estate Maria Burghausen in Hassfurt (Lower Franconia) - More than 2,000 foreign visitors
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The organizers and exhibitors at the 2016 DLG-Feldtage today expressed satisfaction with the overall development and outcome of this year's exhibition – in spite of adverse weather conditions. The event, which was held in Germany at the Maria Burghausen estate, in Hassfurt (Lower Franconia) from 14 to 16 June 2016, produced an impressive array of modern crop production methods and solutions.
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Hit by the economic down turn, a collapse in oil prices, soaring input costs and the Russian export ban, confidence amongst farmers is at an all-time low, new results from Copa & Cogecas’ survey in the first quarter of 2016 shows.
Copa & Cogeca Secretary-General Pekka Pesonen said “Our agricultural barometer confirms that European farmers are really feeling the pressure. They are being squeezed by low farm gate prices and high input costs. Prices for most agricultural commodities have fallen over the past year, and no significant price recovery is in sight. Due to the highly volatile marketplace, the Russian ban on EU farm exports as well as the collapse in oil prices which has put downward pressure on commodity prices and an inpredictability in Chinese demand leading to further volatility, farmers remain pessimistic about their short-term and long-term prospects“.
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Bayer has developed a new cap seal to protect users against counterfeit crop protection products. The Bayer CapSeal, based on the Trustseal technology of the Leonhard Kurz Stiftung, is a cap seal with visual security features and a QR code. Scanning the code with the interactive smartphone app from Bayer gives the user important information about the authenticity of the product. The CapSeal is currently being introduced at all of Bayer’s European production sites for crop protection products.
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These eight new names bring the number of protected food names to 1349 (PDO, PGI and Traditional Specialities Guaranteed altogether).
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The European Commission has today formally extended until the end of June 2017 the safety net measures for the EU fruit and vegetables sector. Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Phil Hogan, had announced "a prolongation of the measures for another year, reflecting the new market situation" at the Council meeting of EU agriculture Ministers in March this year.
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The EPP Group in the European Parliament is by far the strongest defender of the interests of European farmers. During the last reform of the CAP, it was the EPP Group that ensured a substantial EU agriculture budget. We continue to stand up for a common agricultural policy and together with our farmers amid the current crisis on the agricultural markets.
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The European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr Phil Hogan, today confirmed his intention to extend the date by which Member States may make CAP direct payments without any reductions in the rate of reimbursement from the EU to the Member States concerned. Effectively, this measure extends the deadline by which direct payments must be made from 30 June to 15 October.
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Agrokor and Ardo signed a Joint Venture agreement that will enable Vinka to become a leading manufacturing plant of frozen fruits and vegetables in Eastern Europe
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MEPs urge the EU Commission to put forward proposals against unfair trading practices in the food supply chain, so as to ensure fair earnings for farmers and a wide choice for consumers, in a resolution voted on Tuesday. The aim should be to ensure fair and transparent trade relations among food producers, suppliers and distributors. Fair trading should in turn help to prevent overproduction and food waste, they add.
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Copa and Cogeca, representing 23 million EU farmers and 22,000 agri-cooperatives, expressed major disappointment that the EU Standing Committee on Plants, Animal Health and Food failed this week to deliver an opinion on re-authorising the herbicide active substance glyphosate, warning EFSA’s positive assessment should be followed.
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Efficient, alternative and environmentally friendly ways of dealing with farm slurry and digestate will be in the spotlight at the 2016 DLG-Feldtage exhibition, which will be held from 14 to16 June at Maria Burghausen in Hassfurt (Lower Franconia), Germany.
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From 14th to 16th of June 2016 the DLG-Feldtage take place at Gut Mariaburghausen in Hassfurt, Bavaria. The Agency for Renewable Resources (FNR) is partner of this event and presents the main topic “Bioeconomy – agriculture as raw material producer”. Various crops, products and special harvest equipment show many possibilities of energetic and material use for renewable resources.
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Copa & Cogeca underlined the crucial role of using drones in agriculture as an additional agronomic tool that can help to enhance resource efficiency, productivity and profitability as well as ensure greater sustainability at a major Conference organized in the Netherlands today.
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A stronger and simpler Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) post 2020 which better responds to the challenges hitting the EU agricultural sector is what is needed, Copa & Cogeca told EU Farm Ministers at their meeting in Amsterdam this week.
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Yesterday, CEJA President Alan Jagoe addressed EU Agriculture Ministers and European Commissioner for Agriculture Phil Hogan in the context of the Dutch Presidency's informal Council meeting in Amsterdam on the theme 'Food for the Future - the Future of Food'. Mr. Jagoe spoke on behalf of all European young farmers, calling on those present to send a positive signal to young farmers and acknowledge how indispensable they are to the 'Future of Food', warning Council members that young farmers are currently being lost from the industry every day, putting the future of European food production at risk.
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Bayer and the aerospace technology company Planetary Resources, based in Redmond, Washington, USA, have signed a memorandum of understanding about the development of applications and products based on satellite images. Bayer intends to purchase these data from Planetary Resources to create new agricultural products and improve existing ones. The collaboration will be part of the Digital Farming Initiative at Bayer (www.digitalfarming.bayer.com). Financial details were not disclosed.
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Despite measures taken to improve the bad situation hitting the EU dairy market, Copa & Cogeca underlined at a Public Hearing in European Parliament this week the critical state of the dairy market, with a drop in milk prices of over 40% seen in the last 2 years, & called for action to be stepped up.
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Commission requests BULGARIA, HUNGARY, LATVIA, LITHUANIA and SLOVAKIA to comply with EU rules on the acquisition of agricultural land
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In response to further market speculation and stakeholder inquiries, Bayer is publicly disclosing the contents of its private proposal to acquire Monsanto. Bayer has made an all-cash offer to acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of Monsanto Company for USD 122 per share or an aggregate value of USD 62 billion.
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Commissioner Vella announced the winners of the 2016 Natura 2000 Awards. The six winners include projects from Bulgaria, Latvia, Spain, the United Kingdom and cross-border projects from Belgium, France, Greece, Bulgaria, Hungary, Finland and Norway.
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After winning the 2016 Ambassador Prize, last week potato cooperative Agrico from Emmeloord also won the Dutch final of the European Enterprise Promotion Award (EEPA).
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Copa & Cogeca warned against using patents in the EU plant breeding sector sector, warning it will reduce the amount of new varietes on the market and add to costs, at a Conference hosted by the Netherlands Presidency this week.
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At the ISF World Seed Congress, which took place from May 15-18 in Punta del Este, Uruguay, Bayer presented its first-class product portfolio and comprehensive knowledge in the field of seed treatment and seeds. The focus was on new developments in soybeans such as the success of ILeVO™ seed treatment tackling Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS) and nematodes, the expansion of Bayer’s biological SeedGrowth portfolio for soybeans and the introduction of Credenz™ soybean varieties in Latin America. As a global player in seed treatment and seeds and as a longtime sponsor of the Congress, Bayer strongly supports the International Seeds Federation (ISF) where it is actively engaged in policy dialogue and industry best practices in the areas of plant breeding innovation, sustainability and stewardship.
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Copa & Cogeca sent a letter to the EU Commission today warning new plans to support the EU fruit and vegetable sector are insufficient and must be revised
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Following recent information that has come to light in Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) negotiations between the European Union (EU) and the United States (US) as well as in Mercosur discussions, CEJA would like to underline the importance of protection for those sensitive sectors in EU agriculture which are most at risk in trade agreements, in particular the livestock sector, as well as the protection of European geographical indications (GIs).
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Ahead of the EU Standing Committee on Plants, animals, Food and Feed (SCoPAFF) vote this month, Copa & Cogeca urge the EC to keep the herbicide active substance glyphosate on the EU market for 15 years after EFSA confirmed its safety
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At a major Conference held in Brussels today, Copa and Cogeca underlined the benefits of crop-based biofuels in terms of cutting greenhouse gas emissions in Europe, creating jobs, reducing the EU’s protein deficit in animal feed, improving energy security and outlined key elements of future policy post 2020.
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The DLG-Feldtage 2016 will again offer live machinery demonstrations on all three days of the exhibition, and new this year will be individual demonstrations performed by exhibitors on three key topics.
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Nutriad, multinational feed additives manufacturer, continues to invest in aquaculture as it announced the expansion of its regional aqua teams with the appointments of Mr. Tkangairulappan Gnanamani (Chennai, India) as Aquaculture Manager South Asia and Mr. Bruno Urach (Pernambuco, Brazil) as Sales Manager North East Brazil
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Copa and Cogeca welcome EU Commission decision to prolong deadline for CAP aid applications saying it will give farmers more time to prepare applications
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As well as robots, drones, or unmanned aerial systems (UAS), will also feature heavily during the DLG Feldtage 14-16 June 2016 in Hassfurt, Germany.
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Top priority for new Chairman of Copa and Cogecas Food Chain Working Party Joe Healy from Ireland is to tackle unfair trading practices in the food chain to bring back fair margins for producers.
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The EU farm group Copa released in Brussels today a Strategic vision to improve the status of women farmers and close the gender equality gap
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CEJA has called on the EU institutions to make new budget available to fund the implementation of Article 222, which will enable producer organisations, interbranch organisations and cooperatives to establish voluntary agreements on production.
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Speaking in Brussels, Chairwoman of the Women’s Committee of COPA, Willemien Koning-Hoeve, said “Even though women have higher educational qualifications, the payment gap, the pension gap and the gap in farm ownership are real. In general, the pension gap stands at 41.1% and in rural areas is sometimes 10% higher. Women represent 29% of the total farm managers and they tend to have farms 40% smaller than men”.
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Farm organisation & agri-cooperative Presidents from across Europe unite to warn of unprecedented crisis hitting EU agricultural markets & stress future CAP must ensure competitivity
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Copa & Cogeca launched a major campaign in Brussels today to underline the multiple benefits of the EU livestock sector and meat for growth & jobs, vibrant rural areas, a balanced diet and to show the high production standards EU farmers meet.
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At their spring Members' Assembly in Brussels, EMB milk producers appointed the existing Executive Committee to another term in office. This is an important signal - especially in light of the difficult market situation - for the EMB to consistently keep at its efforts in favour of farmers.
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Today, the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-Biotech Applications (ISAAA) released its annual report detailing the adoption of biotech crops, “20th Anniversary of the Global Commercialization of Biotech Crops (1996-2015) and Biotech Crop Highlights in 2015,” showcasing the global increase in biotech hectarage from 1.7 million hectares in 1996 to 179.7 million hectares in 2015. This 100-fold increase in just 20 years makes biotechnology the fastest adopted crop technology in recent times, reflecting farmer satisfaction with biotech crops.
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Working to build greater prosperity for disadvantaged and vulnerable rural people in developing countries around the world, the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) signed an agreement today to reinforce and expand cooperation between the two organisations.
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As from today, the Dutch dairy farmers can view how feed efficient the offspring of sires are. The Netherlands is one of the first countries in the world publishing this breeding value. The increased world population requires efficient food productions, especially the production of animal proteins. This breeding value is a tool to achieve that.
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New EU rules providing the opportunity for farmers to jointly plan milk production have now been finalised and published in the Official Journal today.
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Copa & Cogeca welcomed today serious concerns expressed by EU Farm Ministers about the bad EU agriculture market situation and of any attempt by the EU to make the situation worse by negotiating unfair trade concessions on agriculture in the free trade talks with the Latin American Trade bloc Mercosur.
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A new single framework for school schemes distributing fruits, vegetables and milk to schoolchildren will be operational as from August 2017 following today's decision by Agriculture Ministers in the Council meeting in Luxembourg.
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The European Commission’s system for assessing how EU measures under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) support farmers’ incomes is not well-enough designed and has significant limitations, according to a new report from the European Court of Auditors. As a result, there is no adequate data demonstrating that the support for farmers’ incomes under the CAP makes an effective and efficient contribution to its objectives, say the auditors.
Between 2014 and 2020, about €270 billion – a third of the EU budget – will go directly or indirectly towards supporting farmers’ incomes. This is intended contribute to viable food production throughout the EU and help farmers maintain fair living standards.
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International wheat and oilseed rape professionals will compare their crop production skills Frankfurt/Main, Germany, 8th April 2016 – Cropping strategies from agronomists based in eight European countries will be assessed at the renowned DLG Feldtage – this year being held at Mariaburghausen, Hassfurt, Lower Franconia, from 14 to 16 June. They will take part in the European Cropping Comparisons, which date back to the first DLG Feldtage held in 1988. The comparisons started with oilseed rape, with wheat being added in 2002.
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The “Pilot Project: Exchange programmes for young farmers” has been commissioned by the European Commission, Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development (DG AGRI) to identify the needs of young farmers, get an overview of the existing exchange schemes for young farmers and develop a guide to establish or improve exchange schemes for young farmers (DG AGRI, Tender No AGRI-2012-Eval-03). The study has been implemented by Ecorys in cooperation with LEI and Aequator Groen & Ruimte in 2014-2015.
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The European Union and Chile have concluded negotiations on an agreement on trade in organic products. Through this agreement, the EU and Chile will mutually recognise the equivalence of their organic production rules and control system and ensure a high level of respect of the principle of organic production.
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Last Wednesday Agrico was awarded the Ambassadors’ Prize 2016. The award was announced during the Ambassadors’ Conference in The Hague. The Ambassadors’ Prize is awarded every two years to the company that exports sustainably, or operates a company abroad, in the most outstanding way.
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In an exclusive interview with ViEUws, EU Farm Commissioner Phil Hogan talks to AGRA FACTS journalist Rose O’Donovan about the role of European farmers in implementing the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The EU’s Farm chief also responds to questions on the current agricultural crisis and proposed measures to tackle oversupply on the market.
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Today the European Commission adopted a €30 million programme to provide 350,000 Syrian children with drinking milk, as part of the already substantial aid provided by the EU to those in need as a consequence of the crisis in the region.
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During the 44th Annual Meeting of the National Potato Promotion Board, Board Members voted to change its dba (doing business as—business name) from the United States Potato Board, U.S. Potato Board, or USPB, to Potatoes USA
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In the wake of increasing market volatility and adverse weather conditions, newly re-elected Chairwoman of Copa and Cogeca Working Party Paola Grossi said a top priority is to put more focus on measures, such as insurance, to help protect farmers against risks.
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A research project into the development of potatoes with sustainable resistance against phytophthora via genetic modification with genes from wild potato varieties and good resistance management (DuRPh) has concluded with a scientific publication on the research results.
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European sales of soil working, sowing, fertilizing and plant protection equipment are experiencing a double-digit fall. According to preliminary estimates, the overall market for arable farm machines in the EU fell by around 14% to EUR 3.09 billion in 2015. For 2016, industry experts expect a further decline by around 11%.
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On March 15th, the European Technology Platform ‘Plants for the Future’ (Plant ETP) in collaboration with Mr Jasenko Selimović, Member of the European Parliament (EP), organised the official launch event of the study “The economic, social and environmental value of plant breeding in the European Union”. This event gathered representatives of the European Parliament and experts from the stakeholder groups of the Plant ETP (industry, academia and farmers) to discuss potential contributions of plant breeding to the European economy, society and environment.
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BASF has submitted the regulatory dossier for a new active ingredient, Revysol®, to the European Union (EU). The proprietary compound is expected to be the company’s new blockbuster fungicide from the chemical class of triazoles (SBI). Extensive research has shown its outstanding biological performance against a range of difficult to control pathogens. Revysol’s submission for registration in the EU marks a key milestone towards the compound’s global registration in row and specialty crops.
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The Commission presents first deliverable of Circular Economy Package with new rules on organic and waste-based fertilisers in the EU
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Reacting to the EU aid package agreed by EU Farm Ministers today, Copa and Cogeca said it’s a move forward and has the potential to alleviate pressure hitting the EU agricultural markets but we first have to see how it will work in practice.
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"This is a package of measures which can have a material and positive impact on European agricultural markets and it should now be given the chance to succeed."
The European Commission is announcing today an additional package of exceptional measures using all the tools made available in the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) to support EU farmers while safeguarding the EU internal market.
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Reacting to the EU aid package agreed by EU Farm Ministers today, Copa and Cogeca said it’s a move forward and has the potential to alleviate pressure hitting the EU agricultural markets but we first have to see how it will work in practice.
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With thousands of farmers protesting across Europe, Copa and Cogeca outline measures to solve EU agriculture crisis & tell EU Farm Ministers to act Monday
With thousands of farmers protesting across Europe hit by the bad situation on EU agricultural markets, Copa and Cogeca outline measures to solve the crisis and tell EU Farm Ministers to act when they meet Monday.
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Many uncertainties question the way we produce, process and consume food. We are challenged to reduce the climate footprint of our food systems. Citizens and consumers are demanding more information on how food is produced, while food systems have to remain competitive on quality and costs in an open world. Business as usual is not an option, which is why research and innovation (R&I) is so crucial in helping future food security and competiveness.
European farming and agro-food systems need knowledge from many different sources to compete with quality products and services in a globalised world. New knowledge is generated by farmers, researchers, companies and citizens. The old ‘linear’ model of technology transfer (from scientists to the users) is gradually being replaced by an interactive model of systems which integrates knowledge production, adaptation, advice and education. Using an open innovation approach provides opportunities to leverage research into a new setting. It was on this basis that the Standing Committee on Agricultural Research (SCAR) began working on Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems (AKIS) in the SCAR-AKIS Strategic Working Group in 2010.
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Over 3 000 Finnish farmers with 500 tractors demonstrate today in front of Finnish government building – Farmers demand rapid EU- and national measures to improve their catastrophic financial situation
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Ahead of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council meeting on 14 March 2016 where Member States will discuss potential solutions to the current EU agricultural market crisis, CEJA would like to underline the urgency and importance of a Council agreement on necessary and appropriate action to address the crisis. It is essential that measures are put in place as soon as possible to help struggling farmers across Europe who are suffering from substantial cash-flow difficulties, many of them young farmers who are being hit particularly hard by this market turmoil as they are more vulnerable to such shocks.
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In 2015, Koninklijke Coöperatie Agrifirm realised a net income of € 76.2 million. The sales volume of animal feeds and products for the plant-based sector experienced a positive trend. The initiated strategy, with a Focus on core activities and Accelerated result growth, was vigorously continued in 2015. The investment efforts, the implemented improvements in efficiency and the transformation of the organisation have made positive contributions to the result.
A clear focus on innovations and continued improvements within the operation yield benefits for customers and provide a solid basis for growth and market share.
Based on its Dutch Farming vision, Agrifirm uses its knowledge, products and advice to help Dutch livestock farmers and growers to establish and further strengthen their top positions in the world.
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On International Women’s Day, Copa underlined the big contribution women make to the EU agriculture sector, accounting for 45% of the agricultural labour force, but warned that conditions for women in rural areas must be stepped up.
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Ahead of MEPs and EU Farm Commissioner Hogans talks Monday, Copa and Cogeca underline measures needed to end EU agricultural crisis & call on EU to act
#farmaction #agricrisis
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A growing number of pollinator species worldwide are being driven toward extinction by diverse pressures, many of them human-made, threatening millions of livelihoods and hundreds of billions of dollars worth of food supplies, according to the first global assessment of pollinators.
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Copa and Cogeca welcome new report published by IFPRI showing EU farmers and agri-cooperatives stand to gain if import duties on fertilisers and anti-dumping duties removed
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Following a comprehensive review of its grain and oilseeds businesses in Central and Eastern Europe, Cargill is to stop providing crop inputs to farmers and to fully exit from these activities by the end of May 2016. This change will affect Cargill’s businesses in Hungary, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Ukraine, Bulgaria and Poland. Going forward, the company will refocus its attention on its grain and oilseeds origination, merchandizing and trading activities in these markets.
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With farmers protesting across Europe hit by the drastic situation on EU agricultural markets, Copa and Cogeca published a package of measures today to help solve the crisis and urged the EU to act.
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The latest global data on organic farming will be presented by the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL) and IFOAM – Organics International at the BIOFACH fair 2016 in Nuremberg. The statistics yearbook “The World of Organic Agriculture” will be launched on Wednesday, February 10, 2016, from 4.30 to 5.45 pm in Room Istanbul, NCC East.
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Copa and Cogeca welcome fact EU Farm Commissioner Phil Hogan and Ministers acknowledge bad EU dairy and pigmeat markets and call for action.
Copa and Cogeca welcome the fact that EU Farm Commissioner Phil Hogan and EU Farm Ministers acknowledged today that the EU dairy and pigmeat markets are in a critical state and called for action.
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In response to EU Ministers talks, Copa and Cogeca underline the high animal welfare rules in the EU which need to be simplified & better enforced rather than creating new legislation
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Copa and Cogeca welcome the fact that EU Farm Commissioner Phil Hogan and EU Farm Ministers acknowledged today that the EU dairy and pigmeat markets are in a critical state and called for action.
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Bayer has acquired the plant health diagnosis and infection level warning service provider proPlant Gesellschaft für Agrar- und Umweltinformatik mbH. The acquisition continues the expansion of Bayer’s activities in the field of agricultural digitalization. The company based in Münster in North-Rhine Westphalia, Germany, was originally established as a spin-off by employees of the Institute for Geoinformatics at Münster University. It will operate as Bayer Digital Farming GmbH in the future.
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Africa holds great market potential for agricultural machines, according to a recent survey among 171 manufactures of farm equipment conducted by the Agrievolution Alliance – a global network representing manufacturers of agricultural machinery – upon suggestion by the European manufacturers’ association CEMA and the World Bank.
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The European Commission and the government of Colombia announced today the start of negotiations towards a bilateral agreement on trade in organic products.
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Danespo is the leading company in Northern Europe in the field of breeding, producing and selling quality ware and seed potatoes. Danespo exports to more than 40 countries worldwide and specialises in sales to professional potato growers.
80% of the seed potatoes are sold in export markets in North Africa, the Middle East and Europe.
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New Copa and Cogeca figures show good EU cereals plantings this year due to favourable weather conditions but grain prices remain low whilst the EU rapeseed harvest is expected to be down, partly as a result of the the neonicotinoid seed treatment ban
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More than 270 companies registered – About 25,000 visitors expected – Held from 14 to 16 June 2016 at the estate of Mariaburghausen in Haßfurt (Bavaria).
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Syngenta today announced that ChemChina has offered to acquire the company at US$ 465 per ordinary share plus a special dividend of CHF 5 to be paid conditional upon and prior to closing.
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New EU Commission report on how to improve the functioning of the EU food chain confirms big changes must be made to Supply Chain Initiative, Copa and Cogeca say
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The private storage aid for butter and skimmed milk powder will be extended until 30 September 2016, following the approval by Member States of a proposal made by the European Commission.
The Commission put in place private storage aid schemes for butter and skimmed milk powder in summer 2014 to support producers facing the effects of the Russian import ban.
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Copa and Cogeca underlined the key role of research and innovation in a viable EU agriculture sector and the need for farmers and agri-cooperatives to play a key role in the process right from the start at a major Conference this week.
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CEJA, the European Council of Young Farmers, organised a dinner debate entitled “CEJA – Inspiring the Future of our Industry” yesterday evening hosted by Vice-President of the European Parliament and Member of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (COMAGRI), Mairead McGuinness. The debate featured a number of MEPs from across the Union including prominent COMAGRI members Ulrike Müller and Marijana Petir engaging directly with leading young farmer delegates from their own Member States and regions. Discussions were centered on young farmers and the importance of CEJA taking a leading role in the long road to CAP 2020.
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Three-quarters of the audited projects funded under an EU scheme to pay farmers for improving the environment were not cost-effective, according to a new report by the European Court of Auditors. The majority of the so-called “non-productive investments” did contribute to landscape and biodiversity protection. But the auditors found clear indications in 75 % of cases that costs were either unreasonably high or insufficiently justified. Weaknesses in selection among investments for work such as hedging and the restoration of wetlands led to proposals not being appropriately checked against selection criteria and ineligible projects being funded.
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China is bracing itself for a week-long cold wave that has seen temperatures drop well below freezing and in some cases as low as -47.8 degrees Celsius.
Schools in several cities in north China have been suspended and emergency services are preparing themselves for the worst, the People's Daily Online reports.
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The most devastating disease in potato cultivation throughout the world is late blight caused by Phytophthora infestans, a fungus-like micro-organism from the class of oomycetes. Late blight problems result in economic costs that sum to 5.7 billion dollars annually1. A large part of these costs are associated with the purchase and application of fungicides. Farmers in humid moderate climates spray on average 10 to 15 times to control the disease, but this can go up to 20 times in wet growing seasons2.
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The compound feed production in the EU-28[1] in 2015 reached an estimated level of 156.1 mio. t, i.e. 0.2% more than in 2014, according to data provided by FEFAC members.
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This guide describes the practical application of FAO’s ‘Save and Grow’ model of sustainable crop production intensification to the world’s key food security crops: maize, rice and wheat. With examples from Africa, Asia and Latin America, it shows how ecosystem-based farming systems are helping smallholder farmers to boost cereal yields, strengthen their livelihoods, reduce pressure on the environment, and build resilience to climate change. The guide will be a valuable reference for policymakers and development practitioners during the global transition to sustainable food and agriculture.
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Copa and Cogeca welcome the new package of measures to simplify the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) announced by EU Farm Commissioner Phil Hogan this week, claiming it will make life easier for farmers.
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In line with the ongoing efforts to simplify the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), Commissioner Hogan presented on Monday evening his latest proposals to the members of the Agriculture and Rural Development committee of the European Parliament, in Strasbourg.
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Statement by EU Health and Food Safety Commissioner Andriukaitis, Trade Commissioner Malmström and Agriculture Commissioner Hogan
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Keith Polo is a seasoned international agricultural development professional known for his extensive work forming and managing public-private partnerships that improve the performance of food and agricultural systems in some of the world’s most challenging locations and emerging market contexts, such as Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Cambodia, Afghanistan, and Nepal.
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FrieslandCampina is a dairy co-operative in the Netherlands which also collects milk from some 900 Belgian producers. It has a big factory in the Flemish part of the country. Overproduction is the reason for channelling the Dutch producers’/members’ surplus to this factory.
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The European Commission has today formally confirmed the names of the experts who will participate in the new Agricultural Markets Task Force, ahead of the first meeting of this expert group taking place in Brussels tomorrow (13 January).
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Copa and Cogeca underlined the importance of innovation in the EU agriculture sector to remain competitive and sustainable in order to meet growing world food demand using limited resources at a major event organized by Politico in Brussels today.
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According to a new Eurobarometer survey published today, there is a growing awareness among Europeans of the contribution of the EU's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) to the European Commission's top priorities, with over 80% of the respondents considering the role of the CAP "very or fairly important" for stimulating jobs and growth and for supporting the role of the farmer in the food chain.
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The European Commission has confirmed they have removed the chicken rinse item from today’s agenda. We are investigating the reasons for postponing the discussion on peroxyacetic acid.
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New rules opening Private Storage Aid in the pigmeat sector have entered into force today 4 January.
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Tractors and machinery for agriculture and forestry are an important market, with more than 450 different types of machines manufactured worldwide, including agricultural and forestry tractors, soil working machinery and machines for seeding, crop care and harvesting.
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New figures released by the EU statistical office Eurostat today reveal EU farm incomes dropped in real terms by 4.3% in 2015, compared to 2014, confirming the difficult situation hitting EU farmers and agri-cooperatives.
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Reacting to Ministers talks, Copa and Cogeca urge EU negotiators to quickly agree EU organic farming review, welcome private storage aid for pork & deal on school schemes & bioeconomy progress
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Worth €99.6 billion for 2014-2020, all 118 EU Rural Development Programmes for 2014-2020 are now ready to roll.
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New Copa and Cogeca Task Force debated in Brussels this week the importance of technology in modern farming - big data and precision farming – to improve farmers returns .
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Pollinators took centre stage in Brussels last night at the 2015 European Bee Award. With pollination a vital component of the entire European countryside, the Bee award is given out to those farmers and land managers who help these vital species flourish through practical and innovative projects.
“Bee Deals” and “Czech Bumblebee” projects emerged from the 23 applications received by the jury in this second edition of the award, established in 2014 by the European Landowners’ Organization (ELO) and the European Agricultural Machinery Association (CEMA).
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Nutreco has entered into an agreement with The Heritage Group, owners of Micronutrients, to acquire this global leader in hydroxy-based trace minerals. The acquisition enables Trouw Nutrition, Nutreco's animal nutrition business, to further strengthen its Selko Feed Additives portfolio. The transaction, which is subject to regulatory approvals, is expected to close in the first quarter of next year.
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Copa-Cogeca Secretary-General Pekka Pesonen said “Farmers play a vital role in protecting soils and it is in their interest to keep them healthy in order to enhance soil fertility and yields. Food Production and Environmental Protectionare not competing but instead complementing each other. It is important for farmers to use good soil management practices to improve soil fertility. By cutting down on intensive tillage for example soil health will be improved a lot. Crops and forests also sequestrate carbon and need to be included in the soil carbon cycle in order to acknowledge agricultures contribution to fighting climate change”.
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The European Technology Platform ‘Plants for the Future’ (Plant ETP) in collaboration with Mr Jasenko Selimović and Mrs Anthea McIntyre, both Members of the European Parliament (EP), organised the first event of a series of workshops “Sustainable growth: Unlocking the potential of plants”. This series of workshops follows a report by former MEP Marit Paulsen on “Plant breeding: what options to increase quality and yields” published last year.
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Secretary Vilsack, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, I am very pleased that so many of you have been able to join us this morning. After the problems that we have seen in the past couple of weeks, I'm pleased to see that we are getting back to business as usual. I'm particularly pleased that Secretary Vilsack is also with us and I very much look forward to hearing what he has to say about the prospects for the agri-food sector and, of course, his view on the conditions for success in the ongoing TTIP negotiations.
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Conditions look good for next years 2016 EU-28 cereals harvest and good harvest this year compared to record levels last year, but still serious pressure on farmers cash flow problems,Copa and Cogeca warned .
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The Guidelines aim to support European farmers by clarifying how they can, under certain conditions, cooperate to jointly sell olive oil, beef and veal, and arable crops without breaching EU competition rules. These markets are worth more than €80 billion annually.
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Top priorities for newly elected Chair of Copa-Cogeca’s Rural Development Working Party Sofia Bjornsson are implementation and simplification of the new EU Rural Development Programmes
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Precision agriculture is already the norm for many arable farms. Modern technological advancements like guidance systems and positioning technology are helping us get the most out of the land.
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Whether soil erosion, water shortage or hail damage – in particular the cultivation of crops such as grapes, apples and asparagus suffers from the effects of climate change. However, new opportunities such as intelligent irrigation or "smart breeding" and proven equipment such as hail protection nets help farmers to optimally protect their crops. With over 600 international exhibitors and around 36,000 visitors from Germany and abroad, INTERVITIS INTERFRUCTA HORTITECHNICA 2016 in Stuttgart will promote the interdisciplinary exchange of ideas and opinions and dialogue between science and practical application for the benefit of protection against climate change.
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The European Commission has today published a regulation to reimburse € 410 million to European farmers.
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Nw Copa and Cogeca figures for this years’ olive oil harvest were released by Copa and Cogeca olive oil working party this week showing a good harvest but serious concerns were expressed about plans to raise significantly duty free import quotas for Tunisian olive oil
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Nutreco continues its commitment to growth in Egypt by investing in additional tilapia fish feed capacity. This week saw the opening of an extra line in its existing Egyptian plant, in the eastern part of the Nile Delta. The investment enables Skretting, Nutreco's aqua feed business, to triple its tilapia fish feed capacity in Egypt to 150,000 tonnes and extend its market leadership. In a further sign of commitment, Skretting has entered into a five year research partnership with fish research institute WorldFish to support the sustainable development of aquaculture in the region.
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Commission co-finances under LIFE programme projects supporting the environment, nature and a more sustainable economy.
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Copa and Cogeca underline need to step up innovation and invest in new technologies to unleash potential of biomass from EU agriculture and forestry sectors at major workshop
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'Once again, Agritechnica 2015 has impressively cemented its lead position as the benchmark international trade fair for agricultural machinery and farming. With some 2,907 exhibitors, around 450,000 visitors – including more than 100,000 from overseas – Agritechnica has matched its figures from 2013.'
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EU agricultural market situation still critical and measures needed to alleviate pressure on EU pigmeat and dairy sectors and to simplify the CAP, Copa and Cogeca Presidents tell EU Farm Ministers
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Copa and Cogeca underline challenges and opportunities facing EU sheep meat sector at an EU reflections group and outline measures to benefit the sector
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Two and a half months after fending off a $46 billion bid from Monsanto Co., Switzerland’s Syngenta AG is back in play -- this time from China.
China National Chemical Corp. is in talks to buy the pesticide maker in what would be the largest acquisition ever by a Chinese company, people with knowledge of the matter said. Syngenta shares gained the most in six months.
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Hanover, Germany, 12th November, 2015 - The reputation of Agritechnica as the meeting place for agricultural professionals from around the world is undisputed, but with more than 20,000 young farmers attending in 2013, it is also an important date in the calendar for the people that represent the future of the industry.
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Agritechnica 2015, the world’s leading forum for the future of the agricultural sector, is celebrating the thirtieth year since it started with record exhibitor participation. As Dr. Reinhard Grandke, Chief Executive Officer of the organizer DLG (Deutsche Landwirtschafts-Gesellschaft – German Agricultural Society), told the international press, up to and including Saturday, 14 November 2015, the Fairgrounds in Hanover will be the meeting place and forum for the world’s agricultural sector. “With more than 2,900 exhibitors from 52 countries we have reached a new record level”, said the DLG CEO. “The Fairgrounds are fully booked.” Agritechnica is thus impressively continuing its success story and further consolidating its leading position as the international trade fair for agricultural machinery and equipment and the agricultural sector.
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NNew Holland Agriculture launches the new generation CX Series of super conventional combines – 2 five-strawwalker and 4 six-strawwalker models that set new standards of operator comfort, grain and straw quality, productivity and versatility while preserving the soil with lower compaction. The CX range has been expanded with the new CX8.85 450hp six-strawwalker model with a 12,500 litre grain tank. At the top of the range, the flagship CX8.90 is the highest capacity conventional combine in the world and, with its 360 kW (490 hp), vast 12,500 litre grain tank and state-of-the-art cleaning systems, it delivers threshing and separation efficiency combined with a cleaning performance without equal.
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Deere & Company said today it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Monosem, the European market leader in precision planters. The purchase includes the company's four facilities in France and two in the United States.
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Every two years, many thousands of international farmers visit Agritechnica exhibiting which takes place in Hanover, Germany every two years. In 2013, Brazilian farmer Richard Dijkstra made his first visit to the event, and it is with a contagious enthusiasm that he describes his experience.
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Hanover, Germany, 30th October, 2015 – Visitors to Agritechnica this year can look forward and look up to Sikorsky S-76B, a helicopter equipped with special instruments to capture information and data on the soil, groundwater and geological layers in the subsurface. A brainchild of the Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources (BGR), Sikorsky S-76B is well equipped for international explorations.
From 8 to 14 November 2015 at Agritechnica, BGR will demonstrate the technology and flight capabilities of Sikorsky S-76B as part of Agritechnia’s "Smart Farming - Digital Cropping" show special at Hall 15, stand G31 of the Hanover exhibition grounds.
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As a recognized international event for agricultural professionals, Agritechnica, which takes place at Hanover’s exhibition grounds every two years, can proudly boast a high level of visitors from outside Germany. Nearly a quarter of the 450,000 who attended in 2013 came from outside the country, and they included Ukrainian farmer Gennadii Smolniuk, who has become a regular at the event.
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Copa and Cogeca warned EU Farm Ministers against patenting plant traits in the EU agriculture sector at a high-level meeting today, saying it would cause less competition and higher costs the seed market.
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The Canadian Government has decided to re-open its market to the European producers of 19 Member States of beef and meat from other ruminants. The Canadian market has been closed to all EU beef since 1996, when Canada introduced import restrictions on meat from ruminants on the basis of BSE concerns. On the occasion of the re-opening of Canada's market, EU Health and Food Safety Commissioner Andriukaitis, Trade Commissioner Malmström and Agriculture Commissioner Hogan stated: "We welcome the decision by the Canadian Government to re-open Canada's market for imports of European beef from 19 EU Member States.
It will provide a welcome boost to Europe's beef producers and exporters, particularly as it comes at a time when farmers across the EU are going through a particularly difficult period."
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The Commission welcomes the recent move by the US to recognise the EU regionalisation system put in place to contain the spread of African Swine Fever (ASF), a disease affecting pigs and wild boar.
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As the 11th Round of EU-US TTIP negotiations starts in Miami, EU farmers represented by COPA-COGECA, EU maize growers represented by CEPM, and EU ethanol and starch producers, represented by ePURE and Starch Europe respectively, today warned of the negative impact on the EU economy posed by the increased market access for US maize and maize products which could result from the negotiations.
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As a result of its Scientific Programme at EXPO 2015, the EU is today making available a set of expert recommendations on the role of science and research in improving food and nutrition security, which has been the topic of this year's Universal Exhibition.
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Agritechnica, the world’s largest and most innovative international agri-machinery exhibition is back in Hanover again in November 2015, with hundreds of thousands of visitors already preparing to attend this exciting “must-see” farming extravaganza.
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In May 2015, the Commission had adopted the draft budget for 2016.
In response to the refugee crisis, as well as to the particularly difficult situation on a number of EU agricultural markets, the European Commission has today amended its draft budget - bringing it to €144.4 billion in payments as compared to €143.5 billion in May.
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A simpler more flexible Common Agricultural Policy will reduce the impact of the volatility of the market and revitalise rural economies EU local and regional leaders have said. In its report adopted today, the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) welcomed EU plans to reduce the administrative burden of the CAP which it agrees could boost the sector and help redress rural-urban inequality.
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New initiatives to encourage healthy eating habits at an early age and to bring consumers back in touch with nature presented at Copa and Cogeca’s Seminar on EU Farmers & Agri-Cooperatives contribution to a healthier lifestyle.
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Copa and Cogeca welcomed today European Parliament Environment Committees’ outright rejection of the EU Commission proposal which lets member states decide whether or not to authorise the use of genetically modified food or feed in their countries.
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Delegates from the136 member nations of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) have given their approval to set up an international information gateway for the genetic data of food crop seeds.
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In 2016 European producers will benefit from programmes worth €111 million to find new markets and promote consumption outside and inside the EU. Promotion is a key part of the measures presented by the Commission to support farmers.
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Cogeca presented in Brussels today a report to MEPs showing that agri-cooperatives are resilient in times of crisis and help improve farmers livelihoods. This is demonstrated by the fact that the top 100 agri-cooperatives in the EU increased their turnover by 14% in 2013, compared to 2012.
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As part of the implementation of the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement, the Ukrainian government has an ambitious reform agenda that aims to overcome the political and economic crisis, and that lays the foundations for sustainable economic development.
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USDA Foreign Agricultural Service regularly reports on various agricultural topics around the world. In GAIN report CH15036 published in September 2015, the production of potatoes and potato products in China as well as imports and exports are highlighted.
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The Dutch Association of Arable Farmers of (VTA) has completed their annual assessment of the potato yield in the Netherlands for mid-September, following their standard measurement protocols in place since 2001.
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Copa and Cogeca calls for EU measures to be stepped up to prevent black spot disease in citrus fruit coming into Europe after 11 cases detected at borders in imports from South Africa and 10 from Argentina
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“Together with Celcaa, Copa and Cogeca underlined the importance of trade for agriculture and the need for fair rules to keep a dynamic market at a 2015 WTO public forum in Geneva today.
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At a major Awards Ceremony held in European Parliament today hosted by MEP Tibor Szanyi, Copa and Cogeca awarded first prize to a French project from the region of Aisne for good agricultural practices vis-à-vis pollinators.
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Together with key partner organisations, Copa and Cogeca showcased at Expo Milano under the auspices of the Italian Ministry of Education a new on-line Farm Inc project designed to help farmers better market and brand their produce.
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In this exclusive interview for viEUws, EU Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan outlines the details of a ‎€500 million aid package for farmers in response to falling dairy and pork prices, describes plans to combat unfair trading practices and says an expert group will look at new instruments to tackle price volatility. AGRA FACTS journalist Ed Bray has the story.
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FAO and the European Agricultural Machinery Industry Association CEMA, an international non-profit organisation, today forged a new partnership that aims to promote wider use of sustainable agricultural mechanization in developing countries.
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The first elements of the special aid package for EU farmers worth €500 million, announced in early September, have now been adopted by the European Commission.
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Copa and Cogeca called for realistic and achievable targets to be included in Review of EU Air Quality Policy at high-level event today, warning it will hit the EU livestock sector hard
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Copa elected a new President Martin Merrild from Denmark today to lead European farmers for the next two years, with top priorities including a cut in red tape and better prices for farmers
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Copa and Cogeca confirm fall in EU cereals and oilseeds production this year partly due to bad weather and new CAP and express serious concerns over farmers cash flow problems
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Faced with lack of plant protection products for minor uses and speciality crops in EU, Copa and Cogeca outlined at Global Summit need for increased research and investment to find solutions
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The European Commission and Iceland initialled this Thursday two agreements on the further liberalisation of trade in agricultural products and foodstuffs and one on the protection of Geographical Indications (GIs).
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Copa and Cogeca regret EU Farm Ministers did not press for extra measures to be included in EU aid package to help solve drastic situation hitting EU agricultural markets mainly as result of the Russian export ban and unfair actions by retailers
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Commissioner Phil Hogan presented today to EU Agriculture Ministers the details of the €500 million support package announced last week to support European farmers.
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Agritechnica is the world’s leading trade fair for agricultural machinery and equipment. This year approximately 2,800 exhibitors from 52 countries will be presenting their new and further developments at the Exhibition Grounds in Hanover. A distinct hallmark of Agritechnica is its clear key area concept, offering visitors optimal orientation in the Exhibition Grounds. This year, due to the addition of the new Hall 20 and the omission of Hall 1, DLG has introduced changes in hall allocations and further optimised the sector group concept. This gives visitors from all over the world optimal conditions for comparing products and innovations in their specific fields of interest efficiently and easily.
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DLG, organizer of the world’s largest trade fair for agricultural machinery and equipment, Agritechnica, being held from 10 to 14 November 2015 (Preview Days on 8 and 9 November), reports outstanding registration figures. Around 2,800 exhibitors from 52 countries will be presenting their innovations and current further developments at the Exhibition Grounds in Hanover. This means that the grounds are fully booked. All the leading companies in the industry will be represented with a complete range of products. With these exhibitor figures, Agritechnica impressively affirms its high attractiveness and its position as the internationally largest agricultural machinery show. The trade fair generates impetus and signals for the agricultural machinery markets worldwide.
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Copa and Cogeca regreted today that member states did not agree to raise the EU milk intervention price to reflect rising production costs or take sufficient measures to improve the drastic situation hitting the EU milk, pork, beef, fruit and vegetable markets.
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The Commission published today Guidelines aimed to prevent the overuse and misuse of antibiotics by sharing best-practices in Member States. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) causes 25,000 deaths annually and over €1.5 billion in healthcare expenses and productivity losses in Europe alone.
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Copa and Cogeca showcased a new on-line Farm Inc project designed to help farmers better market and brand their produce and discussed next steps at a roundtable meeting in Brussels today.
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Copa-Cogeca held a high-level event at ExpoMilano this week underlining the importance of having an innovative Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) with new measures to drive the EU farm sector to provide quality nutritious food to feed a growing population.
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(DLG) Agritechnica is the world’s leading trade fair for farm machinery. This year’s show to be held at the Hanover exhibition centre from 10 to 14 November (Preview Days: 8 and 9 November) will feature numerous innovations. No fewer than 311 innovations have been registered with DLG (Deutsche Landwirtschafts-Gesellschaft / German Agricultural Society) which is organizing the fair. Applying the strictest criteria, an independent panel of experts appointed by DLG has conferred Gold Medals on five of these innovations and Silver Medals on a further 44:
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Parliament beefed up the Commission’s initial proposal to ban animal cloning to include the cloning of all farm animals, their descendants and products derived from them, including imports into the EU, in a vote on Tuesday.
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Copa and Cogeca welcome some positive additions to the new EU Commission aid package agreed by EU Farm Ministers last night but warn it is still far from sufficient to help solve EU farmers problems.
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Earlier today, CEJA launched its Young Farmer Manifesto to young farmers, stakeholders and members of the press alongside the CEJA General Assembly 2015 taking place at EXPO 2015 in Milan, Italy. The Manifesto focuses on policy issues relevant to young farmers in order to raise awareness of the concerns which need to be addressed for them to help secure the future of EU agriculture.
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The Commission is announcing today a comprehensive support package worth €500 million, recognising the difficulties being experienced by producers.
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Reacting to the new aid package proposed by the EU Commission today to help alleviate the drastic situation hitting EU farmers, Copa and Cogeca warned it is far from sufficient to have any noticeable impact.
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Over 6000 farmers and 2000 tractors after across the EU demonstrated in Brussels today to underline the drastic situation hitting EU agriculture, in particular dairy, pork, fruit and vegetable and beef producers, and call on the EU for action.
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Statement by EU Health and Food Safety Commissioner Vytenis Andriukaitis, Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmström and Agriculture and Rural Development Commissioner Phil Hogan on the opening of the US market for imports of meat and meat products from Lithuania
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Speech during the kick-off meeting on the first of september 2015 in the Town hall of Tournai
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WHAT: In response to the drastic situation hitting EU dairy, pork, fruit and vegetable and beef producers, Copa and Cogeca are holding a mass demonstration outside EU Agriculture Ministers extraordinary meeting on September 7 to underline the unprecedented situation and demand action. There is an extremely difficult situation on the EU pigmeat, dairy, fruit and vegetable and beef markets, mainly as a result of the Russian export restrictions which shot the EU’s main export market overnight. Prices are below production costs in many countries and farm incomes low, forcing some out of business.
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EUROPLANT Pflanzenzucht GmbH is represented again this year at PotatoEurope, the worldwide leading trade fair for potato production. The international industry event is taking place on 2 / 3 September 2015 in Kain by Tournai (Belgium). At stand T49 in the tent hall, EUROPLANT visitors will have the chance to let themselves be won over by the quality and excellent characteristics of the table potatoes on display.
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Every year in mid August the Dutch farmers association VTA estimates the potato yield based on a standard sampling protocol among its members.
These yield measurements are always done at the same time and are now common practice since 2001. The sampling includes a representative group of farmers and covers a wide range of potato varieties intended for consumption (seed potatoes and potatoes for starch production are excluded).
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Scottish scientists are warning that the chips could be down later this year due to a combination of dismal summer weather and scaled back potato planting.
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The European Commission has today formally extended until the end of June 2016 the safety net measures for the European fruit and vegetables sector.
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DuPont Pioneer announced the launch of Pioneer® brand Nutrivail™ feed technology and Rapid React™ aerobic stability* technology. These two brands represent a breakthrough in managing forages and advance Integrated Feed Solutions from Pioneer.
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Copa and Cogeca welcomed today as a step forward the EU Commission move to introduce new measures to support EU fruit and vegetable growers and dairy producers faced with the Russian crisis, but it is nowhere near enough to compensate producers for their huge losses.
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Safety net measures for the European dairy, fruit and vegetables sectors will be extended into 2016. The European Commission is currently finalising the last details with a view to formally adopting the relevant legal decisions in the coming weeks as a matter of formality.
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About 50 producers drove tractors in single file along the A50 from Sudbury, Staffordshire to Morrisons Festival Park store car park where they then spoke to customers as part of a peaceful protest today (July 29).
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Copa and Cogeca warned at the EU Milk Market Observatory meeting today that the EU dairy market situation has deteriorated rapidly in the past 4 weeks, and without EU action, many producers will be forced out of business by Winter.
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Copa and Cogeca highlighted the excellence of European quality produce at the Libramont Agricultural Fair Friday, but warned of the desperate market situation facing farmers, and called for a powerful export strategy.
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During a celebration of Agricultural Research Day on July 15, Alberto Maurer, the Head of Peru’s National Institute for Agricultural Innovation (INIA), accompanied by CIP Director General Barbara Wells and representatives of various other national and international institutions, announced that Peru will host the 10th World Potato Congress in 2018.
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Xylella fastidiosa (Wells et al.) is one of the most dangerous plant bacterium worldwide, causing a variety of diseases, with huge economic impact for agriculture. Since October 2013, a strain of this bacterium is spreading in Apulia (Italy). For the moment the first and only confirmed outbreak in the EU, affecting mainly olive groves.
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IBMA, Copa and Cogeca stress at high-level event that demand for bio-pesticides rising, but overly bureaucratic regulatory system stops market developing
Together with IBMA, Copa and Cogeca underlined the benefits of using bio-pesticides on crops at an event hosted by MEPs Giovanni La Via and Pavel Poc today, but warned that the regulatory system for approving products is too long, putting some key food supplies at risk.
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Copa and Cogeca warned EU Farm Ministers in Brussels today of the worrying situation in the EU dairy and pig meat sectors, aggravated by the import restrictions imposed by the Russian Federation on EU farm exports, and called for action.
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Copa and Cogeca warned this week of a big drop in EU cereals production of 7.5% this year, compared to last year, and expressed serious concerns about the lack of products on the market to protect crops against pests and disease.
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New report approved by MEPs today calling for urgent action to improve bad EU milk market situation good step forward
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EU farmers and agri-cooperatives victim of international politics faced with Russian export ban: action vital, Copa and Cogeca warns at high-level conference
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Copa and Cogeca welcome European Parliaments vote which stresses producer organisations like cooperatives must remain cornerstone of EU fruit and vegetable regime and support must be stepped up
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For the first time, Bayer CropScience and the European Agricultural Machinery Association CEMA joined forces to demonstrate to a blend of representatives from the EU institutions and agriculture stakeholders how the latest farming technologies, including big data and the Internet of Things, are changing the face of agriculture. During two farm visits, organized on 29 and 30 June at “Hof ten Bosch” in Huldenberg, near Brussels, participants had the opportunity to experience first-hand how such technologies are helping farm operations to become smarter and more sustainable.
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This year marks the 10th anniversary of the General Food Law and the establishment of EFSA, a defining moment in food safety in which the European Union turned firmly towards science to point the way forward. To recognise this milestone, EFSA is today holding a joint conference with the European Commission’s Directorate General for Health and Consumers (DG SANCO) to review the Authority’s main achievements over the past decade and to look ahead to the challenges that it faces in the future.
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Copa and Cogeca warned of the seriously difficult market situation faced by EU milk producers at the EU Milk Market Observatory meeting today and called for action.
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Copa and Cogeca warned against using patents in the EU agriculture sector at a seminar this week by the CPVO on the interface between patents and plant variety rights in Brussels , saying it will result in less products and varieties and additional costs .
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Copa and Cogeca warned against using patents in the EU agriculture sector at a seminar today by the CPVO on the interface between patents and plant variety rights in Brussels , saying it will result in less products and varieties and additional costs .
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Copa and Cogeca hold major Conference examining how best to collect and share data from farmers to cooperatives and others parts of food chain to increase efficiency and productivity
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The “Systems & Components” platform for suppliers kicks off at this year’s Agritechnica, the world’s largest trade fair for agricultural machinery and equipment, with the topic “Future Farming”. Some 800 exhibitors from about 40 countries out of a total of more than 2,400 companies will be exhibiting specifically in this sector at Agritechnica in Hanover from 10th to 14th November 2015 (preview days on 8th and 9th November). Visitors will be given a comprehensive insight into innovations, trends and developments from the segments of motors, hydraulics, axles, drive technology, cabs, electronics, spares and wear parts, as well as user-friendly software.
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Expo Visit BENELUX - Carlo Lambro, Brand President NH Agriculture,
welcoming speech
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Copa-Cogeca presented a strong statement to MEP Siekierski, Chairman of COM AGRI Committee, today at a high-level dairy event warning prices paid to producers do not even cover production costs and action is crucial to prevent them going of business.
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Copa-Cogeca called for EU legislation to be introduced to stamp out abusive and Unfair Trading Practices (UTPs) in the food chain at a high-level panel debate hosted by MEP Sofia Ribeiro in European Parliament today, warning below cost selling has to stop.
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The Belgian potato sector has experienced, or should we say – created – a “fry revolution” during the past 25 years.
From a traditional, locally directed sector, it has developed itself into the worldwide largest exporter of frozen potato products with a total of more than 3.8 million tonnes of potatoes processed into fries, chips, flakes, mashed potato products, granulates etc in 2014.
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I’m proud to be part of the organic community. Proud because it continues to drive change in food and farming systems in Europe and worldwide, because it is committed to actively shape these systems in the future and because it is ready to build on its successes that have seen organic food and farming develop from a niche to become a real alternative.
But the European organic movement needs to take stock of what organic has become. In a rapidly changing world we have to be able to cope with new political, environmental and societal challenges.
The future role of organic food and farming for us, for farmers, for food production and for society has indeed been a focus of thought and action for many of our members. This is one of the reasons why IFOAM EU launched its participatory vision exercise to try to define where the organic movement may be in 2030 and to help us prepare proactively to face the future. The next step will be to agree the strategies and actions needed to get there. Fifteen years is long enough to plausibly consider changes in technology, society and environment, while at the same time, sufficiently short to prepare a viable strategy.
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More than 2,400 exhibitors from 49 countries have already registered to participate in this year’s top international trade fair for agricultural machinery and equipment, Agritechnica, 2015, which features several exciting new ventures.
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Copa warned this week at its Praesidia held in Riga against having a mid-term review of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) if it means re-opening the political agreement struck by the EU last year. Farmers need stability to enable them to plan ahead until 2020, EU farm leaders said.
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Copa and Cogeca underline key role EU agriculture and forestry sectors play in protecting nature and outline key issues to be dealt with in the assessment of EU habitats and birds legislation - the Fitness Check
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Copa warned this week at its Praesidia held in Riga against having a mid-term review of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) if it means re-opening the political agreement struck by the EU last year. Farmers need stability to enable them to plan ahead until 2020, EU farm leaders said.
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April 1st 2015 marked the end of milk quotas in Europe, a regulatory tool imposed in 1984 in response to overproduction, leading to the so-called “butter mountain” and the “milk lake”. For the first time in 30 years, the market alone will determine the quantities of milk produced. Are French dairy farmers ready for this?
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Measures to prevent and treat animal diseases such as avian flu or African swine fever were informally agreed by MEPs, the Latvian Presidency of the Council of Ministers and the European Commission on Monday. The draft EU law, on diseases that are transmissible among animals and potentially to humans too, will merge and update many scattered items of old legislation, so as to help prevent and halt new outbreaks and keep pace with scientific progress.
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Member States have to publish the list of beneficiaries of CAP payments as of today.The Common Agricultural Policy reform from 2013 introduced new rules on transparency on beneficiaries of the CAP. Each Member State's Ministry of Agriculture is in charge of publishing the required information, including the name of the beneficiary, amount and nature of the measure.
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Copa and Cogeca welcomed today the agreement made by EU negotiators on the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI), stressing the Fund could play a vital role in enabling the EU agriculture sector to reach its potential to boost growth and jobs in EU rural areas
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Copa-Cogeca underlines huge benefits of biomethane in combatting green house gas emissions, ensuring energy security and boosting growth and the economies of EU rural areas
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Copa and Cogeca welcomed today approval by the EU Commission of a further 24 Rural Development Programmes designed to improve the competitiveness of the EU farming sector, caring for the countryside and climate, and strengthening the economic and social fabric of rural communities until 2020, and urge for the remaining programmes to be adopted.
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The European Agricultural Machinery Association CEMA and Bayer CropScience are pleased to invite you to their first joint Farm Visit on “Precision Farming for Smart and Sustainable Agriculture" on 29 & 30 June 2015. This unique event will feature in-field demonstrations of equipment and technologies used by farmers to produce food sustainably and competitively.
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The European Commission has today approved a further 24 Rural Development Programmes (RDPs) aimed at improving the competitiveness of the EU farming sector, caring for the countryside and climate, and strengthening the economic and social fabric of rural communities in the period until 2020.
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Afimilk's management system is thrusting its customers to top producing positions worldwide. For example, in Canada, dairies using Afimilk products have received top CanWest DHI herd management scores for the last four consecutive years.
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The Sustainable Farm Pavilion is strategically located in a central position close to the Lake Arena and is immediately recognizable thanks to its striking architectural features. EXPO Milano 2015 will inaugurate a long season of exhibitions, events and conferences, that will attract millions of potential visitors to the New Holland Sustainable pavilion in the 184 days until 31 October, learning about the core role of agricultural mechanization in the food production supply chain and celebrating the role of farmers who use New Holland equipment and technology day after day to provide food all over the world, in strict respect for the environment and protecting the natural resources.
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Global animal health leader Alltech has signed a memorandum of understanding with Jiangsu Guo Ming Agricultural Development Company at the China Animal Husbandry Expo in Chongqing, confirming the companies’ commitment to work together to open a new pig farm in Shuyang, Jiangsu Province, China.
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The intense discussions among national Ministers at today’s AGRIFISH Council meeting clearly demonstrated how difficult it is to reach agreement on an initial problematic proposal if the sector’s opinion is not appropriately taken into account. Although there was talk of a possible vote on the Council position at this month’s meeting, voting has been postponed to June. The diversity of opinions among Member States on many key topics remained – including on thresholds, import and controls – as witnessed by an IFOAM EU delegation at the Council today.
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Copa and Cogeca underlined the critical situation on the EU milk market in a meeting with the EU Commission today, warning that producer prices are below production costs and action is vital.
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Copa-Cogeca welcomed today EU Farm Ministers talks to simplify complicated Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) rules, warning urgent action is vital to cut red tape and ease the draconian penalties imposed on farmers and their cooperatives.
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On the occasion of yesterday’s meeting of the EU Special Committee on Agriculture and ahead of EU Ministers meeting, Copa-Cogeca, EFFAT and IFOAM EU urged in a letter sent to EU Agriculture Ministers to safeguard the European organic sector and not introduce measures that could threaten its development.
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Chairman of Copa-Cogecas Working Party on greening and direct payments under the new CAP Udo Hemmerling warned in a hearing organized by European Parliaments Agriculture Committee today that it is unacceptable that farmers risk losing their full payment when making small errors when applying environmental greening measures under the new CAP.
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Since 1987, every two years, the world’s most talented chefs have gone head to head in an amicable culinary jousting match.
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Innovative crop protection solutions from Bayer CropScience have helped a New Zealand farming couple break the world record yield for barley. Warren and Joy Darling, from Timaru in the country’s South Island, produced 13.8 tonnes per hectare, easily breaking the previous record of 12.2 tonnes held by Scottish grower Stockton Park since 1989. The new record was officially ratified by Guinness World Records on April 15 after the crop was harvested on January 23, 2015.
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In 2014 Agrifirm refined its strategy to more focus and growth in its core activities compound feed, arable farming and horticulture, co-products and specialties. In line with this strategy the specialty division Nuscience has acquired the company Nutrifarma, a leading provider of premixes, concentrates, specialty feeds, additives and services. This important acquisition provides Agrifirm’s specialty division with a stronger foothold in the strategically important Brazilian market.
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Portuguese agriculture is at the heart of European agriculture, Copa President and LTO President Albert Jan Maat claimed in Lisbon.
That statement was made by Albert Jan Maat during the 40 th anniversary of the Congress of the Portuguese farmers organization (CAP).
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Bayer CropScience and Farm Frites recently started a Food Chain Partnership initiative designed to implement sustainable agricultural practices in potato cultivation in the Netherlands and Belgium.
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Oerlemans Foods, a Dutch producer of frozen potato and vegetable products is concentrating the processing of potatoes in Broekhuizenvorst, while all vegetable processing will be moved to Waalwijk.
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The major water use restrictions that were announced by the governor of California won’t be enough to keep the state from running out of both surface and groundwater it appears. The use of groundwater, that cannot be replenished nearly as fast as surface water, is a huge concern.
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Root Demand Irrigation® (RDI®) recently accepted one of 50 awards from the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) for ground-breaking industry innovation for the development of its subsurface irrigation product. ASABE President Lalit Verma and ASABE Executive Director Darrin Drolinger further honored RDI by naming it one of five innovations that will change the nature of the crop farming industry.
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Today is the last day of the milk quota regime, introduced in 1984 as a temporary measure to address the structural oversupply on the EU market that had led to the infamous "milk lakes" and "butter mountains".
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Producers having exceeded their quota for 2014/2015 will have the possibility to make their payments over a maximum of three years in zero interest instalments.
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With the EU milk quota regime set to end on March 31, Copa and Cogeca outlined measures crucial to ensure a viable EU dairy sector in the years to come.
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Milk quotas were introduced to address the structural oversupply on the EU market of the late 1970s and early 1980s that had led to the infamous milk lakes and "butter mountains". EU dairy farmers were guaranteed a price for their milk (considerably higher than on world markets) regardless of market demand. Despite different efforts in the 1970s to slow down EU production, it continued to rise much faster than domestic demand. The system was also having a negative impact on world market prices, as the EU frequently subsidised exports on to the world market.
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The EU milk quota regime comes to an end on March 31, 2015. First introduced in 1984 at a time when EU production far outstripped demand, the quota regime was one of the tools introduced for overcoming these structural surpluses. Successive reforms of the EU's Common Agriculture Policy have increased the market-orientation of the sector and, in parallel, provided a range of other, more targeted instruments to help support producers in vulnerable areas, such as mountain areas where the costs of production are higher.
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The European Commission and the European Investment Bank (EIB) have today presented a model guarantee instrument for agriculture, the first new product developed in the framework of their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on co-operation in agriculture and rural development within the EU, signed in July 2014.
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The Commission has today proposed the extension of the deadline of aid applications for Direct Payments to Monday June 15th.
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Don’t miss the hot new issue of Copa-Cogecas’ magazine giving our views on upcoming issues crucial to the EU agri-food sector, including interviews with leading politicians, farmers, and features on Farm Africa and the calendar success of Finnish farmers going naked for charity!
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Freedom of choice between genetically modified (GM) and non-GM products is a central goal of the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy. It is essentially based on the principle of coexistence. EU Member States apply coexistence measures such as minimum distances between fields with, and without, GM that allow the growing of GM and non-GM crops in the same area, transport and market them side by side, preserving their identity in accordance with the relevant labelling rules and purity standards.
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Raising China potato production is of utmost importance. In the coming years a great effort is to be made to meet the increasing demand of potatoes for fresh consumption and for industry.
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New estimates for EU cereals plantings in 2015 reveal EU cereals production is expected to drop by as much as 8% this year, compared to last year, mainly as a result of the new greening measures under Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) reform.
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New figures released by Copa-Cogeca today reveal EU rapeseed production is expected to fall by as much as 7% this year, compared to 2014, mainly as a result of the neonicotinoid seed treatment ban.
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A new report released by the EU Food Safety Authority (EFSA) today confirms that European farmers and agri-cooperatives provide amongst the safest food in the world.
The report confirms that over 97% of food samples evaluated by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) contain pesticide residue levels that fall within legal limits, and are therefore completely safe to eat. Just under 55% of samples are also free of any detectable traces of these chemicals.
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The Commission's proposal enabling the recovery of the surplus levy related to the milk quota year 2014/2015 in 3-year instalments was approved by Member States and will enter into force after its publication in the Official Journal before the end of March.
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Copa and Cogeca welcome todays vote in EU management committee to help producers cope with excessive burden of milk superlevy but called for additional action
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Trangé, France. After 9 months of work, the CLAAS Group's new Tractor Testing and Validation Centre has opened at Trangé near Le Mans.
The official opening took place on Friday 25th May 2012, and was attended by Dr. Patrick Claas, CLAAS Shareholder, Lothar Kriszun and Dr. Hermann Garbers, members of the Group's Management, as well as economic and political figures from the local area.
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Copa and Cogeca sent a letter with detailed proposals to EU Farm Commissioner Phil Hogan this week outlining areas where simplification in the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is vital.
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While much of the speculation surrounding April’s abolishment of European Union (EU) milk quotas has focused on dairy production, liberalization of the dairy sector is also impacting EU beef production, according to a semi-annual report from USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS). The report, “EU Meat Sector Withstands Russian Ban,” was released through the Global Agricultural Information Network (GAIN).
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The Commission's proposal for the introduction of a Private Storage Aid for pigmeat was voted by Member States and will be operational in the beginning of March.
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New Holland Agriculture introduces its new tractor styling with the new T7 Series featuring its ECOBlue™ HI-eSCR technology for compliance with Tier 4B emissions standards. The new eight-model range, which includes a new standard wheelbase model with an impressive peak power of 225 horsepower, delivers more power and bristles with productivity-boosting features.
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The T9 Series is the most powerful tractor in the New Holland range and provides a simple, high horsepower solution for large scale farmers, with its competitive price, low running costs, superior operator comfort and soil-friendly tyres. This latest upgrade ramps up its powerful performance, further improves operator comfort and reduces operating costs.
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Discover the programme of the SIMA practical workshops in 2015 that take place in hall 7. Free acces
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Cargill has signed a formal partnership agreement to support Mondelez International’s Cocoa Life program, which strengthens both companies’ commitment to improving the livelihoods of cocoa farmers and to investing in a sustainable future for cocoa.
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Agritechnica 2015, which takes place from 10 to 14 November (with preview days on 8 and 9 November) is only nine months away and the deadline for booking exhibition stands has now past.
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Concerns on attacks on livestock farms by large carnivores like wolves.
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Year-around availability of high-quality fruits and vegetables at affordable prices is one crucial demand consumers have today: From February 4 to 6, Bayer Crop Science’s Food Chain Management team welcomed experts and partners from different stages of the food value chain. The key focus was the exchange on views about consumer demands, perfect quality and how to keep consistency of food supply for the future at the Fruit Logistica trade fair in Berlin (Germany).
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SIMA, the international trade show for agriculture suppliers, has associated with IMPACT, a Thai trade show organizer, to create a new SIMA show and access the whole ASEAN region.
The first edition will take place in Bangkok, from 17th to 19th of September 2015.
The ASEAN region is experiencing a dynamic agricultural expansion, as well as a growing mechanization of the agricultural practices, and now requires inputs, efficient agricultural equipment and first food process in order to meet its needs and ambition in the agri-food chain.
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A new report released by Cogeca today reveals how the top 100 agri-cooperatives in the EU increased their turnover by 14% in 2013, compared to 2012, enhancing growth and jobs in the EU and helping farmers to have a viable future
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The European Commission receives from the Member States, on an annual basis, data on the payments made to the beneficiaries of the EAGF (before 2007: EAGGF Guarantee section), for carrying out its functions in the context of the clearance of accounts and for monitoring developments and providing forecasts in the agricultural sector.
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ASAJA-Sevilla, co-partnered by Copa-Cogeca, receives award for campaign to raise awareness of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and farming amongst citizens
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SCR Engineers Ltd today announced that starting from February 2015, SCR Cow Intelligence solutions for Heat and Health monitoring will be available in the CRV Ovalert program. This means that farmers who use Ovalert will be from now able to opt for SCR best seller Heatime® Solutions.
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Farmers must get realistic return from the marketplace to ensure a dynamic dairy industry capable of meeting global demand set to rise by 2.1% annually Copa-Cogeca says
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Copa-Cogeca launched a debate today with MEPs and governments on the needs of dairy producers post-quota, calling for tools to help producers manage the increasingly volatile markets and to get a better return for their produce.
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Yesterday, three outstanding events concluded the 7th Global Forum for Food and Agriculture (GFFA). Around 1,200 guests from around the world were in the audience to follow the GFFA Panel discussions at the CityCube Berlin. Afterwards, the German food and farming industries invited the participants to attend the International Business Panel. At a parallel event the agriculture ministers of more than 70 countries gathered to meet with high-ranking representatives of the World Bank and the World Food Organization (FAO) at the Berlin Agriculture Ministers' Summit.
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The European Union and Morocco have concluded negotiations on an agreement to mutually protect their Geographical Indications (GIs). Through this agreement Morocco and the EU will ensure high level protection for their respective GIs for food products. Also aimed at promoting and fostering trade relations in agricultural products and foodstuffs produced in Morocco and the European Union, the text of the agreement was initialled today at chief negotiator's level.
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Every drop counts in agriculture – especially when it comes to crop protection products. There should be absolutely no spilling onto the skin of the farmer when he fills herbicides, fungicides or insecticides into his equipment. And the soil and waters also have to be protected from these so-called point-source inputs. After all, such unintentional spilling during dosage accounts for about half of all incidents of pollution. But farmers can protect themselves and the environment: with a closed transfer system. It directly links the canister with the crop protection product to the tank of the field sprayer or mistblower.
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The European Commission is inviting comments on new draft guidelines on the application of EU antitrust rules in the agricultural sector. After a reform of the EU's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), new specific rules apply to the sale of olive oil, beef and veal livestock and arable crops. In particular, the new rules allow producers to jointly commercialise these products if certain conditions are fulfilled, including that their cooperation creates significant efficiencies.
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Cargill today reported net earnings of $784 million in the fiscal 2015 second quarter ended Nov. 30, up 41 percent from $556 million in the year-ago period. First-half earnings were $1.21 billion, a 7 percent increase from $1.13 billion a year ago. Second-quarter revenues decreased 8 percent to $30.3 billion, which brought first-half revenues to $63.6 billion
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NRGene, a leader in agricultural big data genomic analysis, and The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT) are collaborating to generate the denovo genome assemblies of 20 tropical, subtropical, and highland maize genomes as part of CIMMYT’s collaborative Seeds of Discovery project (SeeD). They anticipate that this work will augment the existing temperate reference for maize and significantly enhance molecular research and breeding for tropical agro-ecologies.
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IRON Solutions provides market information, analytics-based intelligence and a cloud-based enterprise system to improve dealer and producer productivity. Coupled with Trimble's Connected Farm™ solution, IRON Solutions will enable improved real-time decisions for equipment fleets and more tightly link equipment, seed and chemical dealers to the grower through its ERP/CRM systems. Farmers, their equipment dealers and their agronomy advisors will now have one Connected Farm platform for collaboration on key investment and prescription decisions. IRON Solutions manages over 15 million data points annually from over 1,200 manufacturers and over 2,200 retail sources throughout North America.
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In the next 40 years, humans will need to produce more food than they did in the previous 10,000 put together. But with sprawling cities gobbling up arable land, agricultural productivity gains decreasing, and demand for biofuels increasing, supply is not keeping up with demand. Clever farmers, scientists and entrepreneurs are bursting with ideas. But they need money to make this jump.
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Presenting its much awaited policy priorities for 2015, the Commission also announced that it withdraws its proposal for a new EU seed law. The announcement came together with a larger package of legislative proposals that are axed as part of the Juncker promise of less and better regulation and a politically more ‘responsive’ Commission.
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Potato machinery manufacturer AVR has much to celebrate this year. This rapidly expanding family business is not only blowing out 165 candles this year but also introduced a brand-new machine: the Puma 3, a self-propelled four-row harvester.
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The European Commission has today approved the first three of 118 Rural Development Programmes (RDPs) aimed at improving the competitiveness of the EU farming sector, caring for the countryside and climate, and strengthening the economic and social fabric of rural communities in the period until 2020.
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Copa-Cogeca welcomed today EU Farm Ministers talks on the future of the dairy sector and outlined key ways to improve the drastic situation.
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New figures released by the EU statistical office Eurostat today predict a decline of 1.7% in EU farmers’ incomes in 2014.
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A drop in EU rapeseed production in 2015 was forecast at Copa-Cogeca oilseeds working party today as first results of the neonicotinoid seed treatment ban start to emerge.
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Karmenu Vella, the EU's Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, will present the Commission's proposals for fixing fishing opportunities for 2015 for the Atlantic, North Sea and Black Sea to the Agriculture and Fisheries Council on the 15th and 16th December.
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At Cargill’s new state-of-the-art cocoa processing facility in Gresik, Indonesia, employees focus on innovation to help customers succeed.
Jakarta, Indonesia, 10 December 2014 – Food and beverage manufacturers seeking to meet the growing demand amongst Asian consumers for chocolate and cocoa products will benefit from a greater availability of high quality cocoa powders following the inauguration of Cargill’s cocoa processing facility in Gresik, Indonesia.
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In a high-level debate on risks and opportunities arising from the EU/US free trade talks in European Parliament hosted by MEP Paolo de Castro this week, Copa-Cogeca and FoodDrink Europe, representing Europe’s agricultural and food manufacturing sectors, underlined that the talks can only be successful if red tape and unnecessary barriers to trade are abolished.
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Copa-Cogeca welcomed today the provisional agreement struck between European Parliament and European Council ensuring that there will be no cuts in EU farm spending next year which is crucial faced with the Russian crisis.
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The "Bayer’s Perspective on Innovation 2014" international press forum held in Leverkusen, Germany, was the venue for the launch of the company’s first bee health magazine, "BEENOW". The magazine presents Bayer’s efforts to unite partners from around the world, including research institutes and universities, beekeepers, farmers and industry partners, to jointly tackle the various challenges bees are facing.
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In a first meeting with new EU Agriculture Commissioner Hogan, EU farm leaders from across Europe welcomed his plans to simplify EU farm policy, and outlined areas where action is crucial.
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The members of AgriCord mobilize knowledge and means in order to advise farmers’ organisations and cooperatives around the globe on their development into strong defenders of the farmers’ interests and solvable businesses.
Echoing the Netherlands (co-founder), France, Belgium, Sweden, Finland and Canada, now also Spain and Germany join the network.
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At the invitation of Italian Minister of Agriculture Maurizio Martina, EU Ministers met in Sicily on 28 November 2014 accompanied by CEJA President Matteo Bartolini in order to discuss agriculture and food security in the Mediterranean region.
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Belgium has donated €5.8 million to support FAO activities that help protect agriculture-based livelihoods for food security and resilience in the face of natural disasters and human-induced crises.
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Donation helps protect agriculture livelihoods and paves way to strengthen resilience.
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The Ministry of Agriculture of Fiji has plans to source potato seed materials for the Red Pontiac variety from Australia as it continues its efforts to boost local production.
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First results from Farm Inc project to help farmers better market produce show experiential learning best way to help farmers understand marketing principles in the agricultural sector
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As the chilly temperatures spread across Europe, pig producers are urged to be vigilant with regard to biosecurity during the cold winter months in order to keep disease at bay. Last year in the United States (US) for example, the pig industry saw an immense spike in Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea virus (PEDv) cases.
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The Commission adopted on 24 November 2014 a regulation a regulation to reinstate monies that had been reduced from direct payments in 2014. EUR 868 million is to be reimbursed to farmers, following a regulation adopted by the Commission (published today in Official Journal).
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A new bird flu strain detected in Europe which is similar to strains reported to be circulating in 2014 in Asia poses a significant threat to the poultry sector, especially in low-resourced countries situated along the Black Sea and East Atlantic migratory routes of wild birds, FAO and the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) warned today.
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yesterday Arnold Schuler, the Provincial Agriculture Councilor, opened the 9th edition of Interpoma, the international trade show for the apple cultivation, storage and marketing, with 423 exhibitors coming from 20 different countries.
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The European Commission yesterday confirmed its intention to adopt a €28m support package for milk producers in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. This new package will be the latest in a series adopted by the European Commission in response to the Russian ban on the importation of certain EU agricultural products.
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On European Antibiotic Awareness Day, Copa-Cogeca highlighted the importance of tackling antimicrobial resistance warning it is a serious concern in the EU and worldwide and underlined its commitment to promoting amongst its members the concept of the responsible use of antimicrobials.
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Mansel Raymond, re-elected today as Chairman of Copa-Cogeca Milk Working Party, warned of the difficult market situation made worse by the Russian ban on EU farm exports and outlined ways to ensure there is a profitable sustainable dairy industry in the future.
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New Holland has significantly upgraded the T4 PowerStar™ series, which is the first in Europe to feature PM Cat (Particulate Matter Catalyst) technology for Tier 4B compliance. Showcased for the first time in Europe at Cereals 2014, it also benefits from Common Rail technology for lower fuel consumption and improved operating productivity and efficiency.
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Lactose from the factory will predominantly be sold into the vibrant infant nutrition sector. Among the products made at the facility will be Arla Foods Ingredients’ premium ‘dry blend’ lactose, which enables infant formula manufacturers to increase their output dramatically without compromising safety or requiring significant capital investment.
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Monsanto Co said on Wednesday it reached a settlement with U.S. wheat farmers who sued the seed company over market disruption after unapproved genetically engineered wheat was discovered growing without oversight in Oregon.
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The European Commission has today proposed an amendment to the rules on the adjustment of EU budget contributions from Member States. This comes after the current automatic system had this year led to a demand for exceptionally large additional payments from some countries.
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A neutral and internationally staffed commission of experts including farmers, that was appointed by DLG has awarded Gold Medals for six innovations and with Silver Medals for a further fifteen innovations on the basis of strict criteria.
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CEJA strongly welcomes the proposals put forward by the Italian Presidency at today’s Agriculture Council meeting on the subject of ‘Strengthening EU policies to support young farmers’. The barriers to access a career in farming, most importantly lack of access to land and credit, are also the barriers that stand in the way of a more innovative and sustainable European agricultural sector.
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Copa-Cogeca welcomed today as a step in the right direction EU Farm Ministers strong support to not cut EU agriculture expenditure next year.
They called for every effort to be made to ensure that sufficient funds are made available in the 2015 EU budget to aid farmers and agri-cooperatives hit severely by the Russian ban on EU farm exports.
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Numerous meetings will enliven the five days of the international agricultural mechanization exposition. Agencies, publishing houses and exhibiting industries are promoting gatherings and conferences on technical and policy issues of interest. More than one hundred appointments are on the calendar to confirm the Bologna review as not only a promotional and commercial event but also cultural
Young farmers, contractors, bioenergy, hydrogeological dissolution and international markets are only a few of the issues to be taken up during the 41st edition of EIMA International, the agricultural machinery exposition set for November 12 to 16 in the Bologna Trade Fair Center. The event, one of the world’s greatest in the field of technologies for the primary sector, is also stepping up as an occasion for meetings, conferences and discussions on the salient points of the agricultural economy, the environment, industrial policy, research and innovation as well as the rural society.
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A potato genetically engineered to reduce the amounts of a potentially harmful ingredient in French fries and potato chips has been approved for commercial planting, the Department of Agriculture announced on Friday.
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The November Agriculture and Fisheries Council will take place in Brussels on 10-11 November 2014 with the Commission represented for the first time by Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Karmenu Vella, Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Phil Hogan and Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, Vytenis Andriukaitis. A press conference will be held at the end of the discussions on Monday late afternoon (for Agriculture) and Tuesday lunchtime (Fisheries). The public debates and the press conferences can be followed by video streaming.
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Supported by the unique partnership between Potato Council and Scottish Government to boost export opportunities, senior officials from Cuba’s Agricultural Ministry and Plant Health section traveled to Scotland this month to meet officials from Scottish Government, SASA, Fera and Potato Council to view our seed potato industry at first hand and discuss revised import conditions for GB seed potatoes.
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Copa-Cogeca expressed serious disappointment today that the EU Commission suspended early on the first aid scheme designed to alleviate pressure on EU fruit and vegetable producers hit by the Russian ban on farm exports, warning only a fraction of the money allocated to the scheme last August is expected to have been spent. .
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The approach for financing the agriculture crisis measures following the Russian embargo is consistent with the budgetary rules, the political circumstances and the serious shortage of payments that we are facing.
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In a small army field-hut Dr Arjen de Vos shows off his irrigation machine with pride. Pipes lead out to several acres of muddy field, where only a few stragglers from the autumn harvest of potatoes, salads, carrots and onions are left. The tubes are lined with copper to stop corrosion because – in a move that defies everything we think we know about farming – de Vos is watering his plants with diluted sea water.
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Global demand for food is expected to increase by 70% by 2050, while a steep increase in biomass use will also put pressure on agriculture.
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Florimond Desprez, an independent family‐owned company, has acquired Germicopa, the leading French potato seed company and world leader in firm flesh potato varieties.
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Copa-Cogeca highlighted at a seminar this week how the EU biofuels sector is crucial for creating growth and jobs in EU rural areas, at the same time as reducing oil dependency, cutting greenhouse gas emissions, stabilising commodity markets and ensuring animal feed supplies.
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Copa-Cogeca welcomed today the outcome of a new report by the Stoiber Group on cutting red tape in Europe, stressing that the next phase must be to simplify and cut excessive administration under the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
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Copa-Cogeca released final EU-28 cereals estimates for the 2014/15 marketing year today, showing a bumper crop up 6.1% on last years levels.
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Aquaculture holds the promise of reducing the need to catch wild fish. Global demand for fish is increasing, putting many species in danger from overfishing. Fish farming, or aquaculture, is taking some of the pressure off these stocks – half of the fish consumed globally is now produced at fish farms. However, more could be done to make Europe’s aquaculture industry, which employs some 80 000 people, more efficient. By producing more fish in a sustainable, environmentally friendly way, fish farms could further reduce the pressure on Europe’s wild fish stocks.
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Farm Leaders from across Europe gathered in Brussels today and adopted a major declaration underlining the huge benefits of European Family Farms and Agri-Cooperatives in boosting EU economic growth, providing quality food, helping to feed the world and care for the environment.
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Copa-Cogeca called at EU Farm Ministers Informal meeting today for measures that benefit the environment at the same time as being economically viable in order to meet the needs of a growing world population set to rise by over 2 billion in less than 40 years.
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Hy-Care®: The best hygiene and perfect care by moveable pens.
The biggest challenges in pig production are to start each round with germ-free pens (HYgiene) and to give optimal care to the animals, without frequently entering the pens (Care). MS Schippers has Taken up this challenge with Hy-Care® as result.
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Around 3,000 farmers work 6,000 hectares in Veracruz, the west coast of Mexico, to grow potatoes (Solanum tuberosum). In recent decades, the fields of the Cofre de Perote area were affected by the presence of the golden nematode of potatoes (Globodera rostochiensis), also known as the yellow potato cyst nematode, a devastating plant pathogen, which reduced crop yields by more than 40 percent, leading to loss of income, loss of food and greater environmental strain due to making up the gap.
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Bayer CropScience is optimistic about the development perspectives of the agricultural markets and commits to invest significantly to deliver new solutions for sustainable agriculture. "We are convinced of the long-term growth potential of the agricultural markets despite increasing volatility," said Bayer CropScience CEO Liam Condon at the company’s annual press conference in Monheim, Germany. "We expect the worldwide market for agricultural inputs of crop protection products, seeds and traits to grow to around EUR 100 billion by 2020, up from EUR 50 billion in 2008", Condon forecasts.
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In Germany, the cultivation of starch potatoes is one of the most important production segments within the potato sector.
Although this year the area has once again decreased to only around 55,000 hectares country-wide, compared to the entire sector, the starch area still continues to represent more than one-fifth of the local potato market.
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HZPC, a world leader in potato breeding, has entered into an exclusive distribution agreement with Rungis, a specialist supplier of vegetables to fine dining restaurants and foodservice.
The agreement applies to the Netherlands and is limited to Perupas, HZPC's specialty category of colourful native potatoes.
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The all-important goal of safeguarding farmers’ health and protecting the environment is achieved at this Bayer ForwardFarm by means of proactive stewardship measures to protect the health of farmers and consumers, maintain biodiversity on the farm, and protect the environment.
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Bayer CropScience has inaugurated the first Bayer ForwardFarm in the Belgian town of Huldenberg. The "Hof ten Bosch" farm owned by Jan and Josse Peeters brings together farmers, scientists and academia, technology partners and other players throughout the value chain, politics and regulators, as well as consumers, with the goals of exchanging agricultural know-how and forming partnerships to jointly promote the important role of agriculture in society.
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Fine Gael's Phil Hogan has been confirmed as the European Union's Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development.
European Commission President-elect Jean-Claude Juncker announced the list of 28 new EU Commissioners this morning.
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Today the Commission adopted proposals on veterinary medicines and medicated feed, which aim to improve animal health and public health, as well as the internal market.
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In agricultural lands impacted by high salinity, smallholder farmers realized lower-than-average yields and reduced incomes. In these regions, improving food production and creating new opportunities for earning a livelihood are desperately needed.
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Bayer CropScience sees a positive long-term market development in North America and is committing significant resources to spur further growth. "We see future growth driven by increasing and sustained demand from customers for improved seeds and innovative crop protection products," said Bayer CropScience CEO Liam Condon at the official inauguration of the company’s new integrated R&D site in West Sacramento, California.
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On August 7, 2014, Russia announced the introduction of an import ban, applicable from August 8, on certain meat, dairy, fruit, vegetable and processed food products from the EU, USA, Canada, Australia and Norway. This memo is aimed at addressing the most Frequently Asked Questions relating to these measures.
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Cargill has agreed to purchase Archer Daniels Midland Company’s (NYSE: ADM) global chocolate business for $440 million. The acquisition is an excellent fit with Cargill’s existing chocolate business and brings together two organizations with strong talent, broad customer bases and extensive research and development capabilities.
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Europe’s largest live machinery demonstration in the potato sector in 2014 is ready for you here! The demonstration area has almost doubled by comparison with 2010.
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Hydrolysate is an important ingredient in products for infants with allergy and products designed for sports and clinical nutrition purposes.
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Following the Russian import ban on agricultural products from the EU, the European Council of Young Farmers has launched a social media campaign to urge people to buy and eat European perishable fruit and vegetables in an attempt to support farmers struggling with their decline in export sales following Russia’s import ban.
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The Yara Prize 2014 is being awarded to Professor Tekalign Mamo Assefa. Currently state minister and adviser to the Ethiopian Minister of Agriculture, Professor Mamo has long been a key contributor to the country’s food security, soil health and natural resources programs.
For 2014, the Yara Prize Committee has focused on the future of farming in Africa. Special attention has been given to food and nutrition security and the twin challenges of employment and income generation.
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Spanish farmers have dumped thousands of potatoes in front of Carrefour, a major supermarket chain, in response to a move to lower prices, further squeezing suppliers, in the wake of Russian sanctions on agricultural products from the EU.
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The organizer DLG (Deutsche Landwirtschafts-Gesellschaft – German Agricultural Society) reports excellent stand bookings for the international open-air exhibition “PotatoEurope” being held at the Rittergut Bockerode estate in Springe-Mittelrode near Hanover (Germany) on 3 and 4 September 2014. 220 exhibitors from 13 countries will be presenting a unique information programme covering all aspects of the potato world.
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Precise application of slurry and AD plant biodigestate, according to pre-determined crop nutrient requirements or legal limits, is now possible using near infrared (NIR) sensor technology.
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In the context of Russian restrictions on imports of EU agricultural products and following on from last week’s Management Committee meeting discussion of the market situation, the European Commission is moving as from today to introduce support measures for certain perishable fruits & vegetables.
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A unique information programme covering “all aspects of the potato world” awaits visitors to PotatoEurope on 3 and 4 September 2014 at the Rittergut Bockerode Estate in Springe-Mittelrode near Hanover. The top international event will provide potato professionals with important guidance on all questions from the fields of breeding, machinery and equipment for production and processing, as well as fertilizing, plant protection and potato cropping management. The machinery demonstrations taking place on both days of the event promise to be a special highlight at PotatoEurope 2014.
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The European potato market will continue to specialize further in future and there is a distinct trend towards large-scale farms according to the assessment by Jan Paul van Hoven, long-time President of the European Arable Farmers (EAF) at the pre-press conference of the “PotatoEurope” fair in Bernburg-Strenzfeld on 18 June 2014.
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In potatoes precision farming technologies may support nearly every part of the production. Which solution is helpful? Agricon, the German supplier for precision farming solutions, will answer this question at the Potato Europe. The side specific application of fertilizer and plant protection agents will be one of the main topics, besides the raise of quality in tillage.
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Tong Peal, the UK’s leading manufacturer of vegetable handling machinery, has taken screen grading technology to the next level with the launch of a new option on all models of its market leading EasyGrade screen grading modules, designed to increase efficiency and minimise downtime for farms and pack houses.
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A Florida-based potato farmer who recently won an award for his sustainable irrigation methods firmly believes all farmers should adopt the system for the good of the planet.
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Results from a survey carried out in nine Member States between January and March 2014 revealed that confidence in the agricultural sector (meat, vegetables, potatoes, ...) has been on an upward trend for the past year and a half (chart 1). However, substantial differences persist between countries and sectors
Piggybacking the gradual emergence of the overall economy from the recession and an upswing in internal demand, the agricultural sector also showed some signs of improvement at the beginning of the year.
For instance, in the first quarter of 2014, the gross value added of the primary sector in the EU-28 went up by 1.5% and the trade surplus of agri-food products increased compared to the last quarter of 2013.
The rise in farmers’ optimism however originated from a critical situation, which then saw agricultural prices recover and input costs improve. Fears remain that this recovery may be fragile and temporary. Indeed, preliminary results of more recent surveys show that farmers’ mood is down again.
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The Potato Demo Day is an easily accessible event.
The programme is implemented at limited costs and in cooperation with participating companies from the sector. Objective is to provide a forum where all people and companies that are active in the potato sector can get in touch with each other.
This attitude and approach have made the Potato Demo Day develop into the biennial meeting place of the potato sector! Approximately 6,500 people visited the last editions of the Potato Demo Day on the PPO site Westmaas.
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New Holland completed its TC combine range designed to deliver a dependable performance in varied crops and conditions, adding the new TC4.90 four strawwalker model which, just like the 5 strawwalker models launched in 2013, significantly increases output without compromising straw and sample quality.
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TheThe top event for potato professionals being held once again at the Rittergut Bockerode Estate in Springe-Mittelrode near Hanover on 3/4 September 2014 –170 exhibitors from twelve countries have already registered – 10,000 visitors from all over the world expected
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Modern agriculture places ever-changing demands upon farmers, managers and contractors, but a key constant is the need to manage equipment in the field as efficiently as possible to optimise utilisation and reduce downtime. New Holland PLM® Connect is a state-of-the-art communication system that can facilitate the control and supervision of equipment from a centralised office, allowing machine operation to be monitored and managed without the need to spend time travelling between separate operations. It is a flexible system, needing just a 12volt supply to enable it to work with all brands of equipment.
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New Holland has upgraded its mid-range combines, significantly increasing their capacity and performance. The CX5000 and CX6000 Elevation combines share the distinctive styling, high output levels and excellent performance of New Holland’s flagship combines. The range offers four basic models, two 5-strawwalker and two 6-strawwalker; two Laterale versions for sustained performance on steep slopes; and the CX5090 Elevation Hillside for combining in severe hillside conditions.
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In the last decade, both the number of organic farms and the area dedicated to organic farming have grown by 50% or more. Organic area in the EU increased by about 500 000 hectares per year.
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Did you know that plants (potatoes) and trees have a pulse? It’s true, plants expand, contract and experience stress in ways similar to the human heart. Phytech, an agri-tech company out of Israel, calls this pulse a “plantbeat” and says that understanding the plantbeat is the key to high-yield crop production..
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The Ferrero Group, one of the market leaders of the confectionery industry, continues to strengthen its presence in the hazelnut market in order to guarantee and further improve the quality of a leading raw material that gives a unique taste to many of its popular products, such as Nutella, Ferrero Rocher and Kinder Bueno.
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New results from Copa-Cogeca’s survey for the first quarter of 2014 show confidence amongst farmers in their economic situation has picked up slightly in the past year, mainly as a result of a slight recovery in EU farm prices and lower input costs and a gradual emergence from the economic recession.
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North Korea needs sustainable agriculture as much as it needs nuclear power to keep enemies at bay, which has led to a push for self-sufficient farming — but for it to succeed the country would have to sanction capitalist-style reforms
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EU Farm Ministers must agree on urgent measures to be taken in the EU dairy sector, so that EU producers can meet increasing demand for dairy products worldwide, forecast to rise 2.3% annually, Copa-Cogeca told Ministers today. Another breakdown in talks is not an option, Copa President Albert Jan Maat warned.
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European Commission and European Investment Bank (EIB) sign Memorandum of Understanding for co-operation in agriculture and rural development
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Copa-Cogeca welcomed today the start of a new joint European Undertaking on Bio-based Industries (BBI) designed to trigger investments and create a competitive market for bio-based products and materials sourced locally and “Made in Europe” and the launch of the first calls.
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The latest annual Rabobank survey of the world’s largest dairy companies highlights the giants of one of the world’s most valuable food sectors. The last 18 months have seen most of these players battle challenging conditions, with weak economies and supply constraints undermining sales growth in key markets.
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A total of €57 million of EU agricultural policy funds, unduly spent by Member States, is being claimed back by the European Commission today under the so-called clearance of accounts procedure. However, because some of these amounts have already been recovered from the Member States the financial impact of today's decision will be some €52 million.
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A report published today by the European Court of Auditors (ECA) reveals that the Commission did not adequately supervise Member States for the calculation of payment entitlements to EU farm support under the Single Payment Scheme in the period 2010-2012.
The distribution of the available support by the Member States was not always consistent with EU principles and policy objectives and the payment entitlements were sometimes incorrectly calculated."
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The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is the European Union's answer to the need for a decent standard of living for 12 million farmers and a stable, varied and safe food supply for its 500 million citizens.
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‘Everything of interest for farmers' will be on show during AgroTechniek Holland, the biggest outdoor agro event in the Netherlands held in Biddinghuizen from 10, up to and including 13 September. More than 3,000 agricultural machines of more than 450 brands will be presented by circa 260 manufacturers, importers and dealers during the third edition of this event.
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The last five years have been characterized by wide variations in milk producers' margins from one year to the next, the 2013 edition of the EU dairy farms report published today by the European Commission shows. Based on data from the Farm Accountancy Data Network (FADN), the report provides information on the margins of EU milk producers from 2004 to 2011, as well as estimates for 2012.
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Copa-Cogeca released new EU-28 cereals estimates for the 2014/15 marketing year today, showing a good crop this year, up 2.3% on last years levels.
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Copa-Cogeca released new EU-28 oilseeds and protein crop estimates for the 2014/15 marketing year today, showing a good rapeseed crop, close to the record at 22.18 million tonnes.
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The European Commission has published a decision today defining new rules for using the optional quality term "mountain product" for food products coming from mountain areas. This is the first optional quality term to be introduced, as provided under the 2012 "Quality Regulation" aimed at highlighting to consumers products which have an important added value, but are not covered under the other EU quality labels.
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Copa-Cogeca was disappointed today at the lack of decision amongst EU Farm Ministers to take measures to alleviate pressure on EU milk producers.
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The British arm of Canadian frozen food giant McCain Foods Limited has signed a deal with Tour de France organisers ASO.
McCain, the world's largest producer of french fries, will act as an official supplier of the Tour this year.
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The Agriculture and Fisheries Council meeting of March 2014 will take place in Luxembourg on 16th and 17th June 2014. The Commission will be represented by Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dacian Cioloş and Commissioner for Health, Tonio Borg.
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The European Commission has today published a report on the development of the dairy market situation and the operation of the 2012 "Milk Package". It describes the rather positive outlook for the dairy market, takes stock of the implementation of the provisions and possibilities of the "Milk Package" and outlines further considerations in view of the end of the quota system in 2015.
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Copa-Cogeca is one of the eight European stakeholders’ organisations that have signed today an agreement to participate in this EU Platform initiated by the European Commission. This platform aims to facilitate the dialogue between participants to solve conflicts arising from the presence of large carnivores that are the wolf, the brown bear, the Eurasian lynx and the wolverine.
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Fries, chips and flakes manufacturers are concerned over firm prices of potato, which has seen a jump owing to poor crop this year. Companies assure that an increase in retail price was unlikely to take place in the short run.
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A reluctance by so-called cooks to peel a spud is causing a crisis for Westcountry potato farmers, the first day of the Bath and West Show heard.
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USDA’s preliminary estimate of the May U.S. all-milk price, at $24.70/cwt., was down 60¢ from April, and the first month-to-month decline since July 2013. It compares to $19.70/cwt. in May 2014.
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CEJA Vice-Presidents Alan Jagoe and Matthias Daun, young dairy farmers themselves, attended the European Commission’s Milk Market Observatory’s first meeting of its Economic Board on 27 May 2014 in Brussels, Belgium in order to discuss developments on the milk market.
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Tauthors wish to express their gratitude towards DG AGRI for access to the Farm Accountancy Data Network (FADN). They also thank the Editor for his constructive comments that greatly improved this manuscript. This research was conducted in a project funded by a scholarship provided by the agency for Innovation by Science and Technology in Flanders. This paper was realized in the context of the International Agricultural Risk, Finance, and Insurance Conference, Beijing, China, 20-21 June 2012. The authors are grateful to the conference organizers for presenting this opportunity and the conference participants for the many fruitful discussions and their useful feedback.
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The European Commission has granted clearance under the EU Merger Regulation to the acquisition of joint control by Lantmännen ekonomisk förening of Sweden and Dansk Landbrugs Grovvareselskab over HaGe Polska of Poland.
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Copa-Cogeca welcomed in Brussels today the EU Commissions’ decision to withdraw the EU proposal for a soil directive stressing it would have resulted in far more costs than benefits.
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In a high-level meeting in Washington today, Copa-Cogeca warned of the logistical problems for exporting produce to the US like costly labeling and shipping rules, stressing that these barriers to trade must be overcome to ensure a successful outcome to the free trade talks between the EU and US.
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The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) have adopted revised guidelines to manage potato cyst nematode (PCN) that will support potato growers, help facilitate international trade, and maintain protection against the pest.
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Cargill announced today, at the Indonesia International Cocoa Conference, that by the end of this month it will begin cocoa processing tests at its state-of-the-art cocoa processing plant in Gresik, in the East-Java region of Indonesia.
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The Agriculture and Fisheries Council meeting of May 2014 will take place in Brussels on 19th May 2014. The Commission will be represented by Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dacian Cioloş, the Commissioner for Health, Tonio Borg. A press conference will be held in the afternoon at the end of the discussions.
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EU farm supply cooperatives play a key role in ensuring that their members have access to the best possible services and inputs vital to farm production at a competitive cost, Cogeca President Christian Pèes stressed at a Presidency business forum on the farm supply sector in Berlin today
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The Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (Bari) and Peru-based International Potato Centre (CIP) will introduce a late blight resistant potato for use in next season: Bari Potato - 46
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New measures to reduce European consumers' maximum levels of exposure to cadmium in chocolate and infant formula were today adopted by the European Commission.
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THE farming industry has paid tribute to Sir Ben Gill, the former NFU president, who has died following a long illness at the age of 64.
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Copa-Cogeca, together with 6 partner organisations, launched today the Farms Inc project designed to help farmers better market and brand their products and take advantage of the new market opportunities.
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One of the world's fastest growing food sectors, aquaculture accounts for about half of the fish eaten worldwide every year. Without fish farming there would not be enough fish to feed the world population. This would mean having to take more fish from our seas and jeopardising the long term sustainability of our wild fish stocks.
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Fish farming is healthy and can help tackle overfishing and protect wild fish stocks. That is the message to be delivered today by European Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Maria Damanaki, at a specially organised event at the Seafood Expo Global held in Brussels.
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At EU Farm Ministers informal meeting in Athens today, Copa-Cogeca drew attention to the wide diversity and quality of EU farm produce, stressing research and innovation is key to preserving it and developing it further.
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The European Commission has approved under the EU Merger Regulation the creation of a full-function joint venture, Agrimec Group B.V., between Agrifirm Group B.V. of the Netherlands and BayWa AG of Germany.
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Copa-Cogeca, together with 6 partner organisations, launched today the Farms Inc project designed to help farmers better market and brand their products and take advantage of the new market opportunities.
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A broad coalition of groups representing Europe’s agricultural and food business interests is calling for better and smarter policy-making that fosters innovation and creates jobs, ensuring that the EU agri-food chain becomes more productive and resource-efficient.
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Pakistan's Federal Minister for Finance Senator Ishaq Dar said on Monday the government will withdraw all levies and duties on potato import, if its prices in the local market are not brought down to less than Rs30 per kilogramme in the next 72 hours.
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Unilever has announced a third year of good progress on the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan, and an intention to expand further its sustainable living ambition to bring about broader change on a global scale.
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Children growing up on and near farms are always curious about the big heavy equipment that moves earth, the animals that graze the pasture land, and chemicals and fertilizers that can be worked into the soil to produce healthy plants. These three areas can also be potential sources of danger, which is why Simplot launched the Safety Days program.
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A new name – Adama, innovative packaging, a digital strategy and a new farmer centric approach were unveiled by Makhteshim Agan at a meeting with the leading distributors of agriculture products in Northern Europe. Addressing the meeting Han Rupert, General Manager of Adama Northern Europe, explained how these changes were further steps in the company’s transition to becoming a major global player and how the company will play its part in helping farmers meet the considerable challenge of feeding the world.
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The agri division of Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd, part of the $16.7 billion Mahindra Group, today signed a joint venture agreement in Chandigarh with Holland's HZPC, one of the leading innovative companies in the world in potato breeding, seed potato growing and seed potato trading to offer the best quality seed potatoes to farmers within and outside India.
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EP votes in favour of a strong position on plant health rules and lays ground for ambitious outcome in further discussions with Council
The quality, competitiveness and sustainability of the food production chain depends on healthy plants and in particular on the health of the planting material: the seed. Together with a number of business organisations along the agri-food chain, ESA had advocated to support the Commission’s original proposal which modernises and improves the EU’s plant health legislation.
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A new European Milk Market Observatory is being launched today by European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development Dacian Cioloş. In light of the end of the milk quota regime on 31 March 2015, the Observatory will strengthen the Commission’s capacity to monitor the dairy market and help the sector adapt to the new environment, after some 30 years under a quota regime.
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As researchers warn producers across the country not to underestimate the deceptive new strain currently dominating the late blight pathogen pool, Alberta potato growers are learning more about the enemy at their door. In the heart of Alberta’s processing potato country, Jake Schutter is prepared for the worst.
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Copa-Cogeca released the latest edition of it magazine today and manifesto for the upcoming European elections, setting out key priorities to ensure European farmers and cooperatives have a viable future and can meet upcoming challenges like growing world food demand.
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CEJA welcomes the decision of the EU Agriculture Ministers yesterday in Luxembourg on the set of Delegated Acts.
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Mahindra ShubhLabh Services, has entered into 60:40 joint venture with Univeg to establish supply chain for fresh fruit produce.
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Copa-Cogeca welcomed today EU Farm Ministers decision on the delegated acts for the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), stressing it will enable farmers to get on with their production plans for the upcoming season. Farmers cannot decide what to sow for the next season until they have clear rules in place, Copa-Cogeca Secretary-General Pekka Pesonen said.
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The association of Bocuse d’Or Winners will attend Bocuse d’Or Europe 7-8 May 2014, with about 20 chefs.
Chefs will also take part in the competition itself by playing an active role as: jury members (tasting and kitchen), technical advisers, coaches… and even as a candidate: Tommy Myllymäki (Sweden) who will compete for the second time.
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Bayer CropScience and Targenomix GmbH, Potsdam, a spin-off of the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, have entered into a five-year research collaboration to develop and apply systems biology approaches for the exploration of metabolic and regulatory networks in plants.
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New figures for the EU beef sector discussed by Copa-Cogeca this week show a difficult market situation, with farmers been squeezed by a sharp drop in EU beef prices combined with rising production costs.
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Cooperation between FAO and the EU reached a peak with the €1 billion EU Food Facility; the EU’s quick and massive response to rising food prices, set up in 2008.
A report published in 2013 on the Food Facility showed that in three years, it had improved the lives of over 59 million people in 49 countries, and provided indirect support for 93 million others (by for instance enabling people to benefit from increased opportunities for trade in the area, and to learn improved skills from neighbouring farmers). The report also showed that the €1 billion facility has led to the vaccination of over 44.6 million livestock, and helped to train 1.5 million people in agricultural production.
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As well as robots, drones, or unmanned aerial systems (UAS), will also feature heavily during the DLG Field Days.
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New Holland launched a new application for iPad and Android tablets, Farming News by New Holland Agriculture, developed specifically for farmers and others with an interest in agricultural topics. The app, now launched in the UK and the Republic of Ireland, meets the high demand for news aggregators and is unique in that it specialises in news tailored for the agricultural world. It will subsequently be extended to other countries and languages.
By making it easy to follow all the news from the agricultural world in one place and share interesting news items through the main social networks or by email, Farming News by New Holland aims to become the go-to app for farmers to start their day.
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European Commissioner for Health, Tonio Borg, will open a conference for better bee health in Europe on 7 April, in Brussels. The conference will provide an opportunity to present numerous strands of work across the EU in response to concerns in recent years for bee health and bee colony losses.
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target of 10 percent growth in the agriculture sector, the Sri Lankan government says it aims at achieving national food security, ensuring a reasonable price for agricultural products and creating an uninterrupted access to competitive markets both in Sri Lanka and abroad for value added agricultural products.
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Copa-Cogeca welcomed today the election of Peter Kendall from the UK as new President of the World Farmers Organisation for a two year term. He will replace Robert Carlson.
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European dairy produce cooperatives Eupener Genossenschaftsmolkerei Walhorn (EGM Walhorn) and Arla Foods Amba ARLAF.UL announced on Monday they intend to merge.
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Australian Potato shoppers are spitting chips over the rising cost of washed potatoes amid reduced supplies.
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Afghanistan would be self-sufficient in potato if proper cultivation and storage strategies were introduced in central Bamyan province, according to an official.
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Asaja, co-partnered by Copa-Cogeca and Ecpa, held a major cocktail reception in European Parliament today for the launch of a photo exhibition on the new Common Agricultural Policy 2014-2020: Future for farmers, future for society and outlined priorities for the future.
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Organic production is a system of farm management and food production that combines best environmental practices, a high level of biodiversity, the preservation of natural resources and the application of high production standards in line with the demand of a growing number of consumers for products produced using natural substances and processes. Organic production thus plays a dual societal role, where it, on the one hand, provides for a specific market responding to consumer demand for organic products and, on the other hand, delivers publicly available goods contributing to the protection of the environment, as well as to rural development.
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The European Commission has published new proposals for a new Regulation on organic production and the labelling of organic products. Consumer and producer concerns are at the heart of this new proposal, which seeks to address shortcomings of the current system. The EU organic market has quadrupled in size over the last 10 years and rules need to be updated and adjusted so that the sector can further develop and respond to future challenges.
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Reacting to new EU Commission proposals on organic production and labeling, Copa-Cogeca stressed that they must be based on the success of current EU legislation and must allow EU organic production to continue to develop.
The EU organic sector is one of the fast growing agricultural sectors.
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In a high-level meeting with the Greek Presidency, Copa-Cogeca outlined key demands on the delegated acts for the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), warning that greening measures under reform must not result in additional set-aside and that the political deal on reform struck last summer must be stuck to.
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DuPont Pioneer, the agricultural seed unit of DuPont, said on Thursday it was launching a suite of "whole-farm decision" services aimed at boosting crop productivity, a line of business many in the agricultural sector are racing to offer.
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Potato growers are being urged to review their acreages and marketing plans for the coming season. A weak market has meant a relatively high carry-over of stocks into 2014, as growers held on in the hope of higher prices.
However, retailers have kept prices high, a strategy that has also suppressed demand.
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The Agriculture and Fisheries Council meeting of March 2014 will take place in Brussels on 24th March 2014. The Commission will be represented by Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Maria Damanaki, and the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dacian Cioloş and Commissioner for Health, Tonio Borg.
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The European and Chinese wine industries, respectively represented by CEEV and CADA, have reached an agreement which will lead to the termination of the Chinese investigations into European wine exports initiated in July 2013 and will provide the basis for technical cooperation and exchanges planned for the next two years.
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EU Member States experts meeting yesterday at the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health endorsed revised control measures following the confirmation of African swine fever (ASF) cases in wild boar in Lithuania and Poland.
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At the end of December 2013 the Basic Regulations for the reformed Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) were published in the Official Journal, following their adoption by the European Parliament (EP) and the Council. This includes the regulations i) on Direct Payments, ii) the Common Market Organisation (CMO), iii) Rural Development and, iv) a Horizontal Regulation on the financing, management and monitoring of the CAP.
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A report published today by the European Court of Auditors (ECA) reveals that the results of the checks of agricultural expenditure carried out by Member States and reported to the Commission are not reliable. The Commission uses this information to estimate residual error rates which is presented to the European Parliament and the Council in the context of the discharge procedure.
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The European Commission adopted today the first package of delegated acts for the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) aiming at making the CAP fairer, greener and more targeted. Those texts supplement the four basic acts adopted on 13 December 2013 by the European Parliament and the Council for the reform of the CAP.
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Genetics, farm audits, government regulations, milk quotas, greenhouse gases, branding to the millennial consumer, employee training... every topic on the farm will be explored during The Three Pillars of Modern Farming: Genetics, Management, and Nutrition session at the “What If,” 30th Annual Alltech International Symposium. The event in Lexington, Ky., USA, from May 18-21 will ask farmers to consider opportunities outside the farm gate and explore the latest prospects for efficiency and profitability.
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Reacting to the EU Commission report on implementation of the EU Fruit and Vegetable regime, Copa-Cogeca stressed today that it shows the system works well and that producer organisations like cooperatives, must be encouraged to enable farmers to get a better return for their produce and to add value to it.
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Manitoba potato farmers could face steeper cuts in contracted potato production unless they can become more cost competitive with other areas of North America, a senior official with McCain Foods says.
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Following a debate in plenary on Monday, the European Parliament today formally concluded its first reading of the Commission’s proposal for a modernisation of the EU’s seed law without putting forward any concrete amendments.
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Over three-quarters (77 %) of Europeans believe the common agricultural policy (CAP) benefits all EU citizens and over 90 % support the main trends of the new CAP, such as making aid fairer and more targeted (92 %) and linking the granting of aid to farmers to adhering to environmentally-friendly farming practices ('greening', 91 %). These are the main conclusions of the Eurobarometer survey on the CAP published today by the Commission.
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Alejandra Arce, a Ph.D. student in the Genetic Resource Program in collaboration with the Social Sciences and Health Program of the International Potato Center (CIP), was awarded second prize in the Third Research Contest for Adaptation to Climate Change in Peru, for her research study “Adaptation to Climate Change in Potato Seed Systems: Two Case Studies in the Central Andes of Peru”.
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The last twenty years has brought unprecedented developments to Chinese agriculture, but it has also brought challenges that shook the whole food chain in recent years leading to an undermining of consumer confidence.
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CEJA, the European Council of Young Farmers, has adopted the Helsinki Declaration with an overwhelming majority at a Working Group following the MTK Seminar in Finland. The Declaration is the latest concrete CEJA policy document outlining the challenges facing young people attempting to enter the agricultural sector and the best ways to overcome them.
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Potato growers from throughout Washington state visited the state’s capital this week as part of the annual Potato Day event held in Olympia, Washington.
Potato growers took the opportunity to meet with legislators and agency officials to discuss issues impacting the state’s potato industry.
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Copa-Cogeca criticises MEPs vote to impose on farmers fees for inspection costs and to reduce the scope of official controls
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The Commission adopted a report earlier this week concluding that there is a need to create a €350.000 European fund for minor uses of pesticides.
Minor uses of pesticides (plant protection products) are uses on certain niche crops with a high economic value but are not considered as having enough marketing potential to be worth investment.
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The proportion of farmers receiving low amounts of direct payments decreased in 2012 relative to 2011, and the average amount of support paid to farmers as direct payments increased, particularly in the Member States that joined the EU in 2004 and 2007.
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Sustained heavy rain and poor weather conditions has put the planting of Jersey Royal potatoes on hold.
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Potatoes bred to make great potato chips were the feature attraction at the annual unveiling of new potato varieties at the federal Potato Research Centre in Fredericton this week.
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In 2013, according to Agrievolution Alliance estimates, the global market for agricultural tractors grew by 10 per cent to 2,150,000 units.
This high number of new tractors sold represents a great step towards increased mechanization on the farm throughout various world regions - one of the core objectives of the Agrievolution Alliance.
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Thousands of honey bees in Australia are being fitted with tiny sensors as part of a world-first research program to monitor the insects and their environment using a technique known as 'swarm sensing'.
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This Executive Summary focuses on the highlights of ISAAA Brief 46, details of which are presented and discussed in the full Brief, “Global Status of Commercialized Biotech/GM Crops: 2013”.
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The Agriculture and Fisheries Council meeting of February 2014 will take place in Brussels on 17th February 2014. The Commission will be represented by Commissioner for Health Commissioner Tonio Borg and Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dacian Cioloş. There are no Fisheries points at the agenda of the Council. A press conference will be held at the end of the meeting, around 19.30.
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ESA takes note of the AGRI Committee’s decision to reject the Commission proposal on the production and making available on the market of Plant Reproductive Material. Over the past few weeks, there has been growing support for this position because of the very little time left before the end of this parliamentary term to finalise a position in first reading, the large number of delegated acts foreseen in the proposal, and the very technical nature of the file.
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Europeans care deeply about the ethical treatment of animals and the EU is a world leader in developing and applying legislation to improve animal welfare. Although the EU Treaty recognises animals as sentient beings, animal welfare laws are meaningless without the commitment of farmers, veterinarians, transporters, public enforcement officers, retailers, researchers, educators and citizens. Ensuring the welfare of animals from farm to fork is everyone’s responsibility and the EU supports many innovative programmes for the improvement of animal care.
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The Commission will mark the mid-point of the EU Strategy for the Protection and Welfare of Animals 2012-2015 at a conference in Brussels tomorrow. The event will bring together key stakeholders to review the achievements of the strategy to date, and to identify remaining challenges. Government authorities, non-governmental organisations and those who work with animals every day will have the opportunity to discuss practical issues related to animal welfare and identify key areas for action to improve animal conditions for the strategy’s remaining term and beyond.
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HZPC's Colourful Perupas come in six types: Magenta Love, Double fun, Violet Queen, Blue Star, Violetta and Anya
Last week, at the Fruit Logistica in Berlin, HZPC launched their new vegetable: Colourful Perupas! Colourful and tasty tubers with a WOW! feeling.
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Bob Vernon, an Agriculture Canada scientist, spoke to about 300 farmers on Prince Edward Island on wireworm, a pest he's been researching for 20 years.
The tiny pest burrows into crops and leaves holes that make them unmarketable.
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McCain Foods agriculture director John Jackson in Australia has admitted the company’s relationship with the region’s potato growers has been damaged in recent years.
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At the 2014 Fruit Logistica event, being held in Berlin from 5-7 February, DuPont Food Chain Manager for the EMEA region, Mr Luigi Coffano, highlighted the challenges faced by a world population that is growing by 150,000 people every day and said that better collaboration throughout the food chain is essential to ensure food security.
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Young farmers and ranchers shared their view of the industry last weekend, identifying trends they’re most excited about as well as areas of concern.
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CEJA, the European Council of Young Farmers, is the lead dissemination partner for the project MULTIFARM_EU, alongside Granaforma.
The project was launched yesterday evening at a press conference in Brussels, Belgium, in the CEJA offices, on the occasion of the Second European Young Farmers’ Congress in the European Parliament.
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New industry data shows that New Zealand dairy farmers were successfully bucking a long-term trend of declining dairy cow fertility.
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“The major troubles faced by the potato producers in Bulgaria were connected with irrigation,” said Ventsislav Kaymakanov, chairperson of the National Association of Potato Producers, said speaking for FOCUS News Agency.
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The continued accumulation of heavy frost on plants for the past few days is feared to have damaged 75% of the tomato crop in the district of Karnal, while potato growers may have suffered losses over 20%.
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Yesterday, the European Parliament’s Committee for Agriculture adopted with a broad majority on an own-initiative report on plant breeding, looking at options and recommendations to improve crop quality and yields in Europe and highlighting the major issues facing Europe’s farmers and breeders in guaranteeing food security for Europe’s 500 million consumers and a growing world population. ESA European Seed Association welcomes this initiative as an opportunity for an informed and constructive debate on the value and role of plant breeding in modern societies.
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Prince Edward Island Potato Packer W.P. Griffin will get a combined investment of $372,490 from the provincial and federal governments to purchase new weighing and bagging equipment.
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Farmers and seed cooperative leaders from across the EU gathered in Brussels today to discuss details of the EU Commision proposal for a new seed law for Europe.
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Jenifer Huang McBeath of the University of Alaska Fairbanks has been researching biological controls and developing environmentally friendly methods for farmers to combat plant diseases since 1985.
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Export of fresh potato crop from Pakistan has started and the volumes are likely to expand because of increased estimated output and strong foreign demand.
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UTZ certified cocoa, coffee and tea farms generate higher yields and better quality crops than conventional farms, and being trained in the UTZ Code of Conduct helps farmers to improve their knowledge and adopt sustainable farming practices. As a result, farmers can generate more income and create better opportunities while safeguarding the environment. These are the main findings presented in the UTZ Impact Report launched today.
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The International Potato Technology Expo (IPTE) returns to the Eastlink Centre (formerly known as the Charlottetown Civic Centre) on February 21-22, 2014. This popular event has been running biennial in Charlottetown since 1992.
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Copa-Cogeca highlighted the major benefits of biofuels for the environment, for the economy, for animal feed, for growth and jobs in EU rural areas and called for a consistant EU policy at a major conference in the auspices of Berlin Green Week today. Copa-Cogeca warned that if the EU cuts its biofuel targets it will fail to meet its EU energy and climate change goals.
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Bayer CropScience is committed to helping raise agricultural productivity in Africa by giving smallholder farmers access to innovations and knowledge, said Marc Reichardt, Member of the Executive Committee of Bayer CropScience and Head of Agricultural Commercial Operations, at the 3rd AGCO Africa Summit in Berlin, Germany.
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Cargill today reported net earnings of $556 million in the fiscal 2014 second quarter ended Nov. 30, up 36 percent from $409 million in the year-ago period. First-half earnings were $1.13 billion, down 19 percent from $1.38 billion a year ago. Second-quarter revenues decreased 7 percent to $32.9 billion, which brought first-half revenues to $66.7 billion.
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The mashed potatoes or latkes that enhance your holiday feast have taken a long path from tuber to table – in many cases, several years.
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CEJA, the European Council of Young Farmers, welcomes the United Nations’ (UN) initiative of making 2014 the International Year of Family Farming and commits to contributing to the promotion of family farming and raising awareness of its role in the world throughout the coming year.
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The European Commission has approved under the EU Merger Regulation the acquisition of a controlling stake in team AG of Germany by DLG a.m.b.a. of Denmark.
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The 4 basic EU regulations of the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) have been published in the Official Journal.
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Copa-Cogeca released final EU-27 cereals estimates for the 2013/14 marketing year today, confirming a good 2013 grain harvest and quality, up 4.5% on last years levels.
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It is an essential part of the annual Christmas dinner, if also one of Britons' least favourite vegetables. But the much-maligned sprout is under surprise attack this year on the eve of the festive season – from hordes of hungry wood pigeons.
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Copa-Cogeca welcomed today EU Farm Ministers approval of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) reform package and urged them to ensure implementation rules will not add to farmers costs or increase red tape.
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New rules to modernise and harmonise quality and health requirements for the marketing of seed potatoes were endorsed today by experts meeting in the Standing Committee for Seeds and Propagating Material. The new harmonised requirements reflect recent technical developments in seed potato production, a sector with a total annual value of 1bn euros.
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On 16 December 2013, CEJA, the European Council of Young Farmers, held a working group in Brussels on the subject of family farming and the implementation of the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
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New estimates released by the EU Statistical Office Eurostat today reveal EU farm incomes for 2013 are on average down 1.3% on last year’s levelsin real terms, mainly as a result of rising input costs.
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Copa-Cogeca welcomed today EU Farm Ministers approval of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) reform package and urged them to ensure implementation rules will not add to farmers costs or increase red tape.
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The Agriculture and Fisheries Council meeting of December 2013 will take place in Brussels on 16-17th December 2013. The Commission will be represented by Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Maria Damanaki, Health Commissioner Tonio Borg, and Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dacian Cioloş. A press conference on agriculture points will be held at the end of the discussions on Monday around midday and on fisheries points at the end of the Council meeting.
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Copa-Cogeca outlined at a major conference organised by FAO today key measures needed to ensure family farms can meet growing world food demand expected to climb by 60% by 2050.
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Copa-Cogeca welcomed today the release of the new EU Research Work Programme 2014-2015 under Horizon 2020 and the launch of first calls for research projects. The programme will allow farmers and agri-cooperatives to participate and be fully engaged in all project phases, making a vital contribution to the research and innovation agenda.
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Romania signed an agreement to export 0.5mn young cows of local breed [Baltata Romaneasca] to China, government officials announced. The cows will be exported over the next ten years.
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Half of the world's pigs are in China but the country needs to improve pig genetics.
Britain has won the right to export pig semen to China in a deal worth £45m a year.
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Copa-Cogeca welcomed today the “mini package” agreed in Bali in the world trade talks, stressing its commitment to the multilateral trade process and welcoming the progress made after years of standstill.
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The European Commission has published today a report exploring the possibilities of adopting a local farming and direct sales labelling scheme in the future, as requested by the current legislation on quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs .
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Bayer CropScience announced today it entered into an agreement to purchase the start-up company FN Semillas S.A. based in Buenos Aires, Argentina. FN Semillas S.A. specializes in the breeding, production and marketing of improved soybean seeds in Argentina.
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At a major workshop “A fair food chain for all” held in European Parliament today, Copa-Cogeca stressed the need for fair practices all along the food chain, to the benefit of everyone. We need a system consisting of voluntary codes of good practice backed up by legislation to guarantee the anonymity of complainants and to ensure sanctions enforced by an ajudicator, Copa-Cogeca said.
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Farmers from across the world united in Bali today calling on negotiators to agree on a “mini package” in the world trade talks which ensures a fair and balanced deal for farmers and agri-cooperatives.
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Kenya is betting on new varieties of potatoes to boost production and meet surging demand for fast foods by an expanding middle class.
Under a bilateral deal with lead potato seed producer the Netherlands, the government has cleared four new potato seed varieties for use by local farmers.
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The manufacturers of tractors and agricultural machines are satisfied with their current business situation. The Agrievolution Alliance, a global network of the leading agricultural machinery associations, presented the 8th edition of its representative survey among manufacturers and importers of machines. According to this enquiry, every second company describes the business situation to be “good“ or “very good”.
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Yara International ASA has entered into an agreement to acquire OFD Holding Inc. (OFD) from Omimex Resources Inc., for an enterprise value of USD 425 million. The acquired business comprises production facilities in Colombia and distribution companies across Latin America.
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A report published today by the European Court of Auditors (ECA) reveals that there is insufficient evidence in the Member States that the measures introduced under Article 68 are necessary or relevant
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We tend to think of livestock farmers as "one man and his dog," but if AgResearch of New Zealand has anything to say, that pair may have to move over to include a robot. A team led by Dr. Andrew Manderson is developing AgriRover, an agricultural robot inspired by NASA’s Mars rovers. It’s a proof-of-concept prototype designed to show how robots can make life easier and more productive for livestock farmers.
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“I welcome today's vote by the European Parliament on the reform of the Common Agriculture Policy. This is an important day for European farmers, but also for all EU citizens concerned about the quality of their food and the sustainability of agricultural production methods. The reformed CAP will be better balanced between farmers, regions and Member States, with a special focus on young farmers. It will promote a competitive agricultural sector in Europe enhancing farmer's organisations, innovation and investments. It will be better targeted helping farmers in implementing concrete actions to fight against climate change, biodiversity loss and to increase water and soil quality. Now I look forward to the Council’s formal adoption of the legislative package. In the coming weeks, the European Commission will continue working on delegated acts working closely with experts from the Member States and the European Parliament to insure an efficient and smooth implementation of the political agreement.”
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Questions & Answers: Reform of the policy on information and promotion measures for agricultural products on the internal market and in third countries: the Commission adopts a legislative proposal for a new regulation
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The European Commission today presented a draft reform of the information and promotion policy for European agricultural and food products. This new promotion policy, which benefits from a more substantial budget and will in the future be supported by a European executive agency, is intended to act as key for opening up new markets. With the slogan 'Enjoy, it´s from Europe', the policy aims to help the sector's professionals break into international markets and make consumers more aware of the efforts made by European farmers to provide quality products, based on a genuine strategy established at European level.
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It’s been a busy week for raw milk!
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New Holland has added three new models to its exclusive Blue Power range. The five model line-up features premium finishing and represents the pinnacle of tractor performance and comfort. The series has been designed especially for farmers and contractors who are looking to own a distinctively luxurious tractor.
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On 14 November 2013, CEJA, the European Council of Young Farmers, held a working group on the subject of “Innovation in Agriculture: Young Farmers are the Future” at Agritechnica in Hannover, Germany – the biggest agricultural machinery fair in the world. The working group, attended by 50 young farmers from across Europe, followed an announcement made earlier on in the week launching a new partnership between CEJA and Massey Ferguson.
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In a strategic move to engage in agricultural water use efficiency, Yara has acquired the German water sensor company ZIM Plant Technology GmbH.
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“Agritechnica 2013 has impressively demonstrated the growing global significance of agriculture and agricultural machinery and equipment. With 2,898 exhibitors and some 450,000 visitors, including 112,000 from outside Germany, the fair has grown yet again.” These were the words of Dr. Reinhard Grandke, CEO of the organizer DLG (Deutsche Landwirtschafts-Gesellschaft / German Agricultural Society) at the close of Agritechnica, the international fair for agricultural machinery and equipment. The mood among exhibitors and visitors is positive. It is reflected in a high tendency to invest.
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A survey1 published by the European Commission today reveals a decrease in antibiotic use in humans since 2009 and growing public awareness that antibiotics do not kill viruses.
However, this positive news is overshadowed by data released in parallel by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) showing a marked increase in Europe of multi-drug resistant Gram-negative bacteria resistant to the carbapenems – last-line antibiotics used to treat healthcare associated infections.
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A farm worker who became trapped in a potato sorting machine has been left with "extremely serious" arm injuries.
Paramedics worked for over two hours to free the Polish national from the unit at Mercer Farming in Barton-under-Needwood, Staffordshire on Tuesday.
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The topic of diesel efficiency has only become an increasing focus for farmers in recent decades, following earlier decades of concentrating above all on timely and high quality performance of work with modern agricultural machinery and equipment.
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This is confirmed once again by the figures for this year's event. With around 2,900 exhibitors from 47 countries, the organizer DLG yet again reports an increase in the number of exhibitors.
This is some seven percent higher than at the last event in 2011.
At the same time the exhibition floor space has increased by approx. 11 percent to a good 42 hectares.
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New Holland Agriculture, as part of CNH Industrial, and together with the automobile brands of Fiat S.p.A., is an official global partner of World Expo Milano 2015, alongside seven other leading global companies.
New Holland Agriculture will take centre stage with its own Sustainable Farm pavilion, embodying the brand’s industry-leading commitment to sustainable farming.
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New Holland’s Clean Energy Leader® strategy perfectly reflects modern agriculture.
Since 2006, this commitment has been the driver for the development of numerous pioneering initiatives, built, created, shaped around the needs of farmers themselves, the machinery they use and the impact this has on the final consumers of their products, the world’s population.
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New Holland’s acclaimed range of Twin Rotor™ CR combines have been further upgraded to deliver significant improvements in already benchmark harvesting performance. The CR range’s industry-leading grain and straw quality is now complemented by an impressive 10% to 15% capacity increase, and enhanced operating flexibility in all crops. The CR has delivered unsurpassed harvesting performance to the world’s farmers for over 35 years, and is still the default choice for harvesting professionals.
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In the highly competitive world of modern agriculture, farmers and contractors need to carefully control all input costs to maximise profitability and productivity. Following customer consultation, New Holland has developed the Precision Land Management cost savings calculator app. This enables users to calculate the potential cost savings different Precision Land Management (PLM®) solutions could bring. In addition, the Return on Investment is easily calculated using the intuitive app.
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New Holland has added three new models to its exclusive Blue Power range. The five model line-up features premium finishing and represents the pinnacle of tractor performance and comfort. The series has been designed especially for farmers and contractors who are looking to own a distinctively luxurious tractor.
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New Holland Agriculture has reached the impressive production milestone of 50,000 TC conventional combines. This achievement will be celebrated in Plock, Poland, home of the TC in Europe, and in Curitiba, Brazil, the Latin American manufacturing plant later this month.
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South African farmer Ralf Küsel has won a trip for two to Agritechnica 2013. The competition, which has been organised by the DLG, was open to South African farmers and visitors attending the Nampo Harvest Show held in South Africa earlier this year.
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Every two years Agritechnica welcomes farmers from all over the world to the Hanover Exhibition Grounds. Many will have grown up on family farms and taken over successful businesses, while others will have been introduced to the sector through education and taken on management roles in the industry.
A few, however, will be first-generation farmers that have started and built their own businesses. They have proved passionate about following their dreams and have overcome all obstacles and challenges that got in the way of achieving them.
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Around 400,000 people, approximately 14% of the UK workforce currently works in the food production and manufacturing sector, making it the UK’s second largest employer.
However, despite available jobs and rising unemployment amongst graduates, in recent years the number of students entering the Fresh Produce sector has steadily declined.
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The recently published LEI/WUR report ‘The value chain for seed and ware potatoes in Kenya’ emphasises the importance of conditioned storage for the continuous availability of certified seed potatoes.
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The Maine Potato Board has announced that Sara Corey of Monticello has been selected as the 2013 Young Farmer of the Year.
Sara, 23, is the first woman to be chosen for this recognition and is also the youngest recipient of the honor.
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There has never been a more exciting time to be in the agricultural industry. A growing population, which by 2050 is expected to have reached 9bn, alongside cutting edge technology, growing globalisation and a changing climate makes this industry one of the most promising, and challenging, for the farmers of tomorrow.
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Following its successful introduction at Agritechnica 2011, the Smart Farming special feature will return at this year’s event.
The aim of this feature is still to help farmers manage their farming operations in the most efficient way, but the focus has been widened so that it now includes engineering solutions that make farm machinery more effective as well as high-tech monitoring and control systems.
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Canadian farmers are in a pickle. They’ve become worryingly dependent on American and European seeds.
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On 29 October 2013, the President of the European Council of Young Farmers, Matteo Bartolini, addressed a high-level conference organised by the European Environmental Bureau (EEB) in Brussels, Belgium. The conference, entitled “From a grey deal to a green implementation of the future CAP?” focused on the rolling out of the greening measures and recommendations for biodiversity-friendly Rural Development policy post 2013. The CEJA President spoke on the panel focusing on the final Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) deal, and underlined the importance of young farmers in the environmental sustainability debate in agriculture.
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• Outstanding performance: up to 9.1 metre lift height and up to 4,200kg lift capacity
• Exceptional comfort: best-in-class visibility, ergonomic controls and operator comfort
• Efficient road transport: automatic gear shifting on Elite models and improved traction
• Improved operational flexibility: superior rigidity and enhanced front attachment performance
• Easy maintenance: unique under-hood configuration for swift daily maintenance
• User friendly boom pads system: easy to adjust to reduce costly downtime
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The Commission, the Council and the European Parliament (EP) have reached a political agreement on the reform of the Common Agriculture Policy – subject to formal approval by the Council and the EP as a 1st reading Agreement. Most elements were agreed in trilogue on June 26, and the last remaining issues (linked to the Multi-Annual Financial framework package) were finalised on September 24.
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• Ground-breaking Opti-Speed™ strawwalkers: up to 10% higher productivity
• Innovative Cornrower header: one-pass swathing reduces operating costs and improves bale density by up to 15%
• Harvesting innovations maximise sustainable food and energy production
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Potato prices have almost doubled in most parts of India over the past one week. While most states are yet to take steps to check the spike in prices, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee has called a meeting on October 30 to review the situation.
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Australian minister for the Environment, the Hon. Greg Hunt MP, has launched the new EnviroVeg smartphone app for farmers, to help them manage their land sustainably.
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The average farm size in the EU has increased by 3.8% per year in recent years, and the standard economic output has increased by 5.2% per year, according to the latest EU Agricultural Economics Brief published today by the European Commission.
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Breeders Trust, an organisation set up by seed potato companies to enforce proper contributions by farmers for use of proprietary potato varieties, has sued two Belgian Farmers for infraction of breeders rights of the potato varieties Agria, Asterix, Fontane and Innovator.
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Water pollution caused by nitrates has decreased in Europe over the past two decades, but agricultural pressures are still putting water resources under strain.
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ESA European Seed Association ended its 2013 Annual Meeting in Warsaw on Tuesday evening.
With more than 850 participants from Europe as well as an increasing number of delegates from other parts of the world, the Congress marked yet another all-time record for the association.
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On 27 September 2013, EDA organised its annual World Dairy Forum in Cologne, Germany. This year’s forum was entirely dedicated to dairy sustainability and its economic, social and environmental aspects. Mr. Michel Nalet, President of the European Dairy Association, opened the session and said he hoped to gain answers to three important questions: First, ‘How should we measure and communicate about sustainability?’; second, ‘What are the economic, social and environmental aspects of a sustainable dairy?’; and last, ‘What qualifies as dairy sustainability?’.
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The Amending Letter No 2 to the 2014 draft budget updates the estimates for agricultural expenditure in the 2014 draft budget and allows the Commission to make a separate proposal to the Council to adapt the rate of Financial Discipline foreseen for this year’s Direct Payments within the Common Agriculture Policy – to apply a rate of 2.45% [2.453658%], rather than the rate of 4.00% [4.001079%] previously introduced (see DN 10.10.13).
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Forum for professional rice growers from all over the world – From soil preparation, seeding and water management to crop management, harvesting and conditioning of the crop – Information in Hall 17 at the Exhibition Grounds in Hanover
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The European Commission is launching today a communication campaign aimed at raising awareness of the importance of agriculture in our daily lives – and the role that the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) plays in supporting it.
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The President of the European Council of Young Farmers, Matteo Bartolini, addressed a high-level side event at the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO)’s Committee on World Food Security (CFS) conference.
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Research and development for new crop protection products needed by European farmers is in decline, according to a new analysis of market trends in the EU and around the world.
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Washington's hot summer has shrunk the size of potatoes, which could make long fries and large baked potatoes less plentiful this season.
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Trelleborg, global developer and supplier of tires and complete wheel solutions for the agricultural industry, will launch ProgressiveTraction™ technology. A concept tire will feature at the AGRITECHNICA 2013 exhibition taking place from 10 to 16 November in Hannover, Germany.
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Biotech company Monsanto has bought Climate Corporation for approximately $1.1 billion.
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Copa-Cogeca released final EU-27 cereals estimates for the 2013/14 marketing year today, showing EU grain production is back to a good level and the quality is good reaching 298 million tonnes.
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Final EU27 oilseeds estimates for the 2013/4 marketing year released by Copa-Cogeca today show EU rapeseed production is back to normal this year, despite the adverse weather conditions.
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Copa-Cogeca outlined its detailed views on the EU Commission proposal for a new seed law for Europe at a joint press conference organised by Copa-Cogeca and the European Seed Association (ESA) in Brussels today.
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The European Commission proposes to fully open the European Union's market to wine imports from the Republic of Moldova, in advance of the envisaged provisional application of the EU - Republic of Moldova Association Agreement and the related Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA), as a measure to ease some of the difficulties the Republic of Moldova is experiencing with its wine exports to some of its traditional markets.
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As Europe’s farmers continue to be confronted with increasing economic and environmental challenges, innovation and research are of vital importance for the agriculture sector to remain competitive.
That’s the main finding of a workshop held in Brussels on 25 September 2013 and jointly organised by ECPA, COPA-COGECA, Fertiliser Europe, ESA and CEMA. More than 100 participants, including farmers, industry, MEPs, European Commission and Council Representatives and other stakeholders, took part in the discussion.
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The European Parliament, the EU Council of Ministers and the European Commission have reached a political agreement this evening on the few issues on CAP reform (in the context of the Multi-Annual Financial Framework 2014-2020) that remained outstanding after the 26 June political agreement on the reform (see IP/13/613 and MEMO/13/621).
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Conference "The EU dairy sector: developing beyond 2015" /Brussels
24 September 2013
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EU leaders from the European Farmers’ Organisation Copa today elected Albert Jan Maat as the new President for the period 2013-2015.
He will succeed Gerd Sonnleitner whose term-in office has expired.
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On 18 September 2013, CEJA President Matteo Bartolini addressed a high-level conference in Budapest, Hungary on the subject of “The New CAP – Evaluation and Impacts Expected by CEJA”, on the invitation of the Hungarian Minister for Rural Development, Dr Sandor Fazekas.
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Government support for agriculture in the world’s leading farming nations rose during 2012, bucking a long-term downward trend and reversing historic lows recorded in 2011, according to the latest version of an annual OECD report.
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University of Florida's strawberry breeding program recently released a new, disease-resistant, sweet strawberry variety available for Florida strawberry farmers on a limited basis for this year’s planting.
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Existing EU measures for the apiculture sector have helped EU producers to maintain production of high quality honey in the EU, despite a difficult context with rising production costs, threats to bee survival and fierce international competition by honey imports from third countries, according to a Commission report published today.
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Over the next 5 years, northwest European potato prices are expected to gradually climb and elevated price volatility set to persist, according to a new report by Rabobank.
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The agricultural machinery industry is currently positioning itself with ideal prerequisites on the national and international key markets. “We are really flying high at the moment,” said VDMA Managing Director Dr. Bernd Scherer at the preliminary press conference for AGRITECHNICA 2013 last Wednesday in Hanover. He continued that the sector also expected “an excellent market development with a substantial increase of seven percent in turnover” after an extremely successful previous year.
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The organizer DLG (Deutsche Landwirtschafts-Gesellschaft – German Agricultural Society) reports outstanding stand-booking figures for the international trade fair for agricultural machinery and equipment, Agritechnica 2013, taking place at the Exhibition Grounds in Hanover from 12 to 16 November 2013 (Preview Days on 10 and 11 November). More than 2700 exhibitors from 47 countries represent a new record level. At present the number of exhibitors is about two per cent higher than the final figure two years ago.
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The general technical and social challenges in the coming years, such as the turnaround in energy policy, electromobility and networked production, also termed Industry 4.0, are predominantly driven by technology.
When mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and information technology join forces with the goal of steering development and production via the internet, we speak of Industry 4.0, the fourth industrial revolution after mechanization with hydro and steam power, mass production with the help of electric power, and the digital industrial revolution. This development in industry can also be observed by analogy in agricultural production.
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Agritechnica is the world's leading trade fair for agricultural machinery and equipment. The organizer DLG (Deutsche Landwirtschafts-Gesellschaft – German Agricultural Society) has recorded rising numbers of exhibitors and visitors ever since the first event in the year 1985. This year over 2,700 exhibitors from 47 countries will be presenting their new and further developments at the Exhibition Grounds in Hanover. A distinct hallmark of Agritechnica is its clear key area concept, offering visitors optimal orientation in the Exhibition Grounds.
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The European Union has granted Lebanon the right to export 50,000 tons of potatoes, reversing a decadelong export prohibition, the Lebanese Agriculture Ministry said Monday. Farmers in the Bekaa Valley and Akkar will be able to export produce under several conditions outlined in the decision made by the EU last month, ministry officials said.
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Biogas plant manufacturer WELTEC BIOPOWER GmbH has made the next step in its successful export strategy: Together with the partner Domaix Energie in Alsace, the company from Germany has started rolling out four agricultural biogas plant projects in France.
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CEJA President Matteo Bartolini addressed Commissioner Ciolos, Agriculture Committee Chair Paolo De Castro MEP and all 28 EU farm ministers at the Informal Agriculture Council in Vilnius, Lithuania, on 10 September 2013. At this first Informal meeting of Ministers since the political consensus on the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) was reached on 26 June 2013, the CEJA President seized the opportunity to congratulate the Institutions on the strong measures for young farmers included in the agreement but also called on them to make the most of these by using the measures available in order to secure the European family-farming model.
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At EU Farm Ministers informal meeting in Lithuania today, Copa and Cogeca Presidents underlined the importance of maintaining family farms, handed down for generations, to ensure vibrant rural areas. Research and innovation must be stepped up to enable them to benefit from new technologies to provide over 500 consumers with safe, quality, diverse food products.
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Alien species are plants, animals, fungi and micro-organisms that have been transported across ecological barriers such as mountain ranges, or oceans as a result of human intervention, and have become established in an area outside their natural range.
About a quarter of these species are brought into Europe intentionally, for their beauty, usefulness or commercial value. Ornamental plants, species used as food or kept as pets are examples. But most of these species arrive by accident: about three-quarters of Europe's invasive alien species came in as contaminants of other goods, or hidden in transport vectors, or goods containers. There are currently more than 12,000 alien species in the European environment.
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A multinational effort supported by the International Atomic Energy Agency and the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization marked a key milestone this week when a Kenyan university debuted two new varieties of disease-resistant wheat to the nation’s farmers. Over the past two days, thousands of Kenyan farmers have visited Eldoret University in western Kenya for a two-day agriculture fair highlighting the latest farming technologies.
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Agricultural support from Europe will in future be allocated only to ‘real’ farmers, and organizations such as airports and real estate companies will be excluded. This is only one of the elements of the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAO) agreed on by member states, the European Parliament and European Commission.
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The Peruvian government has extended to nine more regions a state of emergency called to cope with unusually cold weather and heavy snowfall.
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On 29 August 2013, CEJA President, Matteo Bartolini, opened the conference to a hundred young farmers from across Hungary, Slovakia and the rest of Europe in Tata, Hungary. The young farmer from Umbria, Italy, gave an overview of the content of the recently agreed Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) reform to the audience of young farmers, underlining the importance of the inclusion of a strong common installation policy in the new CAP, made-up of strong measures in both Pillars.
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Fonterra has today learned from New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries that additional independent testing has definitively established that there was no presence of Clostridium botulinum in Fonterra's whey protein concentrate ingredient and the products made using it, including infant formula.
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A decision confirming the risk areas set up by the Italian authorities in relation to the outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza in poultry farms located in Emilia-Romagna was today adopted by the Commission.
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Yield trials of the Dutch Farmers Union VTA indicate a yield mid August 19 percent below the 5-year average.
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Farmers in the Kigezi sub-region will benefit from a Uganda Development Bank initiative that seeks to add value to their potatoes before they are put on the market. The initiative will involve the construction of a potato processing plant in the sub region.
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Potato growing counties want the international labour laws on packaging applied.
During a recent meeting of governors and county representatives from 14 counties in Nakuru (Kenya) on irish potato production, packaging and marketing, it was resolved that from January 2014, farmers should pack their produce in not more than 50kg bags.
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The price of potatoes in Brazil reached the highest level in the last 10 years. Farmers say that this increase is due to the reduction in the planted area and the lack of product on the market.
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McCain Foods' Aug. 7 announcement that it will invest more than $100 million to expand its Burley potato processing plant was exciting news to Idaho potato farmers.
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New Zealand will soon begin probing into the Fonterra milk scare just one week after the dairy giant announced it had found bacteria which can cause botulism in batches of its whey protein concentrate for use in infant formula destined for China, Russia and other countries. According to Securing Industry, a total of 20 tons was shipped directly to consumer and animal feed clients with another 18 tons blended in-house and incorporated into approximately 2,300 tons of other nutrition products.
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Industry leaders with the Maine Potato Board said Thursday that after a wet and soggy spring which forced some growers to do some replanting, crops are recovering and if the weather holds, Aroostook County is on track to have a bountiful potato harvest.
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Dewulf, specialist in harvesting technology of potatoes and carrots, introduced its first potato harvester in South-Africa earlier this year.
Carl Steyn, owner of the company Forest Lodge, was the first and proud owner of a Dewulf RJA2060, 2-row trailed potato harvester.
Thanks to this purchase, he will be harvesting over 250ha every year.
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The United States Potato Board (USPB), the nation’s potato marketing organization and the central organizing force in implementing programs that will increase demand for potatoes, named produce industry veteran, Blair Richardson, as President/CEO, effective August 1, 2013.
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It may surprise many people to learn that China has been the world's largest producer of potatoes since 1993. But it should not be entirely unexpected.
The Chinese diet has changed drastically since the economic reforms of the 1980's. Introduction of French fries by Western fast food restaurants popularized potatoes.
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The whims of Mother Nature and the marketplace may have aligned this year for Washington's potato farmers.
Thus far, potatoes appear to have weathered the heat, although some potatoes are turning out a little smaller than normal.
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Potatoes and sweet potatoes are important staple foods in Africa, representing a significant share of the small farmers’ incomes.
The 9th Conference of the African Potato Association (APA) in Naivasha, Kenya, was therefore themed “Transforming potato & sweet potato value chains for food and nutrition security“.
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The Prince Edward Island Potato Board is hoping a new investment in oil seed research will help farmers make the most of a growing oilseed industry.
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OAO Uralkali (URKA), the world’s largest potash producer, upended the $20 billion-a-year commodity market by abandoning limits on output that underpinned prices while halting cooperation with Belarus that controlled supplies from the former Soviet Union.
The announcement of the decision yesterday sent shares of potash miners plunging as much as 27 percent from Israel to Germany to Canada and the U.S. as investors speculated a flood of supplies will lead to lower prices for the soil nutrient that strengthens plant roots. Uralkali, part-owned by billionaire Suleiman Kerimov, said it exited its marketing venture with Belarus after its neighbor undermined sales accords.
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With Power Management generating up to 400hp, the new MF 8700 Tractor Series includes the most powerful tractors from Massey Ferguson ever built.
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Please find attached Copa-Cogeca new quarterly magazine for EU farmers and agri-cooperatives in English giving our reaction on the new CAP reform agreement struck by EU negotiators and also our views on upcoming issues crucial to the EU agri-food sector like the future of the EU dairy sector, olive oil action plan, biofuels, the international year of family farms.
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Focus on integrated crop solutions based on seeds, chemicals and biologics / Significant expansion of facilities / Relocation from Davis to West Sacramento planned for Q1/201
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Recently, the House Appropriations Committee approved an amendment offered by Rep. Mike Simpson (R-Idaho) to require USDA to include fresh white potatoes as part of its Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program. Rep. Simpson's amendment was adopted by voice vote as part of the FY2014 Agriculture Appropriations bill, which was approved by the committee later that day.
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For over 30 years, the International Potato Center (CIP) has played a significant role in developing Sino-Peruvian relations through the introduction and promotion of various varieties of drought and disease resistant potato and sweet potato to China.
This has effectively helped the country become the world’s largest producer of both crops.
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Despite one of the most challenging years in British farming history, with early droughts followed by widespread floods, PepsiCo surpassed the target of a one-third reduction in water use using drip irrigation at the same time as growing 'more crop per drop'.
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Working towards a biobased economy is one possible step toward creating a more sustainable society in Flanders. This means using renewable resources as much as possible to produce materials and energy. The optimal use of (waste) from food production and food crops will be an important part of this evolution.
The creative combination of various valorisation trajectories can lead to a more profitable use of plant production.
The question is, can crops can valorised in various trajectories in a sustainable way? Starting with a case study on maize, ILVO is studying how to optimise the entire food production chain to realise this goal.
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Agrifirm has become a member of ‘Sustainable Agriculture Initiative Platform’ (SAI Platform). SAI Platform is primarily composed of large international food producers and supports the development of sustainable agriculture. Agrifirm’s membership establishes a link between food producers, farmers and growers.
Practical standards and calculation methods
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The European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dacian Cioloș will visit Mongolia, 18-21 July 2013 to discuss prospects for increasing cooperation with the Mongolian authorities in the fields of sustainable agriculture, food security and rural development.
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As the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) announced it had granted a temporary six-month price adjustment for all classes of milk, Secretary Karen Ross admitted to the industry that the current, “antiquated” system is unsustainable in a letter to the industry’s stakeholders.
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NUTRIHORT brings together all the European expertise about sustainable and innovative nutrient management techniques in horticulture during 16-18 September in Ghent.
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The world quietly reached a milestone in the evolution of the human diet in 2011. For the first time in modern history, world farmed fish production topped beef production. The gap widened in 2012, with output from fish farming—also called aquaculture—reaching a record 66 million tons, compared with production of beef at 63 million tons.
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Copa-Cogeca rejected today European Parliament’s Environment Committee vote to impose a 5,5% limit on the use of biofuels made from arable crops in 2020, warning it not only threatens the future of the EU biofuel industry but also feed supplies for animals and runs counter to the EU 2020 Strategy for Growth and Employment and for Climate and Energy targets.
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This research resulted in measuring techniques and an update of emission data for particulate matter and gases. Also an evaluation was made of the occupational safety for the farmer and veterinarian.
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The European Commission has cleared under the EU Merger Regulation the proposed acquisition of sole control over the German agricultural trading company Bohnhorst Agrarhandel GmbH by rival BayWa AG. Bohnhhorst Agrarhandel is currently jointly controlled by BayWa and the holding company Wilhelm Bohnhorst (see case M.6751).
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Copa-Cogeca rejected today European Parliament’s Environment Committee vote to impose a 5,5% limit on the use of biofuels made from arable crops in 2020, warning it not only threatens the future of the EU biofuel industry but also feed supplies for animals and runs counter to the EU 2020 Strategy for Growth and Employment and for Climate and Energy targets.
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Jerzy Wierzbicki from Poland, elected today as new Chairman of Copa-Cogeca’s Working Party on Promotion of Agricultural Products, urged the EU Commission to release the new legislative proposal to reform EU promotion policy. The move comes after the EU Commission released a Communication on this last year. Mr Wierzbicki will look at ways to ensure that future policy boosts promotion of EU agriculture produce both internally and on expanding world markets.
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Agricultural support from Europe will in future be allocated only to ‘real’ farmers, and organizations such as airports and real estate companies will be excluded. This is only one of the elements of the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAO) agreed on by member states, the European Parliament and European Commission yesterday.
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The organizer DLG (Deutsche Landwirtschaftsgesellschaft – German Agricultural Society) reports that 2,200 exhibitors from 46 countries have already registered for the international exhibition of agricultural machinery and equipment, Agritechnica, to be held in Hanover from 12 to 16 November 2013 (Preview Days on 10 and 11 November).
This encouraging stand booking result is around 10 per cent higher than it was at the same time for the record event two years ago, says Agritechnica Project Manager Freya von Rhade.
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The European Crop Protection Association has joined more than a dozen other organizations in signing the “Every Crumb Counts” declaration against food wastage.
Sponsored by FoodDrinkEurope, the declaration calls on stakeholders all along the food chain – from farm to fork and beyond – to take further action to prevent and reduce edible food wastage on a European and global scale.
The aim is to halve EU edible food waste by 2020.
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The province of Gansu in China has in the past been considered one of the most impoverished areas in China. It lies between the Tibetan and Huangtu plateaus, and borders Mongolia, Inner Mongolia, and Ningxia to the north, Xinjiang and Qinghai to the west, Sichuan to the south, and Shaanxi to the east. With a population of approximately 26 million people, Gansu is home to many Chinese of the Muslim religion. Dingxi, located in Gansu, is considered the highest quality production area for potatoes.
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The European Commission has given the green light for a German aid scheme to compensate German farmers for losses caused by natural disasters, confirming that it complies with EU state aid rules.
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A political agreement was reached in Brussels during the trialogue negotiations on the Common Organisation of Agricultural Markets between the EU Parliament, the Commission and the Member States, which came to an end on Wednesday.
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On 27 June 2013, CEJA, the European Council of Young Farmers, elected its new Presidency for a two-year mandate at the 2013 General Assembly in Brussels, Belgium, which took place the day after the final deal on CAP reform was agreed, including a mandatory measure for young farmers in its first pillar.
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Sainsbury’s has relaxed the product specification of Scottish potatoes to support farmers through one of the toughest seasons. The run of wet weather this season has left many Scottish farmers with crops of smaller potatoes with increased blemishes and scarring.
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The current regime of national sugar production quotas will only be extended until 2017, voted the European Parliament on 26 June as part of final agreements on reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) for 2014-2020.
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The Commission, the Council and the European Parliament (EP) have today reached a political agreement on the reform of the Common Agriculture Policy – subject to formal approval by the Council and the EP as a 1st reading Agreement once the texts have been formalised in all languages. Based on the Commission proposals from October 2011 (see IP/11/1181 and MEMO/11/685), the agreement relates to four basic European Parliament and Council regulations for the Common Agriculture Policy – i) on Direct Payments, ii) the Single Common Market Organisation (CMO), iii) Rural Development and, iv) a Horizontal Regulation for financing, managing and monitoring the CAP.
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The European Parliament, the EU Council of Ministers and the European Commission have reached an agreement on reforming the common agricultural policy (CAP) post 2013. "I am delighted with this agreement which gives the Common Agricultural Policy a new direction, taking better account of society's expectations as expressed during the public debate in spring 2010. This agreement will lead to far-reaching changes: making direct payments fairer and greener, strengthening the position of farmers within the food production chain and making the CAP more efficient and more transparent. These decisions represent the EU's strong response to the challenges of food safety, climate change, growth and jobs in rural areas. The CAP will play a key part in achieving the overall objective of promoting smart, sustainable and inclusive growth", said Dacian Cioloş, European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development.
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This afternoon, COMAGRI MEPs accepted the political agreement on all four dossiers of the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) 2014-2020 following a renegotiated mandate from the Agriculture and Fisheries Council under the Irish Presidency. Over 18 months after the European Commission released its legislative proposals for CAP in October 2011, the three institutions finally came to compromise agreements on all of the open issues involved.
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Copa-Cogeca is glad the European Commission, Council and Parliament chief negotiators struck a preliminary deal on Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) reform today.
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As the final negotiations on the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) 2014-2020 kick off in Luxembourg, CEJA reiterates the need for strong measures for young farmers in both pillars of the CAP, with a mandatory top-up of direct payments for every single EU Member State, as well as a strong installation package in Pillar II.
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Copa-Cogeca outlined today actions EU farmers and agri-cooperatives are carrying out to reduce food wastage and to avoid spoiling food or food produce uselessly. Copa-Cogeca supports collaborative actions with other stakeholders to change the behaviour along the food chain from primary producers to consumers to minimise food losses and food waste.
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Copa-Cogeca released new EU-27 cereals estimates for the 2013/14 marketing year today, showing EU grain production is estimated to be quite stable this year reaching 286.6 million tonnes, despite the catastrophic weather conditions.
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In its monthly package of infringement decisions, the European Commission is pursuing legal action against Member States for failing to comply properly with their obligations under EU law. These decisions covering many sectors aim at ensuring proper application of EU law for the benefit of citizens and businesses.
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The Agriculture Council meeting of June will take place in Luxembourg starting on June 24, under the presidency of Mr Simon Coveney, Irish Minister of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The Commission will be represented by Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development Dacian Cioloş. A delegation of MEPs, headed by EP Agriculture Committee Chairman Paolo De Castro, will also be present in Luxembourg.
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Biofuel production is not the reason for high and volatile prices, which are caused by traditional market fundamentals such as oil prices, exchange rates, weather extremes and ad-hoc trade policy restrictions. This finding is one of the results of a new study that was presented today during a press conference organised by Ufop, VDB, Copa-Cogeca in Brussels.
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Today, the Commission has decided to take Sweden to the European Court of Justice over the failure to correctly implement Directive 64/432/EEC by continuing the practice of testing bovine animals imported from other Member States for paratuberculosis.
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The manufacturers of agricultural machinery and tractors in Europe can still count on a relatively buoyant domestic market. For 2013, CEMA, the European umbrella association of the agricultural machinery industry, expects an overall market volume of €24.8 billion in the European Union.
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European Commissioner for Development, Andris Piebalgs, is about to sign a new agreement to support smallholder farmers and promote agricultural conservation in Zambia, during his first ever visit to the country (18-20 June). Thanks to this partnership, which will be signed with the UN’s Food and Agriculture organisation (FAO), local farmers will benefit from an average increase of 40% in household revenue. This new initiative will receive €11.1 million in EU funding.
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The Health and Consumers Directorate General of the European Commission is organising a conference on the “Animal, Plant and Control Package: Smarter rules for safer food”. This will take place in Brussels on 13 June 2013.
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DuPont today opened its seed production facility in Stasi, Dykanka region, Poltava oblast, Ukraine, helping Ukrainian farmers increase their productivity.
The $40 million production facility is operational in time for the 2013 and 2014 seasons, supporting the increased customer demand for Pioneer® brand maize, sunflower and oilseed rape hybrids in Ukraine.
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On Thursday 6 June 2013, CEJA, the European Council of Young Farmers, was represented at the National Young Farmer Congress of CEJA French member organisation, Jeunes Agriculteurs in Metz, France by President Joris Baecke.
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Fonterra's new season forecast has been celebrated by the country's dairy farmers.
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Nature minister Joke Schauvliege last week announced a budget of €1.1 million spread over two years for the purchase of land to be set aside as nature reserve. The money is enough at current prices to buy 2,700 hectares, bringing the total surface of recognised nature areas in Flanders to 17,800 hectares.
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On 28 May 2013, CEJA President Joris Baecke addressed all 27 EU Ministers for Agriculture, the European Commissioner Dacian Cioloş, and COMAGRI Chairman Paolo De Castro, on the subject of the CAP reform.
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December 5-6 2013, Bruges, Belgium
We kindly invite you to submit abstracts for oral or poster presentations for the conference by June 30, 2013.
This conference will stimulate the exchange of experience between European regions on effective policy measures dealing with manure surplus and gives an overview of recent innovations in manure treatment technologies.
The conference focuses on environmental and economic aspects of manure treatment, energy production, nutrient recovery, fertilizing value, and marketing and quality aspects of the end-products.
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The United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) and the international non-profit organization Slow Food today agreed to promote traditional cooking and locally produced food as part of a project to boost incomes for small farmers and rural communities.
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It’s the free advice every decent florist delivers when you buy their potted plants: how much water they need, and how often. And it’s not just the occasional flower buyer who needs guidance on watering as even experienced farmers can misjudge how much to sprinkle on their crops, leaving them either parched or drenched.
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The EU is looking for a short(ish), snappy name which could be used to identify agricultural products and foodstuffs produced on a farm and sold in short supply chains.
So far, these products are usually called "local products". If you have an idea for a better name, why not help us in our search?
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Nemgenix Pty Ltd, an international agricultural biotechnology company developing new technologies for the control of plant parasitic nematodes and aphids, and SESVanderHave, a leading sugar beet breeding and marketing company, today announced their collaboration to develop a novel nematode resistant trait for sugar beet to address the needs for a long-term resistance strategy to beet cyst nematodes (BCN).
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On 14 May 2013, CEJA, the European Council of Young Farmers, and MEP Milan Zver held their third round table on young farmers in the European Parliament in Brussels entitled: “Young farmers ensuring sustainable growth for Europe’s future”.
The event featured a number of high-level speakers from all three European Union (EU) institutions and attracted an audience made up of young farmers from across Europe, a number of MEPs and Member States’ representatives as well as other European stakeholders.
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FAO and the international Slow Food organization agreed today to develop joint actions to improve the livelihoods of smallholders and others working in rural areas.
Under a three-year Memorandum of Agreement signed here the two organizations will join forces to promote more inclusive food and agriculture systems at local, national and international levels.
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Earlier today, CEJA President Joris Baecke presented Commissioner Dacian Ciolos, COMAGRI Chair Paolo de Castro and President of the Agricultural Council Simon Coveney with the outcome of CEJA’s celebrated Future Food Farmers campaign in the form of three keys.
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In view of the current trialogue discussions, the European dairy industry calls for a complete rejection of any proposal for regulated supply management measures in the dairy sector. The dairy industry believes that an effective safety net as a proper solution to challenge price volatility will safeguard all the EU dairy industry’s chances to exploit the market opportunities brought by a growing demand for dairy worldwide.
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In a meeting with the Irish Presidency today, Copa Vice-President Lorenzo Ramos urged EU Farm Ministers to get a good deal on the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) by June and outlined key issues needed to achieve this.
The move came as EU Farm Ministers debated the issue and negotiators intensified trialogue talks to hammer out a final deal on the CAP.
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The companies active in this sector have grown from 500.000 tons of processed potatoes in 1990 to 3,65 million tons of raw material in 2012. This means a new increase of about 5,4 % compared with 2011. This is not just a success for the processing companies, most of them family owned enterprises, but also for the with primary producers - the potato farmers - and the traders.
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Copa-Cogeca and key stakeholders outline detailed response to new EU Commission package on healthier animals and plants for a safer food chain
At a high-level Conference organized with the Irish Presidency, Copa-Cogeca and other key stakeholders presented detailed views on the EU Commission package designed to strengthen animal and plant health, seeds and safety measures in Europe.
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The Agriculture and Fisheries Council meeting of May will take place in Brussels on 13th and 14th May 2013, under the presidency of Mr Simon Coveney, Irish Minister of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The Commission will be represented by Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development Dacian Cioloş and Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Maria Damanaki.
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Reacting to new EU Commission measures designed to strengthen EU animal and plant health, seeds and safety measures, Copa-Cogeca welcomed the increased simplification and reduction from almost 70 pieces of legislation to just 5.
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FEFANA is pleased to announce the launch of the new FEFANA “Virtual Library” which coincides with the publication of a Booklet on Premixtures
Being the technical expert on Specialty Feed Ingredients and their Mixtures, FEFANA aims at providing technical and scientifically sound information on the benefits and safety of the products of its industry.
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On 27 February 2013, CEJA, the European Council of Young Farmers, organised a round table discussion on the subject of “Enhancing youth employment in agriculture for a more sustainable Europe”. Based on discussions between social partners that followed presentations from experts, the round table’s rapporteur, Professor Lebailly, drafted a set of EU-level policy recommendations across three themes: Access to Vocational Education and Training, Access to the Profession and Access to Public Support.
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06/05/2013
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The European Commission has today adopted a package of measures to strengthen the enforcement of health and safety standards for the whole agri-food chain. Food safety is essential to ensure consumers' confidence and sustainability of food production.
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Bayer CropScience and KeyGene announced that they have entered into a multi-year agreement to improve traits in a number of major agricultural crops. The scope of the first research program is wheat, potentially to be followed by programs in oilseed rape, rice and cotton.
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Fonterra has announced plans to pilot a scheme designed to provide farmers with the opportunity to have "more certainty" in their milk price.
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To boost the development of EU aquaculture, the European Commission has issued strategic guidelines, thereby cooperating with Member States and stakeholders in overcoming the challenges facing the sector. The EU aquaculture sector has a significant growth potential and can help to spare overexploited sea resources. The Guidelines presented today will help coordinate efforts across all Member States.
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Abu Dhabi Farmers’ Services Centre (FSC) aims to triple the quantity of locally produced potatoes to nearly 2,500 tonnes this year from less than 900 tonnes last year, on 45 farms in the Western Region, Al Ain and Abu Dhabi.
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Or maybe they just never went away. Psyllids, a tiny insect that can damage potatoes, might be hardier than some people originally thought.
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In a high-level meeting with the Irish Presidency today, Copa-Cogeca outlined key priorities in the trialogue talks between the EU institutions on Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) reform. Copa-Cogeca Secretary-General Pekka Pesonen underlined the need for a final agreement by June to enable the new CAP to be introduced in 2014.
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For 56-year old Subrata Ghosh from village Garbeta in Bengal’s Medinipur district, it was a dream come true on Saturday.
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Purdue University nutrition researcher Berdine Martin sees potential for potassium to be the next "really hot" nutrient emphasized in food science.
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Copa-Cogeca welcomes the EU Commissions’ new package designed to advance action on adaptation to climate change.
Copa-Cogeca also welcomed publication of the Commissions’ Green Paper on insurance which looks at natural and man-made disasters and aims to help deal with catastrophes like forest fires, droughts - we will make a positive contribution to it.
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The Agriculture and Fisheries Council meeting of April 2013 will take place in Luxemburg on 22 April 2013, under the presidency of Mr Simon Coveney, Irish Minister of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
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The European Commission has today published proposals to provide transitional arrangements in 2014 for certain Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) rules, notably the system of Direct Payments. Although the Commission is working intensively with the European Parliament and the Council to reach a political agreement on CAP reform – and remains optimistic that this can be concluded before the end of June – so that the new legal regulations can be in place from January 1, 2014, it is not realistic for Member States to have all the necessary administrative procedures in place by the start of next year.
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Nemgenix Pty Ltd, an international agricultural biotechnology company developing new technologies for the control of plant parasitic nematodes and aphids, and SESVanderHave, a leading sugar beet breeding and marketing company, today announced their collaboration to develop a novel nematode resistant trait for sugar beet to address the needs for a long-term resistance strategy to beet cyst nematodes (BCN).
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Executives from The Dow Chemical Company (NYSE: DOW) and Dow AgroSciences were joined by Indiana Gov. Mike Pence last week at a Research & Development (R&D) expansion ribbon-cutting event for a new 175,000 square foot R&D facility at Dow AgroSciences’ Global Headquarters.
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On 17 April 2013 in Niigata, Japan, the General Assembly of the World Farmers’ Organisation (WFO) unanimously adopted a proposal by CEJA for differentiated and specific terms of membership, with favourable membership fees for young farmer organisations, in order to guarantee young farmer participation from across the world.
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Copa-Cogeca welcomed today the EU Commissions and Irish Presidencys swift response to the recent fraud concerning horsemeat mixed with beef products and todays publication of test results.
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On April 5, USAID Mission Director Stephen Haykin distributed emergency-funded seed potato in the villages of Ghulelebi and Simonaantkhevi– two of the six communities in Dusheti and Tianeti municipalities which sustained severe damage in the July 2012 hail storm.
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Jersey's potato farmers are losing up to two million GBP (3+ million USD, 2.3+ million EUR) a week in exports because the bad weather has delayed crops.
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Copa-Cogeca warned today of the catastrophic situation facing the EU beef sector.
Speaking in Brussels, Chairman of the EU beefmeat Working Party Piere Chevalier said: "The situation is very difficult in the sector due to poor weather conditions - late winter, heavy rains - in several member states which has made the provision of feed difficult. The availability of winter feed is very poor and stocks are almost exhausted. EU beef producers are being squeezed by high production costs, and low margins in a sector where farmers have one the lowest incomes".
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The European Commission has authorised under the EU Merger Regulation the proposed acquisition by the leading Dutch dairy cooperative FrieslandCampina of two Dutch companies: Zijerveld & Veldhuyzen B.V., a specialised cheese wholesaler, and Den Hollander Food B.V., a packaging services provider (together "the target").
The clearance is conditional upon the implementation of a package of commitments offered by FrieslandCampina. The Commission had concerns that the transaction, as originally notified, would have significantly reduced competition on the market for the production and sale of semi-hard goat cheese in the Netherlands.
The commitments address these concerns as they will ensure that sufficient quantities of semi-hard goat cheese are available to third parties.
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CEJA, the European Council of Young Farmers, has been speaking at several high-level events this week on the subject of greening measures in the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
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Why, after the vote at the European Parliament and the last Council of EU Ministers of agriculture, is CAP reform not already adopted?
The new ordinary procedure under the Lisbon treaty (former "codecision" procedure) is applied for the first time for a CAP reform.
That is why, following the vote by the European Parliament (March 13) and the agreement among EU Agriculture Ministers (March 19) – finalising their respective negotiating mandates – the final phase of negotiations on CAP reform starts today (April 11), with two trilogues gathering together representatives of the European Commission, Council and European Parliament to negotiate on the Direct payment proposal and the SCMO.
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In the east of Flanders, the river Maas forms the border with the Netherlands for 46 kilometres.
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The Commission is organizing today in Brussels a meeting of business leaders and policymakers from sub-Saharan Africa and the EU.
The objective is to map out strategies for boosting agriculture and the food processing sector in Africa, so as to develop the sector's strong potential for growth, strengthen food security and support development in rural communities.
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A simple mesh cover could be the answer to halting New Zealand's most devastating tomato and potato pests, the tomato potato psyllid.
The covers are being trialled at the Lincoln University Future Farming Centre to see if they stop the tomato potato psyllid (TPP) from invading the plants.
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Agricultural researchers of the Oregon State University will begin testing two small, remote-controlled aircraft this month, flying them over potato fields in the Hermiston area in trials that may help farmers use water, fertilizer and pesticides more efficiently.
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Unilever today announced it is sourcing more than a third of its agricultural raw materials sustainably, having made significant progress towards its target of 100% by 2020. With 36% now sourced sustainably, it has exceeded the interim milestone of 30% it set itself in 2010 when launching the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan.
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With the forecast for spending on CAP Direct Payments & Market measures in 2014 higher than the provisional ceiling for 2014 agreed by EU heads of government*, the European Commission has tabled a proposal for "Financial Discipline" to ensure that spending remains within those budget limits.
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Scientists have developed a new methodology to produce a vaccine for foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV). Because the vaccine is all synthetic, made up of tiny protein shells designed to trigger optimum immune response, it doesn’t rely on growing live infectious virus and is therefore much safer to produce.
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Copa-Cogeca criticised today new proposals to cut EU farmers direct payments under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) by 5% in 2013. The cut had not been planned for and risks jeopardising important investment decisions already made by farmers for 2013 and deepening the current economic crisis, Copa-Cogeca warned.
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With the forecast for expenditure on CAP Direct Payments & Market measures for 2014 higher than the provisional ceiling for 2014 agreed by EU heads of government1, the European Commission has tabled a proposal for "Financial Discipline" to ensure that spending remains within budget limits.
The concept, established in 2003 but never triggered until now, requires the Commission to make a proposal before the end of March introducing a linear cut in CAP Direct Payments in order to ensure that the ceiling for the CAP's first pillar in the forthcoming year is respected.
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The potato (Irish) that has fed the people of southwestern Uganda (Kabale) for generations is being threatened by several pests and diseases, including the potato bacterial wilt. These are affecting potato production as plants dry up or produce small tubers.
Abel Arinaitwe, a plant pathologist at Kachwekano Zonal Agricultural Research & Development Institute (KAZARDI) located 8km from Kabale town, says the potato bacterial wilt makes the plant sag. He discloses that this can be transmitted through infected seeds and soils, especially during the rainy season.
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Leica Geosystems announces the new retro-fit electric steering system Leica SteerDirect ES. The easy-to-install solution allows farmers to add assisted steering to the majority of tractor, sprayer and harvester models without removing the steering wheel.
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The Commission is publishing today its annual report on the global distribution of direct payments by Member State, with final data for 2011.
It shows that direct payments are still not equally distributed among beneficiaries in Member States: on average, 80% of beneficiaries receive around 20% of payments (however with important differences between Member States).
This figure has been a feature of CAP support for many years, which the Commission is seeking to address in its reform concept.
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Some farmers on P.E.I. are dealing with the problem of potatoes rotting in storage this winter and growers in the western part of the province are especially hard hit.
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CEJA, the European Council of Young Farmers, welcomes the agreement on the negotiating mandate of the European Agriculture and Fisheries Council for the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) 2014-2020.
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The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Simon Coveney TD, has described as a watershed moment today’s agreement by European Agriculture Ministers of a Council position on the reform of the CAP. Following marathon talks in Brussels, Ministers this evening accepted a package of proposals tabled by the Irish Presidency, and successfully concluded what is known as a General Approach on the CAP reform package.
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Copa-Cogeca welcomed tonight the fact that EU Farm Ministers struck a deal on their negotiating mandate on the future Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) - but called for more practical, ambitious measures to be included in the final package in June. This is vital to ensure an economically viable, sustainable agri-food sector.
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New Zealand dairy farmers are facing a nightmare of epic proportions. The country’s worst drought in 30 years is costing farmers millions of dollars daily. And, as the drought rages on, the problems only mount.
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In a high-level meeting with the Irish Presidency, Copa-Cogeca backed the Presidencys’ ambitious agenda to get an agreement from EU Farm Ministers on their negotiating position on the future CAP this week, and outlined key priorities needed under the deal.
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Copa-Cogeca released new EU-27 cereals estimates for the 2012/3 and 2013/4 marketing years today, showing EU soft wheat production is forecast to rise by 3.7% on last years levels.
But the poor weather conditions during the sowing period is expected to have a serious impact on crop yields, Copa-Cogeca warned.
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The Agriculture and Fisheries Council meeting of March will take place in Brussels on 18 and 19 March 2013, under the presidency of Mr Simon Coveney, Irish Minister of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
The Commission will be represented by Dacian Cioloş, Commissioner for Agriculture & Rural Development.
Both days will be dedicated to agricultural matters as the Council seeks to agree a negotiating mandate on CAP Reform.
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Red, right size and low on sugar, Lady Rosetta is the flavour of the season for north Gujarat’s farmers.
Easy to process, this Dutch variety of potato is also earning them close to double that of other varieties.
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The Macra na Feirme-CEJA Seminar started on Monday morning, with interventions from both the European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dacian Cioloş, and Irish Minister for Agriculture and Chair of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council of Ministers, Simon Coveney. European young farmers then participated in workshops in the afternoon, during which they analysed and discussed current Rural Development policy in relation to young farmers as well as the European Commission’s proposals for the future CAP. The recommendations by young farmers resulting from these discussions were then discussed and elaborated on in a CEJA working group on Wednesday, compiling them into the Dublin Declaration, which was then adopted.
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Today’s European Parliament vote constitutes an important step forward in the Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) reform process. This is the first time that we have had full co-decision on reforms to the CAP, and the Parliament has backed a negotiating position, respecting the tight timetable. Once the Council has also defined its negotiating position, we will be in a position to start the last phase of the reform negotiations.
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When Anne Njoroge was growing up in the village of Kikuyu, in central Kenya, she would listen to her mother and friends complain that their potato crops had been “Waru KuhIa ni mbaa” – burnt by the wet, cold weather. Years later, when she began working at the Rwanda Agricultural Research Institute’s potato program, it occurred to her that the culprit behind those crop losses had been Phytophthora infestans – the pathogen responsible for late blight, the disease behind the world’s major potato famines – but her mother and neighbors didn’t know that it was a disease.
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The European Federation of Food, Agriculture and Tourism Trade Unions (EFFAT) welcomes today’s vote by the European Parliament to extend the current regime of national sugar production quotas until 2020, rather than scrap the system from 2015. The plenary fully accepted the text voted by the European Parliament’s Agriculture and Rural Development Committee on 23 January and rejected all amendments.
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Farmers are concerned about the effect of heavy snow on the island's Jersey Royal potato crop.
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The European Commission welcomes the European Parliament's approval today of two new laws to improve EU rules on monitoring and reporting of greenhouse gas emissions, including those from forestry and agriculture. It is expected that the Council adopts these laws, after which they will be published in the Official Journal and will enter into force.
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Copa-Cogeca held a major press conference in Strasbourg today urging MEPs to make a rapid and positive decision on the future Common Agricultural Policy to end the uncertainty facing farmers and agri-cooperatives and ensure they have a viable future.
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Brussels, 7 March 2013
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The Irish Lumper potato has been cultivated once more by County Antrim farmer Michael McKillop who has a keen interest in history.
The Lumper was popular in the 19th century because it grew happily in very poor soil. So it became very popular with the farmers of Munster and Connacht. But then came the blight.
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Ahead of the Special Agricultural Committee discussions in EU Council and European Parliament vote on the future of the EU sugar regime next week, Copa-Cogeca sent a letter to MEPs and Agricultural Attaché calling for EU sugar production quotas to be kept until at least 2020, in order to ensure a stable European sugar market and a dynamic beet industry.
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The European Commission is publishing today a comprehensive study on "Support for Farmers' Cooperatives". The objective is to provide background knowledge to help farmers organising themselves in cooperatives, so that they can rely on a solid market income.
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Fast Food chain McDonald's France has promised to serve "100% French" French Fries before the end of the year in all its 1260 restaurants.
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Today, CEJA held a round table in Brussels in cooperation with the University Agro-Bio Tech de Gembloux (ULg) and with the support of European Commission DG Employment’s Unit for Industrial Relations and Social Dialogue. European young farmers, EU decision-makers and agricultural stakeholders participated in discussions which resulted in drafting concrete recommendations to secure the future of European food production.
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New Holland has significantly enriched the virtual farming environment with three key mobile apps: the New Holland Weather app, the iBrochures app and an engaging FarmGenius PLM-focussed game. All three apps have been a hit with users across the globe, with up to 80,000 downloads from over 100 countries.
These three apps form part of New Holland’s overarching digital strategy to provide useful online tools for the worldwide agricultural community.
As farmers are working increasingly long hours, they are ever more reliant on information which they can access whilst in the field to enhance their businesses’ productivity and profitability.
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The Agriculture and Fisheries Council meeting of February will take place in Brussels on 25 and 26 February 2013, under the presidency of Mr Simon Coveney, Irish Minister of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
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For the first time since the introduction of biotech/GM crops almost two decades ago, developing countries have grown more hectares of biotech crops than industrialized countries, contributing to food security and further alleviating poverty in some of the world’s most vulnerable regions.
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Livestock and dairy producers can’t afford to ignore what goes on in the rest of the world, says Scott Brown, University of Missouri livestock and dairy economist.
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Excellent stand booking figures by manufacturers from home and abroad are emerging for the world’s largest specialist exhibition for agricultural machinery and equipment – Agritechnica 2013 – to be held in November this year. Registration figures to date paint a clear picture. Numbers are ten percent up on the figures for the comparable period before the last event in 2011. The organizer, the German Agricultural Society (DLG / Deutsche Landwirtschafts-Gesellschaft ) is therefore expecting attendance by more than 2,700 exhibitors from Germany and other countries this year.
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A dry and mild winter has produced good quality potatoes in Mallorca this year, and a good proportion of them are set to be exported to the UK as British farmers struggle with their own poor harvest caused by the bad weather.
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Unfavourable weather conditions have led Britain's potato stocks to drop almost 20% year-on-year, according to the Potato Council – cautioning over setbacks already this year thanks to poor weather too.
Latest estimates showed that British potato growers stocks totalled 2.7m tonnes at the end of November 2012, a fall of 18% compared with the 3.3m tonnes a year before.
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Joris Baecke, President of the European Council of Young Farmers (CEJA), was speaking in Kiev, Ukraine on Monday 18 February at a workshop on the subject of young farmers co-organised by the European Commission and the Ukraine Chambers of Agriculture within the framework of the European Neighbourhood Partnership (ENP). Mr Baecke presented CEJA’s work, structure and achievements at EU level in a bid to suggest a model for potential representation in Ukraine.
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Potato breeding developments being researched by graduate students in the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences look to save the future of Maine’s iconic crop.
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Potato crops in Hastings and East Palatka took a hit when freezing temperatures moved through the area Sunday night and Monday morning.
That's made it a long couple of cold days for potato farmer Danny Johns of Blue Sky Farm in Hastings.
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The safety of feed in the EU receives a boost thanks to better information, in the form of an updated feed materials catalogue, introduced by a new Regulation, (EU) No 68/2013 that entered into force today.
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EW Holland has added an Electro Command version of its T5 tractor with 16x16 Electro Command transmission, also used on the T6, and offering the option of a creeper box giving 32x32 speeds, which could appeal to target customers such as vegetable growers.
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Idaho potato farmers should see more moderate increases in production costs in 2013 than they've experienced in recent years, University of Idaho Extension economist Paul Patterson predicts.
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The Russian company EcoFrio has announced that its new processing potato plant in Russia is expected to start production in autumn 2013. The plant will be located in the Bryansk area, 350 km from Moscow to the south west part of Russia close to Ukraine and Belarus.
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While the poor price of milk being paid to farmers by supermarkets has often hit the headlines, the same inequality in the supply chain also applied to potatoes, according to Allan Stevenson, chairman of the Potato Council
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Prof André Jooste recently took over as CEO of Potatoes South Africa (PSA), after nearly six years at the National Agriculture Marketing Council (NAMC).
He spoke to Robyn Joubert of Farmers Weekly (South Africa) about his vision for the future.
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The Australian research organization Dairy Futures CRC and the international cattle improvement organization CRV have signed a three year-contract for a joint research project in the field of genomics. The co-operation aims to increase the reliability of genomic breeding values by at least 10 % in 2015.
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A Dutch technology that could allow farmers to grow lettuce efficiently anywhere in the world has captured imaginations at Fruit Logistica in Berlin, winning the event’s innovation award ahead of a dried apple slice product and a Brussels sprout-kale hybrid.
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Numerous ministers of agriculture from around the world welcomed German Food Minister Ilse Aigner at their national stands during her official tour at FRUIT LOGISTICA 2013. Her first stop on Wednesday afternoon was the stand of partner country Peru. Here, together with Minister of Foreign Trade Jose Luis Silva Martinot, her Peruvian counterpart Milton von Hesse and Dr. Christian Göke, Chief Operating Officer of Messe Berlin GmbH, she cut the red ribbon, officially opening the 21st FRUIT LOGISTICA. Accompanied by Global Brand Manager Gérald Lamusse, Aigner was then told by Uruguay's Minister of Agriculture Tabare Aguerre that food safety was his key policy focus. Morocco's Secretary General at the Ministry of Foreign Trade El Aid Mahsoussi spoke highly of his country's produce.
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Copa-Cogeca regretted EU Heads of State and governments’ decision today to make extra cuts in the future EU budget 2014-20 for the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), on top of those already proposed by the EU Commission. The decision will mean a 15% reduction in CAP spending, threatening the employment of 40 million in the agri-food sector and millions more in rural areas. With food demand expected to increase by 70% by 2050, it also puts food security at risk.
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Many consumers know about the healthy effects of fruit and vegetables (incl. potatoes), but they no longer have an emotional connection to fresh produce. These were the words of Dieter Krauß, President of the German fruit trade association at the FRUIT LOGISTICA 2013 opening press conference. He believes that this is due in large part to the retail industry, where fresh produce is advertised almost exclusively on the basis of price. In order to restore consumers' appetites for these healthy sources of vitamins, the fruit trade association has developed the qualification "Fruit and vegetable retail industry specialist".
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The ever changing story of Europe's relationship with biotechnology took another twist recently when the giant German chemical firm BASF announced it was halting the development of all its GM potato varieties in Europe.
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1. European farmers and agricultural cooperatives call on Heads of State and Governments to reach a decision to provide a strong financial framework for the European Union until 2020, when they meet on 7th and 8th February 2013 in Brussels. Europe can only fulfil its fu ctions if there is a clear budget plan for the coming years.
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Bayer CropScience is forging new Food Chain Partnerships around the world, and has reaffirmed its commitment to working together with the food value chain for the sustainable production of fresh fruit and vegetables around the world.
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That Simplot Foods plant that Grand Forks residents drive by along Gateway Drive has a sort of permanence. It’s been there fora half century.
Products move through the shipping area in the Grand Forks Simplot Foods plant in summer 2011.
The plant sends out frozen processed potato products – chiefly French fries – to markets throughout North America and beyond. Photo courtesy JR Simplot.
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The United States and Mexico have reached a tentative agreement on cross-border trade in tomatoes, narrowly averting a trade war that threatened to engulf a swath of American businesses.
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The European Commission is publishing today a study on the "Labelling of agricultural and food products of mountain farming" reviewing farming in mountain areas. This study looks at existing labelling schemes for mountain products in EU Member States.
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In a high level meeting with Irish Farm Minister Simon Coveney today, Copa-Cogeca welcomed the Irish Presidencys ambitious agenda which focuses on getting an agreement on the future Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and on fisheries reform by June at the latest.
The move came as the Presidency presented the priorities to EU Farm Ministers today.
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ULSTER Farmers’ Union President Harry Sinclair has welcomed the swift implementation of legislation to help protect the local potato industry’s ‘high health’ status.
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Tests are being urged on dairy products imported from New Zealand to see whether they have traces of a toxic chemical, despite reassurances from the country that such products are safe.
Low levels of dicyandiamide, or DCD, were found in dairy products in New Zealand, according to Chinese media reports on Friday.
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The Agriculture and Fisheries Council meeting of January 2013 will take place in Brussels on 28 January 2013, under the presidency of Mr Simon Coveney, Irish Minister of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The Commission will be represented by Maria Damanaki, Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Dacian Cioloş, Commissioner for Agriculture & Rural Development and Tonio Borg, Commissioner for Health and Consumer Policy.
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Copa-Cogeca welcomed today the timely vote by European Parliament Agriculture Committee on the future Common Agriculture Policy (CAP). A rapid and positive decision on the new CAP and the EU budget 2014-2020 is vital to end the uncertainty currently facing farmers.
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Having finalised its voting recommendations on the European Parliament’s compromise amendments to three out of the four proposals for the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) at a CEJA Working Group in Sweden on Monday, CEJA has requested particular votes from MEPs ahead of today’s Committee vote. CEJA requested positive votes on certain compromises covering young farmers’ measures in both pillars, the greening of direct payments and the single CMO.
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The Commission has published today its medium term forecasts, "Prospects for Agricultural Markets and Income in the EU 2012-2022" projecting the trends for major EU agricultural commodity markets until 2022. Based on a set of assumptions, EU commodity markets are projected to remain balanced - on average - over the outlook period.
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European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)’s reports on neonicotinoid-based pesticide provide no ground to challenge their current safe use in practice, and is instead limited to potential risks.
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Copa-Cogeca called on the EU Commission today to publish without delay an EU regulation establishing anti-dumping measures against imports of canned mandarins flooding into the EU from China.
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McCain Foods India today said the company plans to invest $ 69 million (over Rs 370 crore) at its potato processing plant at Mehsana in Gujarat, as it looks to cater to the increased demand.
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Recent consumer potato consumption trends point to significant growth opportunities for the U.S. potato industry, according to new research unveiled yesterday at POTATO EXPO 2013.
The research, conducted by Datassential, a leading food industry market research firm, and sponsored by Bayer CropScience, shows that nearly half (43 percent) of consumers surveyed report they increased their potato consumption last year. Forty-six percent report eating potatoes several times per week at home or away from home, with 14 percent eating potatoes daily or more than once a day.
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Wheat output in India, the world’s second-biggest producer, may reach a record for a seventh year as cold weather boosts yield prospects and record domestic prices spur planting, potentially boosting exports. Futures in India fell for a seventh day.
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U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has appointed 30 members to serve on the National Potato Promotion Board.
Each member will serve a three-year term of office beginning March 1, 2013.
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Guaranteeing quality to consumers and a fair price for farmers are the twin aims of the new Council Regulation on quality schemes for agricultural products that enters into force today. Based on the Commission's 2010 proposal, it provides consumers with information on products' characteristics, protects product names from misuse and imitation and encourages the diversification of agricultural production.
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- Swii’Flo ™ : new Roxell-nipple drinking system
- Koozii™: new community nest from Roxell
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Lufthar Rahman and his neighbours at Abhirampur village in Hooghly in West Bengal have sowed more Atlanta variety of potato this year.
It is for use by PepsiCo India for making flakes and other Frito-Lay products.
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The poor conditions which have handed the UK its worst potato harvest since 1976 hurt crops in many European countries too, although, in an echo of the grains result, German farms escaped damage.
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New EU-27 cereals estimates for 2012/3 and 2013/4 released by Copa-Cogeca today show the harvest is better than expected, despite the bad weather conditions. With food demand on the rise, urgent measures are nevertheless needed under the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) in 2014 to enable the EU to make full use of its production potential .
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Every year University of Illinois agricultural economist Gary Schnitkey projects returns per acre for corn and soybeans grown in his state, and net income for a typical 1,200-acre farm.
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On 10 December 2012 the Commission adopted its second report on the evolution of the market situation and conditions for a smooth phasing out of the milk quota system, as requested by the Council as part of the 2008 CAP Health Check.
The report, which has been forwarded to the Council and the European Parliament, concludes that the "soft landing" is on track: in the vast majority of Member States, quotas are no longer relevant to limiting production and the quota price (paid by farmers seeking additional quota) is already zero or close to zero.
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Yara International ASA has entered into an agreement to acquire Bunge's fertilizer business in Brazil, significantly strengthening its fertilizer position in the country. The proposed transaction is valued at USD 750 million, and will be subject to the approval of Brazilian competition authorities (CADE) and other customary approvals.
Yara and Bunge have also agreed to enter into a long-term fertilizer supply agreement, enabling Bunge to continue supplying fertilizer to farmers as part of its grain origination activities and creating a framework for logistics and other commercial activities.
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At the United Nations Climate change Conference (the COP18) in Doha, which ended Friday, Copa-Cogeca highlighted the increasing role climate change plays in farmers’, forest producers’ and agri-cooperatives’ management decisions and on their economic viability.
Food security can no longer be taken for granted. Sustaining and enhancing food production, which can happen at the same time as tackling climate change and cutting greenhouse gas emissions, must consequently be a policy priority for all governments.
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The Maine Potato Board is pleased to announce the selection of the 2013 Young Farmer of the Year - Shawn Doyen of Willard C. Doyen & Sons Farm. Doyen lives in Mapleton with his wife Christi and their two children, Taylor, 7 and Charles, 3
Growing up on the family farm sparked an early agricultural interest in Doyen. He started assisting in daily tasks beginning at age 11.
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Dairy farmer Bob Andrews feeds heifers in the same barn his grandfather used. He says today "the harder you work, the further you get behind."
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On 6 December 2012, the European Parliament’s European People’s Party (EPP) political group hosted a European Young Farmers’ Congress organised by Spanish MEP Esther Herranz and Portuguese MEP Nuno Melo.
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The 16th edition of INTERPOM | PRIMEURS in Kortrijk Xpo shot past the record-breaking number of visitors at the last event: with an amazing 17 678 visitors this year, INTERPOM | PRIMEURS clocked up a spectacular 25.7% more visitors.
These statistics prove beyond a shadow of doubt that INTERPOM | PRIMEURS is the most successful specialised indoor trade fair in Europe – or even the world – for professionals from the entire potato, fruit and vegetable chain, from growing to processing and marketing. 2012–13 was a challenging and surprising season for the potato sector and together with the high prices, this was an extra reason to visit INTERPOM | PRIMEURS to keep a weather eye on future market developments and consider new investments.
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With dispatch of the stand registration documents to exhibitors, preparations for the world’s largest exhibition for agricultural machinery and equipment, Agritechnica 2013, have now started. The globally leading forum for the industry will be presenting its programme to the trade public at the Exhibition Grounds in Hanover from 10 to 16 November 2013. The organizer DLG (Deutsche Landwirtschafts-Gesellschaft – German Agricultural Society) has again arranged two Preview Days, this time on 10 and 11 November 2013. The closing date for stand bookings for exhibitors is 1 February 2013.
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EU leaders from the EU Agricultural Coopertatives Confederation Cogeca unanimously elected in Brussels today Mr Christian Pèes from France as its new President for the period 2013-2015.
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Copa-Cogeca warned today of the serious situation facing the EU beef sector, with EU producers being hit hard by high production costs and low margins. Action must be taken under the future Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Global meat consumption is forecast to rise and Europe needs to be in a position to make use of the growing opportunities.
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The Agriculture and Fisheries Council meeting of November 2012 will take place in Brussels on 28 & 29 November 2012, under the presidency of Mr Sofoklis Aletraris, Cypriot Minister of Agriculture, Natural Resources & Environment. Wednesday's session will deal with agriculture issues (under the aegis of Agriculture & Rural Development Commissioner Dacian Cioloş), while Thursday's session will deal with the fisheries (Maritime Affairs & Fisheries Commissioner Maria Damanaki) and health and consumers points (Health and Consumers Commissioner Tonio Borg).
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In financial year 2011/2012 AVEBE achieved a net profit of 32.1 million euros with a turnover of 595.5 million euros. This represents an increase in the net result of over 60% compared to the previous year (19.8 million euros). The turnover for that year was 565.3 million euros.
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Copa-Cogeca regretted today the lack of an agreement at the EU Summit on the future EU budget 2014-2020, warning a speedy and positive decision is vital so that a final decision can be made on the future CAP in time for implementation in 2014.
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In the run up to EU heads of state and governments talks on the future EU budget 2014-2020, Copa-Cogeca welcomed today EU Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso calls for a good EU budget to finance a strong, modern, competitive Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) in the future.
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DuPont Pioneer announced today a more than 40 million USD investment in the construction of a seed production facility in Stasi, Dykanka region, Poltava oblast, Ukraine. This is one of the many investments the company is making to support local product development and help Ukrainian farmers increase their productivity.
Construction is underway at the facility that will be operational in time for the 2013 season, supporting the increased customer demand for Pioneer® brand maize, sunflower and oilseed rape hybrids in Ukraine.
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“With 2,445 exhibitors and around 160,000 visitors, including 38,000 international visitors, EuroTier 2012 has reached new record levels”, announced Dr. Reinhard Grandke, Chief Executive Officer of the organizer DLG (Deutsche Landwirtschafts-Gesellschaft – German Agricultural Society), speaking to the press in Hanover at the close of EuroTier on 16 November 2012. With this result EuroTier has impressively demonstrated its great pulling power for animal husbandry farmers and experts from all over the world and further consolidated its leading position as the world’s top event for professional animal husbandry. BioEnergy Decentral at EuroTier has become firmly established as the world forum for decentralized energy supply.
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Copa-Cogeca criticised today new proposals from the President of the Council on the future EU budget 2014-20, warning that they would cut EU farm spending to unacceptable levels, at a time when farmers are already being hard hit by high input costs which are often not covered by market prices. Food demand is also on the rise and these proposals risk threatening food security and 40 million jobs in rural areas.
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Copa-Cogeca held a major Seminar in Brussels today on implementation in member states of the recently agreed EU milk package. The package focuses on strengthening contractual relations between farmers and processors, in order to improve producers weak position in the food chain and enable them to get a better return from the market .
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Continuous fully automatic milking – this is no longer a pipe dream. It has been brought about by a groundbreaking innovation – the World’s first automatic milking stall module for several types of milk parlours. GEA Farm Technologies is pleased to present its product innovation for the first time in the context of EuroTier 2012.
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Hanover, Germany (13 November 2012) By 2050, the world population will rise to nearly 9 billion people, doubling the demand for food at a time when a changing environment is creating new limits to supply, resources and biodiversity.
According to DeLaval, meeting this challenge requires looking at food production in a completely new way, demanding individuals and companies to add their efforts.
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Hanover, Germany (13 November 2012) At EuroTier 2012, the world’s largest trade show dedicated to agriculture, DeLaval unveiled its teat spray robot TSR – an automatic post spray solution offering consistent application, optimal use of teat dip and less labour.
The unique technology is designed to facilitate high capacity milking in rotary parlours while helping to maintain farm profitability.
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The future of agriculture lies not with new technologies or policies but in the hands of today's youth. In recognition of the important role the young of today play in shaping tomorrow's agricultural landscape, EuroTier 2012 welcomes all young farmers and students with a series of career-oriented talks at Young Farmers Day.
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The development of competitive animal production in the CIS countries, and especially in Russia, Kazakhstan and Ukraine, is currently being targeted and supported politically. These countries, which aim to become self-sufficient with products of animal origin, are investing considerably in promoting livestock and poultry farming.
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Today’s event in the European Parliament brought together EU beet farmers (CIBE), sugar producers (CEFS), workers’ unions (EFFAT) and the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group to call for an extension of the Single Common Market Organisation (CMO) for sugar until 2020.
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there are many speculations about the Beet Europe 2012 test results.
All harvesters did perform very well. There were only slight differences in the results.
The Agrifac sugar beet harvesters Big Six and Quatro confirmed their efficiency!
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While rising temperatures in some places may improve the productivity of bananas, conditions may also become more favourable for certain pests and diseases.
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This year aquaculture will be celebrating its ten year anniversary at EuroTier, the top event for professional animal production. Aquaculture, which will be presented in Hall 23, fits into this international exhibition perfectly. Not only are fish farms and fish consumption on the rise but many livestock farmers are now contemplating fish farms as an investment in addition to their other livestock businesses.
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This year’s EuroTier exhibition features again a large sector for international dairy and beef farmers that is backed by a full range of technical equipment and construction plus management presentations from all over the world. Complementing the cattle breeders’ product display is the well-known EuroTier tradition of presenting cattle breeding stock on the stage of “Top Cattle Genetics” (=”TopTierTreff”) .
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Copa-Cogeca rejected today new Cypriot Presidency’s proposals on the future EU budget 2014-20, warning they represent a significant cut in farm spending and risk threatening food security and rural development. This is totally unacceptable in view of rising food demand, higher production costs and substantial market volatility.
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Participating at EuroTier is about acquiring global knowledge and fresh perspectives.
To further facilitate this exchange of know-how and information, topics for the forums and show specials have been carefully selected to reflect closely the trends we are witnessing in the animal production market today and throughout the world.
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Premiering at EuroTier 2012, the Animal Welfare Information Center widens the scope of animal production issues presented at the world's foremost event for the livestock farming industry. Positioned in Hall 26 right across the DLG stand, the center will feature two daily roundtable discussions that will present opposing views by opposing views of farmers and companies on animal welfare issues, and which will be chaired by professionals from the animal welfare sector.
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Maine farmers were not affected by the severe drought that affected the Midwest this summer, and Maine potato producers are harvesting "a quality crop" this season, according to state agriculture officials.
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The mood in the Dutch potato market still remains good, according to potato exporter Altena: "Despite the high prices, there is still a good demand," says Kees Schouten of Potato Wholesale Altena. According to the potato trader there is particularly good demand for chipping potatoes and light-skinned potatoes for small packs.
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A double celebration in Genk, Belgium last night marked the 20th birthday of two keystones of EU environmental policy. It is now twenty years since the EU adopted the Habitats Directive, one of the two building blocks of Natura 2000, Europe's network of protected areas. LIFE, the EU funding instrument for the environment, is also celebrating 20 years.
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A recent study showing that potato cultivation has been dwindling in Nilgiris, has prompted officials from the Horticulture Research Centre and Directorate of Marketing Intelligence Centre to initiate steps to encourage farmers to cultivate potato in the hill district in Tamil Nadu.
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Premiering at EuroTier 2012, the Animal Welfare Information Center widens the scope of animal production issues presented at the world's foremost event for the livestock farming industry.
Positioned in Hall 26 right across the DLG stand, the center will feature two daily roundtable discussions that will present opposing views by opposing views of farmers and companies on animal welfare issues, and which will be chaired by professionals from the animal welfare sector.
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Proposals for Young Farmers’ measures in both Pillars of the CAP are achievable. Alternative proposals, which weaken the priority for young farmers in both pillars, will not address the escalating age crisis in European agriculture.
The CEJA President calls on the Farm Council to adopt the Young Farmers Scheme across both Pillars.
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It was awesome to see farmers from many different communities in Saskatchewan come together to bring in a Guinness World Record harvest.
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Contrary to what many in the Belgian media had suggested, it is McCain Foods picking up the potato division of the Belgian Frozen Food manufacturer PinguinLutosa and not Conagra Foods Lamb Weston.
McCain Foods and PinguinLutosa issued the following press release earlier today:
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Planting green manure cover crops over the winter, prior to potato cropping, could save growers significant costs with reduced fertiliser inputs and enhanced organic matter to improve soil quality, according to ADAS Senior Soil Crop and Water Researcher, Dr Martyn Silgram.
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Today, EU Commissioner for Development, Andris Piebalgs, and the President of Malawi, Joyce Banda, signed two agreements which will help Malawi to reach the Millennium Development Goals. The EU will contribute to a new government programme designed to strengthen agricultural productivity and expand the area under irrigation. With this programme, Malawi aims to increase its maize yield by two thirds and almost double household incomes in agriculture. This will contribute to the goal of 6% of annual growth in Malawi.
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The European Council of Young Farmers, CEJA, has chosen the World Food Day to mark the official launch of its campaign “Future…Food…Farmers”. This campaign calls for generational renewal in the farming sector to be a priority of the future Common Agricultural Policy, in order to secure Europe’s future, food, and farmers. As CAP negotiations are heating up alongside escalating budget concerns, CEJA believes it is essential that the issue of the age crisis in farming is addressed by decision-makers in this reform. The campaign website launched today is www.futurefoodfarmers.eu.
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A bitter feud over plans to import potatoes from New Zealand is escalating, with growers accusing Australia's biosecurity body of fudging the science and lacking the knowledge to prevent a major pest outbreak.
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Tomorrow, 16 October, will mark the World Food Day. It is unacceptable that tonight, across the world, close to 870 million people - more than one and a half times the population of the European Union - will go to bed hungry.
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An expected surplus of potatoes from Idaho has made the outlook for Washington's fresh spuds dismal.
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Agricultural activities account for one third of total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, the lion’s share of which comes from industrial agriculture. But farmers are also among the first to feel the impacts of climate change, as harvests fail due to increasingly extreme weather. More sustainable food systems which operate at a smaller scale can reduce emissions from agriculture and are more resistant to erratic climate. This is how we can feed the world in the throes of climate change, according to a new report by the international alliance of Catholic development agencies CIDSE.
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“The combination of low yielding potato crops, increased crop spraying costs and increased wastage from problems such as greening, soft rots and growth cracks has massively increased the average cost of producing a tonne of potatoes in 2012 to over £200 per tonne. There is now a perfect storm of misery in the industry as most fresh and processing potatoes are sold by farmers to packers and processors at fixed prices far lower than the cost of production and they in turn are not able to cover their costs from retail and food service customers.
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Retailers have committed to take voluntary action in waste prevention, particularly on food waste. At the Retail Forum in Brussels yesterday they confirmed their continued belief in the need to move to a resource efficient economy in spite of the challenging economic situation. Looking to the sustainability goals they had set themselves in key areas in precious years, such as selling more green products, they noted strong progress.
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Potato growers on Prince Edward Island are concerned that some of their crops might be lost because of the wet weather.
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Subsidies to European farmers can end up in the pockets of processors, supermarkets, input suppliers, landowners and bureaucracies and raise the cost of farming rather than improving its competitiveness. That’s the view of Professor David Harvey, who is delivering the 2012 Gibson Public Lecture at Queen’s tomorrow evening (10th October). Professor Harvey is Editor in Chief of The Journal of Agricultural Economics and Professor of Agricultural Economics at Newcastle University.
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Since the a country's plant health is not negotiable, potato farmers will avoid at all costs importing potatoes from the US. The Ministries of Economy in both countries engaged in an agreement to carry this out, without consulting health authorities or the farmers themselves.
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Today in Brussels, European Union Commissioner for Development Andris Piebalgs and the President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Kanayo F. Nwanze, signed a Memorandum of Understanding to further strengthen the cooperation between the EU and IFAD on agriculture.
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The so-called "Milk Package", designed with a view to the longer term future of the dairy sector following the end of the EU dairy quota system in 2015, is fully applicable from today.
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It used to be hand picking and barrels were the only way to do it, but today you're lucky if you can find someone who still does it the old fashioned way.
Today farmers have turned to more modern technology to harvest their potato crop.
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AUSTRALIANS' appetite for imported potato chips has soared 700 per cent in just two years.
The rise has been so sudden that local producers fear the trend signals the death knell for their industry.
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This year’s impressive number of applications for the EuroTier innovation awards has once again confirmed the event’s status as the largest international platform for innovations in machinery, equipment and supplies for the professional livestock sector.
EuroTier organizer DLG (German Agricultural Society) has received more than 300 submissions, from 182 exhibitors across 23 countries, which represents a new all-time high for the EuroTier event.
Notably, around half of the entries come from exhibitors based outside of host country Germany.
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Copa-Cogeca released final EU-27 cereals estimates for the 2012/13 marketing year today, claiming EU production is expected to drop by 2.2%, highlighting the need to maintain full production capacity in the future to meet growing demand.
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The European Commission has cleared under the EU Merger Regulation the proposed acquisition of the UK dairy farmers' cooperative Milk Link by fellow cooperative Arla Foods. The clearance is conditional upon the divestment of Milk Link's sole long-life milk processing facility located in Devon (UK).
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Claydon, who are Great Britain’s leading manufacturer of strip till direct drills, have seen exceptional demand for the Claydon Hybrid drill from throughout Europe as farmers there recognise the benefits that strip drilling can bring in terms of yield increase and cost reduction.
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The world’s leading exhibition:
Unique exhibition programme for professional animal husbandry All leading companies represented - Six additional exhibition halls integrated - BioEnergy Decentral - bpt Congress - New concept for grouping of key areas and visitor guidance - International technical programme
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The world’s top event for professional animal husbandry, EuroTier 2012, being held at the Exhibition Grounds in Hanover from 13 to 16 November, has exerted a hitherto unrivalled draw on manufacturers from home and abroad. With 2,336 direct exhibitors and 39 additionally represented companies from 51 countries, including all market leaders, the DLG as organizer can report a new record level. The number of exhibitors is around one quarter higher than at the previous record event two years ago.
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The Agriculture and Fisheries Council meeting of September 2012 will take place in Brussels on 24 & 25 September 2012, under the presidency of Mr Sofoklis Aletraris, Cypriot Minister of Agriculture, Natural Resources & Environment. Monday's session will deal with agriculture issues (under the aegis Agriculture & Rural Development Commissioner Dacian Cioloş), and Tuesday's session will deal with the fisheries points (Maritime Affairs & Fisheries Commissioner Maria Damanaki) and a number of SANCO "Any Other Business points" (Health Commissioner John Dalli).
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EU leaders from the EU Agricultural Cooperatives Confederation Cogeca unanimously elected in Brussels today Mr Christian Pèes from France as its new President. Thomas Magnusson from Sweden and Maria Antónia Figueiredo were elected as two new Vice-Presidents.
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In the wake of rising food demand, Copa-Cogeca outlined the best ways to maintain the EU’s potential for agricultural production whilst preserving limited resources– especially land and water – at EU Farm Ministers Informal Meeting in Nicosia, Cyprus today.
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Addressing all 27 EU Ministers for Agriculture, young farmer representative Joris Baecke urged the Council to adopt and strengthen proposed measures for young farmers in the future CAP. The continuation of the downward trend in the access of young people to the farming sector is too dramatic to leave this issue unanswered.
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The New Zealand-based company CropLogic is the first winner of IBM’s SmartCamp Australia and New Zealand, part of a global program for start-up companies.
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Every four years France welcomes PotatoEurope. The event is a showcase for technical innovations, demonstrations of harvesting and storage methods, as well as an essential trading hub that no professional can afford to miss. Organised around the themes of performance, sustainability and qualitative as well as environmental excellence, PotatoEurope is getting ready to welcome 10,000 visitors from around the world.
PotatoEurope 2012 will take place on September 12th and 13th 2012 at Villers-Saint-Christophe (Aisne department, France)
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Bayer CropScience is exhibiting at the Asia Fruit Logistica 2012 in Hong Kong, Asia's leading trade show for the international fresh fruit and vegetable business. From September 5 to 7, experts from the company present successful Food Chain Partnership business initiatives. "We are convinced that the best way to ensure high food quality is to connect the dots - bringing farmers, food processors and retailers together in Food Chain Partnership projects," Dr. Birgitt Walz-Tylla, Head of Food Chain Management at Bayer CropScience, pointed out. "For the benefit of our partners, we focus on increasing marketable yield, traceability and expanding marketing opportunities."
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Today’s decision of the European Court of Justice clarifies the legal requirements for the cultivation of GM crops in the European Union Member States. The decision confirms the non-legitimacy of national authorizations introduced in addition to the approval of biotech crops established by the European legal framework, and it also confirms that coexistence measures are not mandatory to grow GM plants.
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Last summer, Maine potato farmers were dealt too much rain, which led to blight and rot.
This year, the farmers are struggling with the opposite extreme: too little rain, which is stunting the potatoes' growth and will hit farmers' wallets hard this fall.
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As the annual potato harvest begins, Wisconsin farmers continue to check their fields for late blight, the ferocious plant disease that caused the 1848 Irish potato famine and fueled massive emigration from Ireland.
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Five Haitians who participated in a recent training course on tissue-culture techniques have returned home very satisfied with the training they received at the Scientific Research Council (SRC) facility at Hope Gardens, St Andrew in Jamaica.
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PepsiCo and Cambridge University have joined forces to introduce mobile technology to crop planning, with a new smartphone app that will help farmers predict future harvests.
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Two innovative Dutch agri-food companies, Solynta and FOODSniffer, have been selected to present at the Ag Innovation Showcase in St. Louis Sept. 10-13.
The first company, Solynta, has developed a revolutionary breakthrough in potato breeding technology, unlocking potato’s genetic potential previously deemed inconceivable as well as significantly increasing both efficiency and effectiveness of potato breeding by more than 300%.
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In the framework of the Eastern partnership the European Commission has provided new funding to modernise Georgia's agriculture, as well as build up the institutions responsible for preparing its political association and economic integration with the EU.
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Feeds Marketing, part of British feed manufacturer BOCM Pauls, has acquired all shares of Dairy Direct Limited. The takeover fits well within BOCM Pauls’ Total Feed Concept.
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After an incredibly challenging season for potato growers, the ADAS Syngenta 2012 Potato Conference and Exhibition is perfectly timed to provide the essential new technical innovation and marketing inspiration for all growers, agronomists and potato industry specialists.
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The Sri Lankan government announced today that the import taxes on big onions and potatoes have been increased with effect from midnight Monday.
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Scotland's potato farmers are predicting one of the worst harvests in recent years.
Crops are expected to be down by as much as 50% in places due to a combination of heavy rain and little sunshine.
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Hardly a day passes that there aren't new pictures and signs of the Great Drought of 2012.
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Agra may be famous for its monuments, but it also holds 7% of India's cold storage capacity - more than in the whole of Punjab.
Almost all of it is used to store potatoes.
How did the city and surrounding areas become India's cold storage hub and what has it meant for the price of potatoes?
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(CBS News) Hardly a day passes that there aren't new pictures and signs of the Great Drought of 2012. The government put out a report Friday that brings home just how severe it is. It is not just farmers and stockmen who are affected: It's going to mean higher food prices for everyone.
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Feed costs soared this summer as crops wilted in the intense heat and the worst drought to hit the country since 1956. An analysis found that small dairy farms have been the worst hit in a time already complicated with abundant supplies and stagnant prices.
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Canadian Potato producers received a boost from the federal Government, as Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and Member of Parliament Mike Allen (Tobique–Mactaquac) attended the Centennial celebrations at the Potato Research Centre in Fredericton, New Brunswick and announced an investment for two innovative potato research projects.
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DuPont strongly disagrees with the verdict that was reached in favor of Monsanto in Monsanto’s patent case against Du Pont in the United States District Court in St. Louis, Missouri.
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Ireland's environmental protection agency has approved the first trial of a genetically modified potato crop.
Scientists say the plants have been designed to improve resistance to blight.
They argue that the type of genetic modification used is akin to conventional breeding.
But the decision has been severely criticised by campaigners who say that there will be "grave ramifications" for the country.
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Unusually dry weather in central Prince Edward Island and a possible irrigation ban has farmers worried about their crops.
Like Ontario, the island province has experienced an uneven distribution of rain, leaving some parts drenched and other areas parched.
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Potato growers could achieve potential savings of more than €450/ha if they used a blight-resistant genetically modified (GM) potato variety instead of a conventional variety.
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Monsanto Company (NYSE: MON) today won a patent infringement trial in the U.S. District Court against DuPont Pioneer, formally Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company (DuPont). The trial had centered on DuPont's unauthorized use of Monsanto's patented Roundup Ready® technology.
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The problem of glut of potatoes causing heavy losses to farmers can now be reduced drastically as the Central Institute of Post Harvest Engineering and Technology (CIPHET) has standardized a technology for using potatoes of all kinds including waste from food processing industry, unmarketable small or very large size potatoes for making cattle feed of high nutritional value.
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The European Commission has launched a call for tenders for a study on exchange programmes for young farmers to evaluate to what extent these can address their specific needs. The call for tenders for this pilot project, launched on 27 July and managed by the Commission on the request of the European Parliament, will aim at identifying and assessing the specific needs of young farmers across the EU.
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The Direct Payments Management Committee in its meeting yesterday backed a proposal by the European Commission to permit Member States to advance 50% of the CAP Direct Payments for 2012 aid applications earlier than usual, in order to address liquidity problems which farmers face due to exceptional conditions caused by the ongoing financial crisis and unfavourable climatic conditions.
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New record booking level at the world’s leading exhibition for animal production and management - Top level information platform - Showcase for innovations - Specials - International technical programme
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Cargill has supplied the first-ever sustainable verified rapeseed oil to Unilever with an initial consignment covering five percent of Unilever’s rapeseed oil needs. In the next three years Cargill’s European refined oils and grain & oilseed businesses will be able to meet all of Unilever’s sustainable rapeseed oil needs, which is used in products including margarines and mayonnaises.
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Eric Driver, delegate from CEJA’s Irish member organisation Macra na Feirme, had the opportunity to make a presentation on young farmers and food security in today’s European Commission conference entitled “The CAP Towards 2020 – Taking Stock with Civil Society” in Brussels, Belgium.
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Dacian Cioloş European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development
Conference on the future of the PAC/Brussels 13 July 2012
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The Agriculture and Fisheries Council meeting of July 2012 will take place in Brussels on 16 July 2012, under the Presidency of Cypriot Minister for Agriculture, Natural Resources & Environment Mr. Sofoclis Aletraris.
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In a meeting with EU Agriculture Commissioner Ciolos today, Copa-Cogeca welcomed as a good starting point the EU Commissions’ Action Plan to improve the viability and competitiveness of the EU Olive Oil Sector. We now need to work on concrete measures to implement in the sector.
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In a meeting with EU Agriculture Commissioner Ciolos today, Copa-Cogeca welcomed as a good starting point the EU Commissions’ Action Plan to improve the viability and competitiveness of the EU Olive Oil Sector. We now need to work on concrete measures to implement in the sector.
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Earlier today, at the last ‘olive and derived products’ Advisory Group meeting before the summer, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dacian Ciolos, presented his action plan on the subject to the participating experts and observers.
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Tomorrow (13 July 2012) the European Commission is holding a conference on the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) towards 2020, as a forum for civil society to discuss the CAP reform proposals for post-2013 adopted by the Commission in October 2011.
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Animal-based measures (ABM) can be used effectively in the on-farm evaluation of broiler welfare in relation to laws, codes of practice, quality assurance schemes, management and also partly for ante-mortem inspection. Some ABM can also be taken post-mortem at the slaughterhouse. Non-animal-based measures can be used when the association between them and the welfare outcome is strong and when they are more efficient than ABM as a means to safeguard welfare.
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Bayer CropScience recently announced that it has signed an agreement to purchase AgraQuest, Inc. for a purchase price of US$ 425 million (approximately EUR 340 million) plus milestone payments. AgraQuest, headquartered in Davis, California, USA, is a global supplier of innovative biological pest management solutions based on natural microorganisms.
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Copa-Cogeca elected today Mansel Raymond from the UK as new Chairman of Copa-Cogeca Working Party on Milk and Dairy Products. He will look at ways to improve the difficult market situation and deal with major challenges such as the extreme market volatility, rising production costs and ensure that there is a competitive dairy sector under the future CAP.
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Potato is not only a staple, it is also an important cash crop which is expanding year after year in Uzbekistan, and there is an obvious need for quality seeds necessary for local farmers to cultivate this crop.
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On the International Day of Cooperatives whose theme this year is “Co-operative enterprises build a better world”, Cogeca highlighted the benefits of cooperatives in helping farmers to join forces to market their produce and ensure product development through research and innovation.
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The European Commission has cleared under the EU Merger Regulation the proposed acquisition of British animal feed producer Agricola, the holding company of BOCM Pauls, by the Dutch agricultural commodities and feed producer Forfarmers. The Commission found that the transaction would not raise competition concerns because of the limited increment in market share resulting from the acquisition and the presence of sufficient competitors on the markets concerned.
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Copa-Cogeca welcomed today European Parliaments vote on the new EU Strategy for the protection and welfare of animals 2012-2015, especially the focus on ensuring current rules are enforced properly in the EU and that the same rules must apply to imports.
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Unique technology platform and promising biological pipeline / Wide range of established green product brands / Purchase includes R&D and manufacturing facilities
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Overall satisfaction among exhibitors and visitors despite adverse weather conditions – 22,467 visitors at the site of the DLG International Crop Produc-tion Center in Bernburg-Strenzfeld – More than 2,000 international visitors
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East African farmers, who are mostly small-scale, currently select their seed potatoes from the mass of harvested potatoes. That results in lots of virus diseases and potato brown rot, as well as low yields of an average of 10.5 tons per hectare.
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Copa-Cogeca released new EU-27 cereals estimates for the 2012/13 marketing year today, claiming EU production is expected to drop slightly by 1.4%, compared to last year, despite a slight increase in area. In view of the severe weather conditions, farmers had to re-sow over 1.5 million hectares but were restricted by a lack of commercialised seed.
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Copa-Cogeca released new EU-27 oilseeds estimates for the 2012/13 marketing year today, showing a 3.2% drop in production, compared to last year, mainly as a result of lower yields.
The need for increased research and innovation is consequently crucial.
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Arable farmers in Britain are bracing themselves for a rough ride this summer as the unpredictable weather takes its toll on crops throughout Britain.
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This Scientific Opinion reports on an evaluation of a risk assessment for the placing on the market for cultivation of genetically modified soybean 40-3-2, and updates the previous EFSA GMO Panel Scientific Opinion on the renewal applications for the continued marketing of soybean 40-3-2.
The EFSA GMO Panel considered that soybean 40-3-2 is unlikely to raise additional environmental safety concerns compared with conventional soybean, but that the management of its cultivation could result in environmental harm under certain conditions.
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The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has launched a public consultation on its draft guidance for the environmental risk assessment (ERA) of GM animals. The document, which focuses on GM fish, insects, mammals and birds, outlines the specific data requirements and methodology for the ERA of GM animals should applications be submitted for market authorisation in the European Union (EU) in the future. The risk assessment is based on a comparative approach between GM and non-GM animals.
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The momagri SGPA indicator has come to expose a little known fact: Agricultural subsidies in the U.S. are quite higher than the figures usually given, and very largely exceed those granted by the European Union (EU) and its member-states.
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The West Bengal government (India) would revamp the ailing potato seeds institute at Kalimpong to keep its supply line intact for the benefit of farmers in the state without depending on Punjab or Haryana.
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Andris Piebalgs, Commissioner for Development
European Commission's side event on Agriculture /Rio de Janeiro
21 June 2012
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Dacian Ciolos, European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development
DG AGRI/DG DEVCO side event: Agriculture the way towards sustainability and inclusiveness G20/Rio de Janeiro
21 June 2012
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The European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dacian Cioloş and the Brazilian Minister for Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply, Mendes Ribeiro Filho have signed today in Rio de Janeiro a Memorandum of understanding to establish a dialogue on agriculture.
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Meeting in Bratislava for the annual conference of their European organization, CEETTAR, agricultural, rural and forestry contractors of the EU, noted the cruel lack of ambition of MEPs, even though they have for the first time their say with regard to agricultural policy.
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The Agriculture and Fisheries Council will meet in Luxembourg on Monday, 18 June 2012, under the presidency of Danish Minister of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries Ms Mette Gjerskov. After Tuesday's meeting [June 12] on fisheries issues, this meeting will discuss agriculture, health and animal welfare issues, and the Commission will be represented by Agriculture & Rural Development Commissioner Dacian Cioloş and Health & Consumer Policy Commissioner John Dalli.
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At a major CIBE Congress held in France today, Copa President Gerd Sonnleitner called for EU sugar production quotas to be kept until at least 2020, saying that there has already been a major restructuring of the sector on an unprecedented scale in the 2006 reform.
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Dominant frozen chip manufacturer McCain Foods has been accused by the Victorian Farmers Federation of using "bully-boy tactics" to push potato growers in Victoria and Tasmania to the financial brink.
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In the last round of negotiations at the 3rd Preparatory Committee Meeting of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, Copa-Cogeca (European farmers and European agri-cooperatives) and EACB (the European Association of Cooperative Banks), highlight crucial elements for the Rio+20 Conference.
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At EU Farm Ministers Informal Meeting today, which focused on enabling the EU agri-food sector to contribute to a green transition of our modern economy, Copa-Cogeca outlined measures to ensure green growth in the future under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
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The Duluth, Ga.-based agricultural equipment maker on Monday reported it will open in 2013 a 371-acre farm and learning center near Lusaka, Zambia. AGCO wants to show farmers in the region how to boost food production as the southern African country’s population grows.
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In the run up to Rio + 20, European deputies and environmental and development experts organize a hearing on the 5th of June, in the European Parliament in Brussels, to address their concerns on the possible external effects of the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) of the European Union.
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The European Commission has today launched a public consultation on the future of the EU regime for fruit and vegetables. The responses will feed into a Commission report on the regime next May which will look at the 2007 reform, with proposals for further changes if necessary, which would apply from 2014.
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Celebrating International Milk Day, Copa-Cogeca drank to the nutritious benefits of milk at the White House in Washington.
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In the last round of “informal informal” negotiations this week before the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development on 20th -22nd June (the so-called Rio+20 Summit), Copa-Cogeca highlighted aspects of its Declaration for the Conference “Green growth at the heart of sustainable development”
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Karel De Gucht European Commissioner for Trade
EU ACP Parliamentary Assembly Horsens, Denmark 29 May 2012
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Japanese trading house Marubeni Corp is to buy U.S. grains merchant Gavilon for $3.6 billion, the company said on Tuesday, as it targets China's growing demand for corn from North America, the world's top grain export hub.
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The European Competition Network (ECN) has published a report showing that active enforcement of competition law in the food sector across Europe, in particular at the processing and manufacturing levels, has benefitted farmers, suppliers and consumers. The report shows that the food sector has been a priority of competition authorities in Europe over the last few years and that their action has intensified since the food price crisis broke out in 2007. The ECN brings together the European Commission and the national competition authorities of the 27 Member States.
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The European Commission welcomes the "New Alliance to improve Food and nutrition security" launched today, on the eve of the G8 Summit. The EU has been an active partner in the preparation of the "New Alliance" which aims at boosting productivity, domestic and international private sector investments and supporting innovation and technology in Africa.
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Since time immemorial, plants have been crucial to our survival and prosperity. From the world’s first “green revolution” – the invention of agriculture – in the Middle East, to today’s high-tech agribusiness, plants have been at the centre of our diets, economy and much more. Plant cells produce biomass from simple chemical building blocks in the air and the soil, including carbon dioxide, nitrogen and water, using the sun as a ‘for-free’ energy source.
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The European Commission has cleared under the EU Merger Regulation the proposed acquisition of Skånemejerier AB, a subsidiary of the Swedish cooperative Skånemejerier ek. För by Lactalis, both active in the dairy sector. The Commission's investigation concluded that the transaction would not raise competition concerns, because it will not significantly alter the market structure.
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The British Potato Trade Association (BPTA) last week launched revised terms and conditions surrounding the sale and purchase of seed potatoes, providing growers with much-needed confidence that claims for contamination will be dealt with effectively.
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In January 2012, European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dacian Ciolos, set up a high level group on wine in order to assess proposals to end the current planting rights system by 2015. In response to this, the European Council of Young Farmers have published their position on the matter and call for the maintenance of all wine planting rights until a later date with priority access to the system for young farmers.
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Of all EU-funded policies, the Common Agricultural Policy has the greatest potential to deliver biodiversity on farmland and help meet the EU's 2020 biodiversity targets, according to a new study carried out by the Institute for European Environmental Policy (IEEP).
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European agriculture will have to overcome major challenges in the years and decades to come, including food security, environmental protection, climate change, preservation of the rural environment and farmers' standard of living. It is therefore a fundamental issue for Europe, especially as agricultural land covers 47% of European territory and Europe has almost 12 million farms, of which 70% are small farms of less than five hectares," declared René Souchon (PES, France), president of the Auvergne region and CoR rapporteur for the opinion on the future of the CAP, which was adopted by a large majority.
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U.S. farmers are buying equipment as agricultural finances strengthen, the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City said in its quarterly report on national farm lending.
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Leica Geosystems today announced additional features for the Leica mojoMINI and Leica mojo3D to further enhance product usability and compatibility. Upgrades include an improved look and feel of the mojoMINI display, data import and export for the Leica mojo3D and an extra lightbar option for both products.
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Copa President Gerd Sonnleitner urged the Danish Presidency today to ensure that there is a dynamic CAP in the future which ensures employment for 40 million people in EU rural areas, making it an extremely good investment for the public. But it’s crucial to agree on the EU budget for 2014-2020, in order to achieve this, he stressed.
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At its April plenary session, the EESC endorsed an opinion on the "CAP towards 2020". The EESC, which counts farmers among its members, calls for sufficient financial resources, a bridging of the gap between Member States, more flexibility between pillars and a strengthening of the position of producer organisations and cooperatives.
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The Agriculture & Fisheries Council will meet in Luxembourg on 26 and 27 April. The meeting will be chaired by Mrs Mette Gjerskov, Danish Minister of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries. Commissioners Maria Damanaki, Dacian Cioloş, and John Dalli will represent the Commission at the meeting. Agriculture issues will be dealt with on Thursday and Fisheries issues on Friday.
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The European Commission found that public support in favour of "Zweckverband Tierkörperbeseitigung in Rhineland-Palatinate" (ZT) - a local provider of services for the disposal of dead animal carcasses and slaughterhouse waste - was incompatible with EU state aid rules and has ordered Germany to recover incompatible aid of approximately €30 million from the beneficiary.
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At today’s high level Conference “Cooperatives Working Towards a Fair and Competitive Food Supply Chain” organised by Cogeca and Euro Coop in Brussels, participants highlighted the benefits of the set of fair practices recently agreed to by all actors along the food chain, including farmers, agri-cooperatives, traders, food industry, consumer cooperatives and other retailers.
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The idea behind the Pig Cough Monitor, the first commercial product by SoundTalks, a new KU Leuven-University of Milan spin-off, is simple: microphones hung in a pigsty monitor pigs' coughing patterns and alert the farmer if coughing becomes abnormal. The technology makes it possible to detect and treat respiratory problems quickly and efficiently, resulting in decreased antibiotic use and healthier pigs.
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On 20 April, the European Commission will hold a conference on "Local agriculture and short food supply chains" - a joint initiative by Dacian Cioloş, European Commissioner for Agriculture & Rural Development, and John Dalli, European Commissioner for Health & Consumer Policy.
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“Agriculturists -- it’s time for us to stand up," encourages Jasmine Dillon, a graduate student in animal breeding at Texas A&M University in a YouTube video.
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www.efarmz.be is a new website that will allow city dwellers to buy organic produce from Belgian farms that practice environmentally friendly farming and produce food of great quality.
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CEJA and MEP Milan Zver hosted a roundtable event in the European Parliament today entitled “Sowing the Seeds to Harvest in Future: Supporting Young People into Farming” on the subject of generational renewal in European agriculture and young farmers measures in the CAP reform.
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The largest beneficiaries of European Union farm subsidies include an Italian bank in Milan, a French chicken giant and an Irish producer of Weight Watchers meals and Yorkshire pudding, according to previously undisclosed data for 2008.
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At the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health (SCoFCAH) on April 03, EU Member States supported the European Commission's proposed package to update the rules on bluetongue.
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Copa-Cogeca released new EU-27 cereals estimates for the 2012/13 marketing year today, claiming EU production is expected to remain quite stable this year, but in view of drought and frost kill, this could easily change. In view of the situation, Copa-Cogeca calls on the EU Commission to introduce urgent measures to help farmers get through this difficult period and to maintain EU production capacity.
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Copa-Cogeca welcomed today new EU Commission plans on future EU promotion policy of agricultural products, claiming they respond to many of our demands, especially the need to improve awareness of the benefits of European agricultural products on domestic and external market.
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At a Working Group meeting in Rome on 22 March 2012, CEJA adopted its positions on the Commission's proposals for Market Management Measures and Rural Development.
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In a financial sense, 2011 was a two-faced year for the Agrifirm Group. The net profit amounted to € 10 million, a decline of € 14 million in comparison to the previous year.
This decline is for the most part due to more competitive pricing by Agrifirm’s member companies Agrifirm Feed and Agrifirm Plant and due to lower results realised by minority participations. Agrifirm’s other subsidiaries in the Netherlands and abroad achieved higher results.
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Nearly 100,000 head of cattle are believed to have been struck by foot-and-mouth disease in Egypt, where a major new outbreak is threatening the entire region, veterinary sources warned on Tuesday.
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Food production rose and the number of undernourished people fell in both Ghana and Mali, mainly as a result of an increase in the area of agricultural land but also as a result of increased agricultural production per hectare
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Last week, CEJA President Joris Baecke spoke in a European Economic and Social Committee Conference on the subject of ‘Young farmers in the world and in the future’. Underlining the importance of young farmers to the future of European agriculture, Mr Baecke highlighted the significance of research and innovation in relation to greening and food security measures, and the need to have farmers to implement them.
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Leica Geosystems today announced additional features for the Leica mojoMINI and Leica mojo3D to further enhance product usability and compatibility. Upgrades include an improved look and feel of the mojoMINI display, data import and export for the Leica mojo3D and an extra lightbar option for both products.
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The European Economic and Social Committee organised a conference on 20 and 21 March to mark the 50th anniversary of EU farming policy. The aim of the conference was not only to celebrate the CAP but also to highlight the future challenges and opportunities facing the EU, regarding this key policy, and to express the expectations of European civil society.
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To simplify the Common Agricultural Policy after 2013, adjustments are needed to the current legislative proposals. In particular, the complexity of the direct payments proposal needs to be tackled.
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Institut du végéal, with the support of all the sector, POTATOEUROPE will take place the 12th and 13th September at Villers Saint Christophe in the department of Aisne. The dynamics materials demonstrations, the trade village and the technicals workshops about potato production will be the highlights of this event.
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The conference will look at the future challenges and opportunities for the EU farm policy from different angles, and predominantly from a civil society perspective. We will draw on the experience of fifty years of development of the most integrated of all EU policies - the common agricultural policy (CAP) and will look at its impact on EU farmers, consumers, rural regions, global food security and trade.
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WELTEC BIOPOWER started building one of Germany‘s largest biogas refinery in Arneburg, Stendal District, Saxony-Anhalt. At this plant, about 6 million cubic metres of biomethane (more than 700 cubic metres/hour) will be produced every year in four fermenters, six digestate storage units, and one liquid reservoir and will be fed into the natural gas grid.
„This biogas refinery, which will start feeding in its first biomethane in December 2012, will create about ten permanent jobs and two training positions“, says Jens Albartus, Director of WELTEC BIOPOWER GmbH. The sustainability concept of the plant that is being built on a site of about 6 hectares provides for the use of renewable raw materials and manure from 30 farms. Among other things, it was made sure that the farmers – who will also use the digestate – do not need to travel more than 9 miles, on average, to deliver the substrate.
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Copa-Cogeca warned today against new EU Commission proposals which make the EU forestry and farming sectors monitor and report from 2013 any changes to land use that could affect greenhouse gas emissions, as part of measures to curb climate change. “They are neither feasible nor coherent given the current level of understanding”, Copa-Cogeca Secretary-General Pekka Pesonen stressed.
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In adopting a new proposal on accounting of greenhouse gases emissions, the European Commission has taken a first step towards incorporating removals and emissions from forests and agriculture into the EU's climate policy.
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Maria Damanaki European Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries The future of aquaculture "The future of aquaculture" - Conference organised by the EP Intergroup “Climate change, Biodiversity and Sustainable Development” of the European Parliament
Brussels, 7 March 2012
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Dacian Cioloș Member of the European Commission Responsible for Agriculture and Rural Development Getting ready for agricultural research and innovation Conference on research and innovation in agriculture.
Brussels, 7 March 2011
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The European Innovation Partnership (EIP) on "Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability" for the period from 2014-2020 aims to address probably the two most fundamental challenges faced by European agriculture in the early 21st century – how to increase production and productivity in order to respond to the significant growth in global food demand (caused by population growth, changes in dietary patterns and the slowdown in productivity growth); and how to improve sustainability and resource efficiency (e.g. inputs of water, energy, fertilisers and pesticides) and address environmental issues (such as biodiversity loss). In short, it will address the challenges of "not only how to produce more, but also how to produce better".
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The European Commission has today proposed decisive action to meet three key challenges facing our society, in areas that are crucial to growth and jobs: the supply of raw materials, sustainable agriculture, and active and healthy ageing. All three require a more concerted innovation effort across the public and private sector, in order to improve quality of life and position Europe as a global leader.
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Enhanced consumer empowerment and strengthening enforcement of existing rules are the main objectives of a two-day international conference on the new EU animal welfare strategy taking place in Brussels on 29 February – 1 March. Co-organised by the European Commission and the Danish Presidency of the EU, this high-level conference aims to drive forward an integrated approach to animal welfare.
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Copa-Cogeca highlighted the need to step up international agricultural research and investment at a major Conference on Trade, Development and Agriculture held in Denmark today. This is crucial to ensure food security and sustainable development world-wide, Copa-Cogeca Secretary-General Pekka Pesonen stressed at the event.
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Copa-Cogeca held a major Workshop on Research and Innovation in Brussels today calling for research to be stepped up. With food demand on the increase, resources dwindling and climate change imposing additional pressures, it is crucial to boost agricultural productivity whilst further improving resource efficiency ”, Copa-Cogeca Secretary-General Pekka Pesonen insisted.
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Fonterra, the largest dairy exporter in the world, is exhibiting its organic portfolio at the leading organic trade show BioFach in Nürnberg, which opens its doors on Wednesday, February 15th. Last year Fonterra initiated a refreshed strategy for its Organics business.
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A total of €115.2 million of EU agricultural policy funds unduly spent by Member States is being claimed back by the European Commission today under the so-called clearance of accounts procedure. As some of these amounts have already been recovered from the Member States, the financial impact is somewhat lower at €54.3 million.
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The European Union and the United States announced today that beginning June 1, 2012, organic products certified in Europe or in the United States may be sold as organic in either region.
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"Organic" farming relates to agricultural production systems that seek to provide the consumer with fresh, tasty and authentic food while respecting natural life-cycle systems. Typical organic practices include: strict limits on chemical pesticides and fertilisers, appropriate livestock farming practices (e.g. free range or open air systems, primarily organic feed), a strict ban on the use of Genetically-Modified Organisms, limits on processing aids and food additives.
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From 7 to 9 February 2012 in Moscow
Russia’s leading trade exhibition for modern animal husbandry and breeding continues to grow - more than 40 side events
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The members of the Parliamentary Committee for Agriculture and Rural Development today elected their chairs and vice-chairs for the next two and a half years.
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2012 marks the 50th anniversary of the implementation of the EU's Common Agricultuure Policy (CAP), a cornerstone of European integration, that has provided European citizens with 50 years of food security and a living countryside.
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Today, the European Commission has launched the CAP@50 communication campaign to mark the fiftieth anniversary of the Common Agricultural Policy, a cornerstone of European integration, that has provided European citizens with half a century of food security and a living countryside.
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The European Commission today adopted a new four-year strategy (2012-2015) that aims to further improve the welfare of animals in the European Union.
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Following the recent trends in the potato industry AVR is proud to announce the launch of the Apache harvester. Farmers are looking to increase capacity with their existing system, so harvesting one row extra each pass creates a potential capacity increase of 50%!
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Some 425 million euros ($549 million) in Greek government subsidies to farmers were incompatible with EU law and will have to be returned, a European Commission spokesman said on Thursday.
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“We are very proud to be awarded the Golden Hoof for DeLaval AMR™”. DeLaval AMR™ is designed to accelerate the dairy farmer’s transition from milking management to total farm management. It can help dairy farmers grow profitably by working smarter to drive greater efficiency, productivity and business sustainability”, says Jonas Hällman, Director Automatic Milking Systems VMS and AMR.
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Maintaining and restoring agriculture and forest biodiversity is a precondition to attaining our biodiversity objectives. We have already identified specific problems in agriculture, fisheries, forestry and related targets and actions in the Biodiversity Strategy.
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Copa-Cogeca welcomed today first estimates from Eurostat showing EU farm incomes rose on average by 6.7% in real terms this year, compared to 2010, driven by the favourable price developments in the cereals sector in the first half of the year. But Copa-Cogeca warned that these are only preliminary estimates and could change as they do fully reflect the recent drop in grain prices.
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DeLaval Voluntary Milking System VMSTM units can now be offered with ISO identification. The product which is based on several years of development and testing is in line with expected lifetime traceability legislation and will enable farmers to take advantage of the cost efficiency of the ISO identification system.
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Copa-Cogeca released new EU-27 cereals estimates for the 2010/11 and 2012/13 marketing year today confirming a good EU harvest this year, albeit with some quality concerns, and a relatively stable outlook for next year although the sowing area will not reach the peaks of 2008.
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CEJA is pleased to see that the Council and Parliament reached a balanced agreement on the ‘dairy package’ on December 6, 2011.
Joris Baecke, President of CEJA, stated that "the Council and Parliament have proved that the co-decision process within the Lisbon Treaty has become a reality and is working in practice. The negotiations resulted in a balanced agreement.
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The European Sustainable Consumption and Production Round Table (Food SCP Round Table) adopted a report on “Communicating environmental performance along the food chain” at its plenary meeting today, showing that improving environmental sustainability along the food chain at the same time as maintaining an economically viable food and drinks sector is possible.
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The obligatory recording of the individual identification code of the sheep born before 1 January 2010 when these animals are moved will be postponed until the end of 2014. This follows the endorsement of the Member States experts of the Commission draft presented at the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health on 6 December.
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Copa-Cogeca welcomed as a step in the right direction the agreement struck by the EU Commission, MEPs and EU Council today on the future of the EU milk sector, which focuses on strengthening contractual relations between farmers and processors. This will help to improve farmers positioning in the food chain and enable them to get a better return from the market.
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"One year ago, the European Commission presented a legislative package to strengthen the European milk sector. This morning's informal agreement reached in first reading under the co-decision procedure by the European Parliament and the Council is a very significant step forward for the European milk sector. Once it is formally endorsed by the three institutions and enters into force, it will prepare the milk sector for the new economic context and reinforce the position of the dairy producers in the supply chain. Producers' organisations will have all the necessary tools to better promote their work in the food chain. This new regulation will open the way towards a modern management of agricultural markets, less bureaucratic, better organised between the public authorities and private actors with tools tailored to the new economic challenges. These tools will replace instruments that have lost their effectiveness and did not prevent the 2009 dairy crisis".
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Speaking today at a conference organized at the European Parliament at the initiative of the Polish Presidency on the future CAP, CEJA President Joris Baecke called on decision-makers to endorse a strong CAP investing in the farmers of the future.
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Allow me to bid you a very warm welcome to the “World’s No. One”, to Agritechnica 2011 in Hanover, the world’s largest exhibition for agricultural machinery and equipment that is traditionally opened with a ceremony at the Max Eyth Evening, as here and now today.
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EU Farm Commisisoner Dacian Ciolos awarded Copas’ Innovation Prize for Women Farmers to Irish dairy farmer Anne Moore at a major Presentation Ceremony organised by Copa in Brussels today.
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With about 25,000 patients dying per year in the EU from infections caused by drug resistant bacteria and related costs of over 1.5 billion euros in healthcare expenses and productivity losses 1 , antimicrobial resistance is a growing health problem in the EU. Today, on the eve of European Antibiotic Awareness Day, the European Commission has tabled a comprehensive Action Plan on Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) which unveils12 concrete actions to be implemented in close cooperation with the Member States.
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Some 2,500 exhibitors – 200 of them at Vivaness, the Trade Fair for Natural Personal Care and Wellness – and 44,000 trade visitors are expected again at BioFach, the World Organic Trade Fair, in Nürnberg from 15–18 February 2012. Besides the customary variety and quality of the product spectrum and numerous highlights, the event focuses mainly on the organic abundance of one raw material market: India presents its products to the international sector as Country of the Year at BioFach 2012. This project is being implemented in cooperation with the long-term partner APEDA, the Indian export promotion organization in New Delhi. We interviewed Sanjay Dave, Director of the Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA).
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The T6 range of tractors features ECOBlue™ SCR technology for Tier 4A compliance. The range comprises seven models: T6.120, T6.140, T6.150, T6.155, T6.160, T6.165 and T6.175 which produce between 119 – 175hp. The use of Engine Power Management ensures operations have the power on tap to complete all agricultural tasks with ease. The T6 range will become the tractor of choice for future-focused mixed farmers, as well as contractors and specialist agribusinesses . New Holland is unique in this segment in offering a six cylinder engine with 115 rated horsepower, further extending the choice for arable farmers.
Pierre Lahutte, Head of Tractor Product Management, explains, “The ECOBlue™ SCR technology on the popular T6 range contributes to improving the productivity and profitability of our customers. Moreover, we have given every farmer and contractor the opportunity to custom specify their tractor to suit their own, individual needs.”
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The world's leading forum for the future of the agricultural industry, Agritechnica 2011, has started with record participation by exhibitors. Up to and including Saturday, 19 November 2011, the Exhibition Grounds in Hanover will be the meeting place for the global agricultural sector. Altogether 2,748 companies from 48 countries, comprising 2,698 direct exhibitors and 50 additionally represented companies, are presenting a complete programme of agricultural machinery and equipment.
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The agricultural machinery and tractor manufacturers have come to this year's Agritechnica in an exceptionally strong economic upswing phase. "It really is extraordinary how dynamically the agricultural machinery industry has grown this year", said VDMA Managing Director Dr. Bernd Scherer at the press conference opening the world's largest exhibition in the sector in Hanover on Monday.
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New Holland will preview the T5.115 at Agritechnica, part of the completed reinvented T5 range which is set to redefine the standard in the livestock and mixed farming segments. The T5.95, T5.105 and the T5.115 offer significantly increased engine powers of between 99 - 114hp. Pierre Lahutte, Head of Tractor Product Management said, “The new T5 is set to become the default choice for mid-sized livestock and mixed farmers with an eye on the future. Today’s T5 is the distillation of an extensive customer consultation, and offers outstanding visibility, ergonomic controls, an ultra-comfortable cab and segment leading performance.”
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ECA issues special report No 11/2011 on whether the design and management of the geographical indications scheme allow it to be effective
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Our goal has been and will remain to create opportunities for farmers to get into the energy market, quickly and at affordable prices.
Over 15 years of building biogas plants and several hundred biogas plants all over Europe prove the reliability and build quality.
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Dr. Bernd Scherer, Managing Director of VDMA Landtechnik.
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The world's leading forum for the future of the agricultural industry, Agritechnica 2011, has started with record participation by exhibitors. Up to and including Saturday, 19 November 2011, the Exhibition Grounds in Hanover will be the meeting place for the global agricultural sector. Altogether 2,748 companies from 48 countries, comprising 2,698 direct exhibitors and 50 additionally represented companies, are presenting a complete programme of agricultural machinery and equipment. The number of exhibitors has grown by 17 percent compared with the last event in 2009.
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Higher cheese prices and profits from property sales helped Dairy Crest to a strong financial performance for the period ending September 30, according to city analysts.
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The importance of biomass within the agricultural sector is of growing importance, and it is a fundamental pillar of New Holland’s Clean Energy Leader Strategy. In order to meet the growing demand for direct cut whole crop and grass operations, FR9000, forage harvester customers will now be able to choose the ‘Marangon for New Holland’ direct cut header. Hedley Cooper, Head of Harvester Product Management stated, “The ‘Marangon for New Holland’ header will become the default choice for intensive biomass operations that are looking for superlative performance from direct cut headers that offer outstanding crop to crop flexibility”.
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- New VisionView™ cab: segment-leading operator comfort and ergonomics in a stylish package
- Robust and efficient mechanical engines: up to 113hp for ultimate productivity and efficiency
- Segment-first hydraulic PowerShuttle: ideal for loader applications
- ROPS option with full FOPS compliance: outstanding operator safety
- R38 tyre compatibility for enhanced productivity and reduced soil compaction
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CLAAS Agrosystems has now expanded the possibilities of its management software AGROCOM NET and AGROCOM LU for even more flexibility in crop farming. The Internet portal farmpilot from arvato systems has created a link be-tween farm machinery, terminals and software programs. This enables agricultural resources and operating proce-dures to be controlled easily and conveniently.
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Since 1895, New Holland is committed to providing solutions that improve farming efficiency and productivity by using accessible technology. In 2006 the Clean Energy
Leader strategy was launched for the active promotion of renewable fuels, emissions reduction systems and sustainable agricultural technology.
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The trend towards process automation and optimisation in agriculture seems to know no bounds. And nor does CLAAS Agrosystems. At Agritechnica 2011 the software, systems and machine programming specialists will be pre-senting the latest results from their research and develop-ment department. The new innovative products that they have registered for awards will, of course, also be on view at stand A10 in Hall 16: TONI - the telemetry system for im-proved remote diagnosis, PF-Gülle - the innovative soft-ware for site-specific fertilisation and FLOTTENMANAGE-MENT FIELDNAV with its reliable combination of navigation and process management. The European GNSS Agency (GSA) and Allianz Re are co-exhibitors at the CLAAS Agrosystems stand.
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The EU earmarked yesterday more than €203 million to support programmes to eradicate, control and monitor animal diseases and zoonoses, aiming to further strengthen the protection of human and animal health in 2012. The decision was taken at the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health (SCoFCAH), where Member States also unanimously endorsed the Commission proposals to contribute €11.5 million for the emergency measures and vaccination plans taken to combat some animal diseases over the past four years.
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The ECA concludes that the 2010 accounts present fairly the financial position of the European Union and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year. However, the payments underlying these accounts were still affected by material error, with an estimated error rate of 3.7 % for the €122.2 billion of EU spending. The error rate is not an estimate of fraud but reflects the ECA’s estimation of the degree of non-compliance with the rules governing the spending, such as breaches of public procurement rules, ineligible or incorrect calculation of costs claimed to EU co-financed projects, or over-declaration of land by farmers. The control systems tested across the EU budget were still only partially effective in ensuring the regularity of payments.
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In response to the world-wide success of the JayLor vertical TMR mixer, JayLor Manufacturing Ltd. is pleased to use the Agritechnica Exhibition in Hanover, Germany (15-19 November 2011) as a venue to introduce our two new TMR MiniMixer models. Available in 1.5 and 3 cubic meter capacities, these mixers allow small herd operators to feed TMR rations. They also enable large dairy herds to create special rations for dry and other special needs groups.
During the Agritechnica, JayLor is proudly represented by Pool Agri Import & Export in Hall 27 E60
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Consumers’ interest in agriculture and personal respect for farmers is high, even in countries where less than two percent of the population works in agriculture, according to the BASF Farm Perspectives Study, which surveyed 1,800 farmers and 6,000 consumers. Yet farmers and consumers also agree that farmers’ reputations remain low. The study, which outlines the way farmers and consumers view the farming profession, its challenges and its support network, revealed surprisingly strong agreement on major issues, including the role of farmers and the major challenges farmers are facing in the 21st century.
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Janez Potočnik European Commissioner for Environment
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The European Commission has cleared under the EU Merger Regulation the proposed acquisition by the Danish dairy cooperative Arla Food amba ("Arla") of German dairy producer Allgäuland-Käsereien GmbH, AL Dienstleistungs-GmbH and their subsidiaries (collectively "Allgäuland").
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EU policies are continuing to seriously undermine rights in developing countries says a new report by CONCORD, the confederation of European development NGOs. The report shows incoherencies between EU development objectives and other policies, coming at an important time as the EU reforms its agricultural, trade and development policies.
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In recent decades, the farming industry has evolved into a dynamic global sector with efficiency and technology at its core. And these changes are reflected in the attitudes and backgrounds of the new generation of agribusiness professionals: today’s young farmers and students are hungry for international know-how and strategic management skills, and are often highly qualified thanks to the wider choice in agricultural degrees and vocational training.
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China is the world’s second largest agricultural machinery market, after the United States. Since 2000 there has been remarkable development of the agricultural machinery sector, allowing Chinese farmers to improve the mechanisation level of arable farms. The challenge of the coming years is to increase yields, which is possible only through the use of modern, efficient machinery.
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Tuesday, 15th of November 2011, 6.30 - 8.00 pm. Hanover Exhibition Grounds, Convention Center, room 1B
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In response to the world-wide success of the JayLor vertical TMR mixer, JayLor Manufacturing Ltd. is pleased to use the Agritechnica Exhibition in Hanover, Germany (15-19 November 2011) as a venue to introduce their new TMR MiniMixer models. Available in 1.5 and 3 cubic meter capacities, these mixers allow small herd operators to feed TMR rations.
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The concept of smart farming encompasses many different technologies that can be used individually, or together, to increase the efficiency of agricultural operations. We speak to a farmer who has fully embraced the systems that are currently available and to two academics involved in developing the smart farming systems of the future.
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Modern farming methods are increasingly characterized by high-tech innovations, with navigation, sensor technology, data management paving the way for ever higher levels of farming efficiency.
There is no doubt that smart farming represents the future of the agricultural industry and is a trend that farmers will increasingly embrace. In response to the huge level of interest in this subject, Agritechnica 2011 will feature a special show section titled “Smart Farming – Intelligent and sustainable plant production”.
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DuPont's Pioneer Hi-Bred will work with Plant Sensory Systems to develop traits for more efficient use of nitrogen in hybrids.
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Mobile phones and walkie talkies are all well and good, but for simplicity and speed, hand signals can sometimes still be best.
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The number of customers deciding in favour of organic products all over the world is still growing – whether for food, cosmetics or clothing. BioFach, the World Organic Trade Fair, and the parallel Vivaness, Trade Fair for Natural Personal Care and Wellness, gather the sector’s international players at the NürnbergMesse location once a year. It’s time again from 15–18 February 2012, when some 2,500 exhibitors (2011: 2,544) and 44,000 trade visitors are expected once more at the exhibition duo in the organic city Nürnberg. The special highlight is India as Country of the Year 2012.
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To meet growing demand for secure supplies of high-quality food and at the same time step up competitiveness in the face of growing market pressures, EU farm policy must become fairer and less - not more - bureaucratic, said Agriculture Committee MEPs, debating post-2013 reform proposals with Commissioner Dacian Cioloş in Strasbourg on Monday. Neither should "greening" measures hinder cultivation of arable land, they added.
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USDA is sending out a help-wanted alert to attract more diversity among the members of its seven agricultural trade advisory committees. In particular, the agency is looking for agriculturally-employed people who represent minorities, women, or persons with disabilities.
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Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business, is uniquely positioned to address global food challenges by boosting crop yield and quality and delivering healthier food products.
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The protection of consumers and industry against a possible dioxin contamination will soon improve significantly thanks to a Commission proposal, which was endorsed today by the Member States at the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health (SCoFCAH). In particular, four measures, which are to be implemented throughout the EU by mid next year, will further reduce the risk of contamination in the food chain. These measures will avoid food recalls from the market and significant financial costs to the consumers and industries.
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Agritechnica 2011 is where the entire agricultural sector - from farmers to equipment distributors and the scientific community - can come together to meet, network and invest in the sector. While volatility in prices and market forces may be beyond our control, the knowledge on how to ride the crests and troughs of cyclical trends could give agriculturalists a sense of confidence and better management of their business risks.
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The burden of red tape on farmers associated with rural development is below 5% of the total public expenditure for the measures, according to a new report. The report also presents a number of good practices and shows that e-government solutions, the streamlining of procedures and the use of less burdensome reimbursement approaches can reduce the level of red tape on farmers even further.
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The Agriculture and Fisheries Council will meet in Luxemburg on 20 (starting at 10.00) and 21 October, under the presidency of Mr Marek Sawicki, Polish Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development. Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Commissioner Maria Damanaki, Agriculture and Rural Development Commissioner Dacian Cioloş, and Health and Consumer Policy Commissioner John Dali will represent the Commission.
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John DALLI Commissioner for Health and Consumer Politics
Hearing at the European Parliament on the socio-economic dimensions of GMO cultivation Brussels, 18 October 2011
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With over 600 exhibitors from 29 countries, the AgroTech Russia International Exhibition for Agricultural Machinery has registered the best attendance since its inception four years ago. The exhibition was held from 8 to 11 October 2010 at the All-Russian Exhibition Centre in Moscow as part of ‘Russian Agricultural Industry Week’ which has developed this year from the traditional ‘Golden Autumn’ exhibition.
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Cultivating biomass for energy production is a growing field of agriculture. In Germany every fourth hectare of maize is used to produce biogas. Farmers are concentrating on new varieties, as well as on suitable machinery and equipment for cultivating and harvesting and for producing biogas.
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On 18 October 2011, the European Commission will organise a conference on the 'socio-economic dimensions of GMO cultivation'. This conference will take place in Brussels under the chairmanship of EU Commissioner John Dalli.
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The German dairy sector needs to pursue further consolidation to make inroads into lucrative international markets for dairy products, according to the nation’s largest processor DMK.
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EESC president's statement on the European Commission's CAP reform proposals launched on the 12October 2011
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Farmers are concerned that some farm machinery won’t be available for purchase in time to qualify for the increased tax deductions on equipment, which are supposed to expire at the end of this year.
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CEJA, the European Council of Young Farmers, welcomes the measures for young farmers included in both Pillars of the proposed CAP package, presented today by Commissioner Dacian Cioloş.
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“Farmers can’t imagine going back to 2,4-D or other auxin herbicides,” Riechers said. “But herbicide resistance is bad enough that companies are willing to bring it back. That illustrates how severe this problem is.”
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The widespread support from the European Parliament to include global responsibility for food security in the CAP reform to improve the policies’ impact on developing countries and the world’s poor has been ignored in the Commission legislative proposals, which have dropped the Lisbon Treaty legislative provision of Policy Coherence for Development.
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The Common Agricultural Policy is due to be reformed by 2013. After a wide-ranging public debate the Commission presented on 18 November 2010 a Communication on "The CAP towards 2020", which outlines options for the future CAP and launched the debate with the other institutions and with stakeholders. On 12 October 2011 the Commission presented a set of legal proposals designed to make the CAP a more effective policy for a more competitive and sustainable agriculture and vibrant rural areas.
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The Commission has today published proposals for Four basic Council regulations for the Common Agriculture Policy – i) on Direct Payments, ii) the Single Common Market Organisation (CMO), iii) Rural Development and, iv) a Horizontal Regulation for financing, managing and monitoring the CAP. In addition, there are 3 smaller regulations to address transition arrangements to the new rules. The package also contains: An Explanatory Memorandum; Citizens Summary; and Annexes linked with different aspects of the Impact Assessment.
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The European Commission has presented today a draft reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) for the period after 2013. This draft aims to strengthen the competitiveness, sustainability and permanence of agriculture throughout the EU in order to secure for European citizens a healthy and high-quality source of food, preserve the environment and develop rural areas.
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Reacting to EU Commission proposals on the future Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), Copa-Cogeca called for more emphasis to be put on measures which improve the profitability and productivity of the EU agriculture and agri-food sector, as well as benefiting the environment.
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Bayer CropScience has successfully completed the acquisition of the oilseed rape business of the seed company Raps GbR, headquartered in the state of Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. This mainly includes varieties that are already on the market and the company’s breeding material. The acquisition strengthens the oilseed rape breeding activities of Bayer CropScience. Financial details were not disclosed.
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Reports of growers achieving 5t/ha oilseed rape crops were much more common this summer, but was there a common thread in how they were achieved?
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Copa-Cogeca released final EU grain harvest estimates today, showing a slight 1.9% production rise, despite bad climatic conditions.
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Replacing Fendt's top-selling 820 was never going to be easy. It's the tractor of choice for contractors and medium/large-scale farms. In fact - despite its price - it's the best-selling tractor in Germany and one of the most popular Fendt models in the UKP>
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European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dacian Cioloş today formally opened the CEJA photo exhibition „„Putting a face to food, know the farmer behind the product”.
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Bigger, faster, wider – these attributes continue to characterize many developments in agricultural machinery and equipment. However, their significance is being increasingly and universally upstaged by a constant flow of new developments in electronics and sensor technology. Today, it is these factors that largely determine the degree of innovation of systems and machinery with the goal of making processes even more efficient, precise, environmentally sound and cost-saving.
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The international exhibition for agricultural machinery and equipment Agritechnica 2011, being held from 15 to 19 November 2011 (Preview days on 13 and 14 November) at the Exhibition Grounds in Hanover, has displayed a hitherto unrivalled appeal for manufacturers of tractors, agricultural machinery, accessories and spare parts from home and abroad. With 2,611 direct exhibitors and 48 additionally represented companies from 48 countries, DLG as organizer can report a new record level. The number of exhibitors is around 15 percent higher than at the previous record event two years ago.
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Good investment conditions and rising demand for modern agricultural machinery and equipment create an excellent setting for the agricultural machinery industry in the business year 2012. "Just a little over a year ago hardly anybody would have believed that in 2011 we would be recording the second highest turnover level of all times.
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With all the rain hitting northwest Ohio in the last two weeks, we had time to get away from the fields and attend the Farm Science Review. We saw many new shallow tillage tools and lots of land rollers on display.
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This year's Agritechnica will be bigger than ever and this is also reflected in the number of innovations presented. With over 2600 exhibitors from 48 countries in 24 halls, Agritechnica 2011 promises a huge display of innovations.
From among the over 300 innovations presented, an impartial commission of experts appointed by the DLG and judging on the basis of stringent criteria has selected altogether two innovations for Gold Medals and 39 innovations for Silver Medals. The winning exhibitors are:
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The concept of enhancing the link between Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) payments and environmental protection throughout the EU and limiting the amount of payments any individual farm can receive are broadly supported by EU citizens, according to a EUROBAROMETER opinion poll published today.
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Dutch potato starch supplier Avebe said it is investigating whether legal steps can be taken in response to China’s decision last week to stick countervailing duties on top of existing anti-dumping duties on potato starch imports from the EU.
China claims its year-long investigation found evidence that the imports from subsidized European companies hurt Chinese producers.
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French fries aren't French—they're Belgian. And in a country without a single common language, the humble snack is a potent national symbol.
That's why farmers, fryers and foodies are battling over the future of the potato which made Belgium great: the bintje.
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At the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences´ new Swedish Livestock Research Centre at Uppsala-Lövsta, international and private enterprise researchers will be offered a unique research environment, where new animal production technologies can be researched and tested. The facility will conduct research of the highest quality in animal welfare, animal health, climate-smart animal management and sustainable food production. DeLaval has won the bid to supply the Swedish Livestock Research Centre with equipment.
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At a high-level meeting in Brussels today, Copa and Cogeca Presidents urged EU Ministers to call on the EU Commission to propose by the end of the year that planting rights be maintained in the EU wine sector, otherwise there will be a risk of serious market imbalances and loss of employment in EU rural areas.
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Agri-environment support is a key EU policy with € 2.5 billion of EU spending per year. The policy aims to respond to society's increasing demand for environmental services by encouraging farmers and other land managers to introduce or continue to apply agricultural production methods compatible with the protection and improvement of the environment.. Management of this policy is shared by the Commission and the Member States.
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We have received 8" of rain in the last 2 1/2 weeks in NW Ohio. Since we were dry here all summer this was a perfect rain for us. Now the crops that were planted in June are finally growing well. We have relatives living in central Pennsylvania who were inundated with rain.
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Dacian Cioloș, Member of the European Commission Responsible for Agriculture and Rural Development
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Bayer CropScience today revealed a new four pillar strategy for future growth at the company’s annual press conference in Monheim, Germany. Sandra E. Peterson, CEO of Bayer CropScience, outlined the company’s commitment to drive business growth by focusing on four key objectives, including:
1.) Rejuvenate its core Crop Protection business
2.) Reinvent customer-centricity along the entire value chain (seed-to-shelf),
3.) Refocus its innovation through increased R&D investment
4.) Extend the company’s BioScience business
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Copa-Cogeca highlighted the benefits of EU agriculture production and forestry for the environment, employment and green growth at the Koli Forum today, stressing that it makes a major contribution to the Europe 2020 strategy.
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CEJA requests the pleasure of your company at the opening reception of the CEJA young farmers photo exhibition that will take place on 29th September 2011, at the Berlaymont building.
Commissioner for Agriculture Dacian Cioloş will formally open the exhibit at 6pm.
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Addressing EU Agriculture Ministers on the occasion of the Informal Agriculture Council held under the Polish Presidency, CEJA President Joris Baecke reiterated that future policy tools should address young farmers’ needs. The theme of the event was the future promotion policy of agriculture products.
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Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business, announced today at a press conference in Kiev, a $10 MM (US) investment in a logistics facility at Stasi, Dykanka region, Poltava oblast, Ukraine. Construction is underway at the facility which will be operational in time for the 2012 sales season supporting the increased customer demand for Pioneer® brand maize, sunflower and oilseed rape hybrids in Ukraine.
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When clamping forage maize, Kelvin Cave's SilaPactor can improve dry matter compaction density by up to 40% when compared to conventional tractor rolling, claims the company.
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A bigger site and new technology-focused Action Areas aim to make the new-look Tillage-Live event an even more useful source of information than the many successful editions that have gone before.
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Having rolled grass into a neat round bale of hay or silage, it makes sense to dispense it neatly too. Peter Hill looks at equipment that can do just that.
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The Health Council of the Netherlands wants the government to ban newly developed antibiotics being given to cattle and poultry. It also says healthy animals shouldn’t be treated with antibiotics just because an animal nearby is sick.
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The European Commission today adopted a proposal that will, when implemented, further enhance food safety and better safeguard animal health in the EU.
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Cargill’s cocoa and chocolate business has made the second of its annual sustainable certified cocoa premium payments which total over U.S. $2.2 million, to 26,500 farmers across 21 cooperatives in Côte d'Ivoire.
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Getting big, heavy straw swaths to dry properly, especially when they've been rained on, can be a pain, but a Co Durham machinery dealer reckons he has the answer. It's an Italian-made Roc merger that turns the swaths over and fluffs them up so the air can get to the underlying straw.
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Syngenta just filed a complaint against Bunge North America for its refusal to accept corn with Syngenta’s Agrisure Viptera trait. The complaint was filed by Syngenta North America in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Iowa.
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The Dairy Event and Livestock Show, the UK’s largest livestock business event will be staged on Tuesday 6 and Wednesday 7 September, at The NEC, Birmingham, a venue providing easy access for overseas visitors flying into Birmingham Airport or travelling by rail to Birmingham International, both of which are just a 10 to 15 minute under-cover walk away.
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AGCO Corporation this week launched nearly 20 new products designed for North American farmers. Farm Industry News got a private media preview of these products a few hours before they were unveiled to dealers at the Kansas City, MO, convention center.
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Lessons learnt in Canada are enabling new developments to be made in applying nutrients to seed prior to drilling.
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Producing high-yielding soybeans is more attainable today if growers pay attention the the basics of soybean production. The basics include planting date, row width, seeding rate and weed control, according to Harold Watters, Ohio State University Extension expert.
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Beck's Hybrids continues its expansion into Illinois with the purchase of the former Pfister Hybrids facility, El Paso, IL. Beck's is the sixth largest seed company in the U.S. and the only one in the top six that is family owned.
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Supermarket chain Delhaize has agreed to refund the Belgian pig farmers, after their syndicate Veva had called Delhaize's negotiation tactics “guerrilla”. The supermarket chain had the farmers 'tricked' into giving price reductions that – according to the latter – threatened to make their lives unlivable.
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Machinery and livestock worth close to £50m was stolen from British farms during 2010, according to a survey by NFU Mutual.
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Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business, today celebrates the official opening of its now fully operational maize parent seed production facility in Parndorf, Austria.
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Hopefully the hottest of the hot weather is behind us. Ohio had temperatures above 100 degrees in late July. Although we received around an inch of rain on our farm, the soil is still dry.
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TractorLife.com, a website that helps farmers extend the operating lives of their tractors, has added a blog written by well-known ag journalist Mark Moore. The blog gives timely and practical information about topics such as tractor maintenance, new products, implements, Tier 4 engines, safety issues, fuel efficiency, and buying and selling tractors. Moore says he also relates breaking news events that affect the agricultural community in his frequent posts.
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The U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance (USFRA), comprised of prominent national, regional and state agricultural groups and their partners, today announced plans to lead a conversation with Americans, addressing concerns about their food, where it comes from and how it's raised.
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New Holland has extended the LM5000 range of telehandlers to include two new compact models, the LM5020 and LM5030, to suit the needs of operations that work in restricted spaces.
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Today, the European Commission launches a promotion campaign in print media and TV in all EU Member States to encourage the consumption of fruit and vegetables. In recent weeks, the e-coli crisis forced farmers to dispose of perfectly safe vegetables left to rot by concerned consumers.
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The European Commission has today launched a debate on the future of promotion and information schemes for EU agricultural products. With the publication of a Green Paper on these issues, the Commission is looking at how to shape a more targeted and more ambitious strategy for the future, which will make clearer to consumers – both in the EU and beyond - the quality, traditions and added-value of European agricultural and food products.
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The European Commission has announced that anti-dumping measures on potash imports from Russia and Belarus will expire as of 13th July 2011. The restrictions date from 1992, and have had the effect of limiting the availability of reasonably priced supplies of this vital input in food production.
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The purpose of the pilot project is to analyse the costs of compliance with environmental, animal welfare and food safety legislation for both EU and third country farmers, to compare the situation between the EU and main trading partner countries and to draw conclusions with respect to the impact on the competitiveness of EU agriculture.
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Copa-Cogeca released new EU grain harvest estimates today revealing a 1% production drop in this years EU cereals harvest. In the wake of growing world wheat demand, a tight EU market situation and uncertain climatic conditions, Copa-Cogeca urges the EU Commission to ensure that the new CAP post-2013 boosts productivity.
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Cogeca welcomed today the theme, chosen by the United Nations, of International Day of Co-operatives 2011, which is 'Youth, the future of co -operative enterprise'. Young farmers are vital to ensure a bright future for EU agri-cooperatives.
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The ‘reduction’ (in real terms) of the CAP budget to 36.2% in the 2014-2020 EU Multiannual Financial Framework does not necessarily induce a reduction of the CAP’s external impacts, particularly for developing countries.
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The proposal to maintain the current level for funding of agriculture is to be welcomed but concerns remain about the distribution of funds.
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This package could lead to a fairer deal for milk producers. However, issues remain with support for younger, less established farmers.
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At a high-level meeting on the future of the EU beef sector, Copa-Cogeca highlighted the crisis facing the sector and called on the EU Commission to take immediate action to improve the drastic situation.
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The European Commission has opened a formal investigation under the EU State Aid rules into Finnish plans to modify investment aid and young farmer start-up support provided under existing aid schemes.
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The Single Payment Scheme (SPS) is the major mechanism for providing EU farmers with financial support. It intends to encourage farmers to better respond to market demand and to promote agricultural practices protective for the environment.
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Key stakeholders discussed the importance of pollination and the role of pollinator species at a conference at the European Parliament today. Delegates agreed on the need to improve conditions for pollinators in Europe and acknowledged that more research is required to understand the drivers of pollinator population change and guide conservation measures.
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Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development Dacian Cioloş welcomed the unanimous support of G20 members to the action plan on food price volatility and agriculture yesterday in Paris.
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The Commission is looking at possibilities for young farmers in first pillar, stated Commissioner Ciolos at the European Parliament on the eve of the vote of DESS report.
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Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) accepted seven requests for export assistance from Dairy Farmers of America and Darigold to sell a total of 1,281 metric tons (2.824 million pounds) of Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese to customers in Asia, the Middle East, and Central America. The product will be delivered June through September.
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Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business announced today the opening of its third maize research centre in Langenbach, district of Freising in Bavaria.
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Yesterday's Management Committee has voted through an emergency aid package for fresh vegetable growers worth €210 million.
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HUGE UNCERTAINTY FOR 2011 FORECAST DUE TO PRESENT WEATHER CONDITIONS
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The replacement of the piglet castration by vaccination as a solution to reduce boar taint enables a considerable diminution of the quantities of animal feed and manure linked to pig meat production. Both being main contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, the vaccine solution can help farmers reduce their carbon foot print and better respond to the growing concerns for sustainable food production. These are the main conclusions of a conference held today presenting the results of a global assessment.
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Nestlé has been named the winner of the Stockholm Industry Water Award for its leadership and performance to improve water management in its internal operations and throughout its supply chain.
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Even as the veggie blame game is now under way across the EU, where a super resistant strain of e.coli is sickening patients and filling hospitals in Germany, virtually no one is talking about how e.coli could have magically become resistant to eight different classes of antibiotic drugs and then suddenly appeared in the food supply.
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Top event for the plant production sector at the DLG International Crop Production Center in Bernburg-Strenzfeld (Saxony Anhalt) from 19 to 21 June 2012 - Registration deadline for exhibitors in the trial field is 8 July 2011
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EU Farm Leaders warned EU Agriculture Ministers at their informal meeting today that livestock production will cease in many rural areas of the EU if the EU goes ahead with its current plans to review and re-classify support in less favoured areas (LFA).
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Addressing EU Agriculture Ministers at the occasion of the Informal Agriculture Council held under the Hungarian Presidency, CEJA called on EU decision makers to renew their commitment to Europe’s livestock sector to make it attractive and viable to future producers. The theme of the event was ‘How should the CAP contribute to a sustainable animal husbandry sector in Europe.’
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The single-bag corn refuge product called Refuge Advanced from Dow AgroSciences has been approved for crop insurance premium reduction. The reduction is under the Pilot Biotechnology Endorsement (BE) program offered by USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA).
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Copa-Cogeca welcomed today MEPs demands for the continuation of a strong sustainable Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), and the maintenance of its budget, in today’s vote on EU Commission plans on the future CAP.
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Young farmers need more policy measures from the CAP 2013 reform according to a report adopted today by the EU Parliament’s Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (COM AGRI).
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Copa-Cogeca called today for urgent measures to boost EU sheep meat production under the future Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), warning EU production and imports are declining and without action there will be a further exodus from the EU rural areas.
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Schaffer had on its stand the 9380T, part of a new generation of pivot-steer telescopic loaders from the German company.
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A series of crises over the past 15-20 years, from BSE and Foot-and-Mouth disease (FMD) to dioxin contamination, led the EU to overhaul its entire Food Safety system making it today one of the safest in the world. Experience has shown that whilst problems to the food chain will emerge from time to time, what is of paramount importance when prevention proves unattainable is the speedy, decisive and effective response to the challenge.
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Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) accepted four requests for export assistance from Dairy Farmers of America and United Dairymen of Arizona to sell a total of 799 metric tons (1.761 million pounds) of Cheddar cheese to customers in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. The product will be delivered May through October.
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Potato and carrot harvester specialist Dewulf nv presented its latest technology at this year’s Agrishow in Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil. Dewulf’s presence at the show coincided with the launch of a Latin American division for the company’s commercial partner APH Group.
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The European Commission has decided to refer France to the Court of Justice of the European Union because it has not withdrawn national measures obstructing the trade of sheep and goat milk and products derived from such milk. France refuses to apply Regulation (EC) No 103/2009 arguing that EU measures on scrapie control were not complete and thus it had to adopt its own national rules.
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The honey pomelo "Guanxi Mi You", the apple "Shaanxi ping guo" and the tea "Longjing Cha" have this week been formally registered as Protected Denominations of Origin (PDO) and the yam "Lixian Ma Shan Yao" as Protected Geographical Indication (PGI). They are part of the 10 Chinese product names to be protected in the EU register as part of the "10 plus 10" project.
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For the first time since his appointment, European Council President Hermann Van Rompuy will address representatives of local and regional authorities on Wednesday 11 May.
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The University of Illinois has developed a new spreadsheet entitled “Planting Decision Model” to provide some guidelines to help farmers make planting decisions.
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Strong storm cells swept through parts of East and North Central Texas on April 27, bringing tornadoes along with some much needed rain, reported Texas AgriLife Extension Service personnel.
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It may be inconvenient, but with prices for diesel fuel and heating oil on the rise, putting up barriers to deter thefts from farm storage tanks has become a necessary evil.
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Following the publication of new rules* this week, EU Member State Ministries of Agriculture are required to publish before April 30 2011 detailed figures on all legal persons (companies) which are beneficiaries of Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) funding in 2010.
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The decision to take on the first production models of a new machine is not one that many farmers take lightly. But it didn't put off farm manager Stewart Watt, who took delivery of a FarmGem Gem-Trak 4200 trailed sprayer several months before it was officially launched at this year's LAMMA event.
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California agricultural groups are calling on U.S. farmers and farm organizations to send aid to farmers affected by the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear crisis in Japan.
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This month AGCO added a 290 PTO horsepower model to its 2011 Massey Ferguson 8600 Series and Challenger MT600D Series high-horsepower row crop tractors. The new MF8690 and Challenger 685D are now the largest of both series, which now range from 205 to 275 PTO.
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Telehandlers used to feature mainly on larger mixed and arable farms, rather than smaller livestock units. But there's recently been a trend for manufacturers to offer a compact model with big-machine performance that can weave in and out of tight spaces while still being man enough to fill the diet feeder.
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On Monday morning 18 April, Breeders Trust N.V. impounded part of the administrative records of the Belgian ’Federaal Agentschap voor de veiligheid van de voedselketen’ (FAVV Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain). The documents were seized in the government offices with the permission of the Chairman of the Commercial Court in Brussels. In the presence of a technical expert and a bailiff, information concerning a number of potato growers was claimed and removed for further investigation.
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The European Commission has today authorised a Romanian scheme with a budget of 1.3 billion RON (approximately € 304 million) which aims at supporting farmers in Romania who encounter difficulties as a result of the economic crisis.
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Monsanto has announced limited availability of Dekalb brand Genuity SmartStax RIB complete corn, a single-bag solution for refuge management.
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A European Commission report presented today demonstrates the current limitations in assessing the socio-economic implications of cultivation of genetically modified (GM) crops in the European Union. Specifically, the report to the European Parliament and the Council, which is based on information principally provided by Member States, reveals that the existing information is often statistically limited and that it is frequently based on already preconceived ideas about GMO cultivation.
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A total of € 530 million of EU agricultural policy funds unduly spent by Member States is being claimed back by the European Commission today under the so-called clearance of accounts procedure. This money returns to the EU budget because of non-compliance with EU rules or inadequate control procedures on agricultural expenditure. Member States are responsible for paying out and checking expenditure under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), and the Commission is required to ensure that Member States have made correct use of the funds.
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In a high-level meeting with the Hungarian Presidency, Copa-Cogeca warned against relaxing existing rules governing EU quality policy in the future. The move came as EU Agriculture Ministers debated the EU Commission plans on future EU quality policy.
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High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice President of the Commission Catherine Ashton today on behalf of the European Union signed an Agreement with Prime Minister Fayyad that gives all agricultural products, processed agricultural products and fish and fishery products originating in the West Bank and Gaza Strip immediate duty free access to the EU market.
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Copa-Cogeca warned against further liberalising agriculture trade with the Latin American Trade Bloc Mercosur at a public hearing today.
Mercosur has already seen phenomenal growth in its agricultural exports, with its trade surplus increasing fivefold since 2000, and the EU is its main market.
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Copa-Cogeca warned against today a new EU Commission proposal to introduce an EU carbon tax in the EU agriculture, horticulture, fishery and forestry sectors and to withdraw tax exemptions, claiming EU farmers are already being squeezed by high input costs and the move would further erode their competitiveness.
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Generational renewal in agriculture was debated by MEPs and young farmers today at the European Parliament in Brussels at an event organized by MEP Milan Zver of the EPP group and CEJA, the European Council of Young Farmers.
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Elections took place today at CEJA’s General Assembly in Brussels. Joris Baecke was re-elected as CEJA President, following his initial mandate from 2009. The new CEJA Presidency will run until 2013.
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EU leaders from the European Farmers’ Organisation Copa today elected Gerd Sonnleitner as the new President for the period 2011-2013. He will succeed Padraig Walshe whose term-in-office has expired.
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A hearing on the future of young farmers took place at the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) today in Brussels. The event co-coincides with a report currently under development by the EU’s civil society representatives at the EESC that aims to collect information on the situation of young farmers and propose measures to help them. CEJA welcomes the ambition of the current draft opinion, which is the first from an EU institution calling for measures for young farmers in both Pillar I and Pillar II of the CAP.
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John Deere has introduced the new Raven SmartBoom, which offers lower-cost GPS auto boom shut-off for farmers who don't require all the features of a higher-spec i-Series machine.
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Copa-Cogeca highlighted today measures taken to help improve the drastic situation in the EU pigmeat sector, which were called for by Copa-Cogeca and proved successful, and outlined new measures to improve the long-term situation.
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A transitional period to allow dairy producers to prepare for the abolishment of the milk quota system in 2015 should be established to guarantee a smooth soft landing for each Member State in Europe according to CEJA’s reaction on the milk package published today. The transition period should take the form of a gradual increase in the quota and a total phase-out of the super levy by 2013.
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The European Commission has cleared under the EU Merger Regulation the proposed acquisition of Hansa-Milch Mecklenburg-Holstein, by Arla Food amba. Both Hansa and Arla are dairy cooperatives that produce and sell a variety of dairy products.
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JF-STOLL has now introduced a triple set with GXT 13005 which has a working width of 12.3 m. This machine is ideal for controlled traffic farming in 12 m tracks. You can minimize tracks in the field and in that way spare the grass roots and optimize the yield.
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Spreaders in the Bunning range - including this 14.6cu m/15t capacity Lowlander 120 HBD horizontal beater machine - can be equipped with a choice of weighing and recording systems.
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Faced with a tight world cereals market and rising grain demand, Copa-Cogeca called for measures to increase EU grain productivity. New Copa-Cogeca cereals figures for 2011/12 also show only a slight 2.4% rise in production, as producers are being squeezed by high input prices.
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Farmland values are racing ahead at a breathless pace, according to the latest survey released Tuesday by the Iowa Farm and Land Chapter of the Realtors Land Institute.
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The European Crop Protection Association (ECPA) today recognised the United Nations’ annual World Water Day, a date designated to highlight the importance of freshwater and the sustainable management of freshwater resources.
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To celebrate World Water Day, Copa-Cogeca highlighted the importance of water as an essential factor in agricultural production, and emphasised the need for farmers to have adequate support and access to water supplies.
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The row-crop tractor has long been the primary tractor used on Midwest farms. But an increase in the size of farm implements is stretching the limits of this classic standby.
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Finding a way to prevent farm buildings from collapsing from the weight of snow will be one of the main topics at this year's Agricultural Buildings Event at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire on 29 March.
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A continuation of support to farmers is crucial if society is to enjoy food security and environmental protection, but subsidies should only be paid to active farmers, the European Economic and Social Committee affirmed in its hotly debated opinion on the future of the Common Agriculture Policy (CAP), adopted at the plenary session yesterday.
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Farmers are in danger of wasting money and cutting potential grass yields by not checking the accuracy of their fertiliser spreaders. That's the opinion of fertiliser makers and spreader testing companies alike.
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The ‘Common’ of the CAP will be lost if Member States are encouraged to implement more optional co-financing programmes and effectively re-nationalise European agricultural policy. Young farmers demand generational renewal to be a priority in the European Parliament report on ‘The CAP towards 2020: meeting the food, natural resources and territorial challenges of the future’ by MEP Albert Dess.
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Copa-Cogeca called today for long-term solutions to urgently address the lack of plant protection products available on the EU rice market, warning harvests can be reduced by 50% when no fungicide exists.
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Standard free-to-access GPS might provide sufficient accuracy for a task like cultivation or rolling, but for jobs that require more precise working, RTK provides a correction signal for GPS navigation that, in most cases, can position a vehicle with an accuracy of +/-2cm.
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Lanarkshire contractor Steven Barr would like stock farmers in his area to do more to rejuvenate their grass fields between full re-seeds - and not just because he has invested in a new implement that he believes does a better job of top-up seeding than other techniques.
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A plan to that effect put forward by the boards of the two companies was approved by the members of the two cooperatives on March 2nd. The decision is being implemented with retrospective effect for the full 2011 financial year, and is enacted for January 1st 2011.
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__The European Crop Protection Association (ECPA) today launched the € 2 million TOPPS Prowadis initiative to train farmers, their advisors, land managers and pesticide operators to minimise water pollution from pesticide run-off and drift.
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The disparities between different actors in the food supply chain were highlighted at a seminar organized by CEJA, the European Council of Young Farmers and NAJK, the Dutch young farmers organization in Amsterdam during 23-24 February. Experts from the European Commission and MEP Bas Eickhout from the European Parliament among others gathered alongside Europe’s young farm leaders.
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Tractor sales for 2011 have started off with a bit of a bang, according to the latest figures from the Agricultural Engineers Association.
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Farmers in the West Midlands have been warned to be extra vigilant following a rise in agricultural machinery thefts.
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The European Commission has authorised under EU state aid rules the extension until 31 December 2011 of a temporary Dutch scheme to grant aid of up to € 15 000 per beneficiary The aid aims at supporting farmers who encounter difficulties as a result of the economic crisis.
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High up in the Carmarthenshire hills, a small dairy farm is achieving what top US nutritionists say UK milk producers can never manage - high yields from a low protein diet. Joanne Pugh finds out more.
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Dairy farmers need to be particularly vigilant in looking for the signs of acidosis in the next few months, says John Allen, technical director at Frank Wright Trouw Nutrition International.
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More than half of dairy farms want to improve herd fertility, but few know where to begin.
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The European Commission has authorised under EU state aid rules the extension until 31 December 2011 of a temporary German scheme to grant aid of up to €15 000 per beneficiary.
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The European Commission has recently authorised a Romanian scheme with a budget of RON 120 million (around € 30 million) which aims at helping farmers encountering difficulties as a result of the current economic crisis to have access to credit.
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Agriculture and food are of great significance to people’s life, not only because food is a basic need, but also because of social and cultural reasons. However, concerns are increasingly being raised about the negative environmental and socio-economic impact of current agricultural and food consumption practices. Current food production and consumption depletes natural resources (soil, water, air) and contributes to global warming and biodiversity loss.
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Copa-Cogeca urges member states to agree on new EU rules on the low level presence of genetically modified organisms in feed. If not, EU livestock farmers input costs will soar, costing them hundreds of millions of euros.
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Imagine having a market for as many as 21 different feedstocks. More than 600 members of the Show Me Energy Cooperative do. Farmers receive $45 to $60/ton for a variety of grasses and forbs that are made into biomass pellets and then co-fired with coal at an electric generation plant. The largest test burn in the United States with 22,000 tons of biomass pellets was completed in 2009 at the 385 MW KCP&L plant at Sibley, MO.
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The European Commission has authorised under EU state aid rules the extension until 31 December 2011 of a temporary Hungarian scheme to grant aid of up to €15 000 per beneficiary.
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Smaller farmers are buying new combines for the first time in years, report combine manufacturers. It's thanks to a combination of higher grain prices, generous capital allowances, sky-high second-hand prices and a run of wet harvests.
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The world’s largest exhibition for agricultural machinery and equipment, Agritechnica, waiting to open its gates this November, is attracting more manufacturers of tractors, agricultural machinery and equipment from Germany and abroad than ever before. This is evident from the stand bookings received to date, which are about ten per cent up on the last event in 2009. The organiser DLG (Deutsche Landwirtschafts-Gesellschaft – German Agricultural Society) is accordingly expecting more than 2,000 exhibitors from Germany and other countries to take part in the show this year too.
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BASF Plant Science has concluded its Amflora cultivation plans for the 2011 season. Amflora, the genetically enhanced potato for use in the starch industry, will this year be cultivated on two hectares of land in Üplingen (Saxony-Anhalt, Germany).
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CEJA, the European Council of Young Farmers, met today with EU Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso in Brussels to highlight the negative demographic trend in Europe's agricultural sector. Currently only 6% of farmers are under the age of 35 across Europe.
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In a high level meeting today with EU Commission President José Manuel Barroso, Copa- Cogeca highlighted the huge role that the EU agriculture sector plays in the economy, employing almost 30 million people and maintaining growth in the rural areas in the EU.
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In the wake of the dioxin crises, which has hit some farmers badly, Copa-Cogeca broadly supports new measures outlined by the EU Commission to prevent similar crises from happening again and calls for some changes to be made.
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2010 was a year of some upheaval on the machinery scene, but it seems the sector is beginning to settle once more. At LAMMA last week a number of firms were getting into their stride with new names and new products.
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Faced with extreme market volatility and growing food demand, EU Farm Leaders highlighted at a hearing today the need for a dynamic Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) which maintains EU farmers production capacity and competitive position.
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It is regions and cities that translate European targets into concrete action on the ground. How EU lawmakers can harness this hands-on experience will dominate the Committee of the Regions plenary session on 27 and 28 January.
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The biodiesel industry is poised to regain growth in 2011 with the reinstatement of the biodiesel blenders’ tax credit ($1 per gallon) for 2011, and increasing demand for fuel and Bioheat.
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CEJA President Joris Baecke spoke at the International Green Week taking place today in Berlin, Germany.
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CEJA welcomes the focus in an EU Parliament report on food security adopted today in the Strasbourg plenary session.
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Fifteen people are confirmed dead and about 51 are missing, while one-third of the Australian state of Queensland has been declared a disaster zone following floods which have caused destruction across the area.
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Copa-Cogeca warned today of a new EU Commission report on medium-term prospects for agricultural markets which shows a sharp decline in EU market shares in the meat sector, partly as a result of costly EU regulations.
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The decision by HMRC to relax the rules on using red diesel for gritting and snow-clearing work on public roads seems to be paving the way for some useful business opportunities for farmers and contractors, too.
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In a high level meeting today on the future Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), Copa-Cogeca highlighted the wide range of costly measures already introduced to further “green” the CAP, which non- EU country imports do not have to meet. Copa-Cogeca warned against increasing costs further.
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The current run of snowy, icy winters is prompting farm machinery makers and importers to start offering snow-blowers, snowploughs and other cold weather equipment again. David Cousins checks out some of the latest kit.
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With more than 660 exhibitors, the 2011 LAMMA show is set to be bigger than ever, according to event organiser, Cliff Preston.
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Copa-Cogeca welcomed today first estimates from Eurostat showing EU farm incomes rose on average by 12.3% this year, compared to 2009, but this will not be enough to compensate for the sharp declines seen in previous years.
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Today, the European Commission approved an allocation to Zimbabwe of € 16 million from the European Development Fund.
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The European Commission decided today to grant Hungary a three-year extension of its transitional period for the acquisition of agricultural land by non-resident EU citizens and all legal entities, following a request by Hungary on 10 September 2010.
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A launch failure that sent three GLONASS satellites to the bottom the Pacific Ocean in early December is expected to have little impact on Corn Belt farmers who use sophisticated navigation technology that accesses the Russian satellite system.
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EU farmers and their cooperatives, together with other partners in the food chain, showed their strong commitment today to achieving high animal welfare standards by signing a declaration to phase out surgical castration of pigs, under certain conditions.
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The European Commission welcomes the announcement made earlier this week that several main actors in the pig meat chain have agreed on a plan to voluntarily end the surgical castration of pigs in Europe by 1 January 2018.
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The results of a new study into the role of young farmers and multifunctional farming were presented at a conference organized by CEJA, the European Council of Young Farmers, at the European Economic and Social Committee in Brussels yesterday. The Agri-multifunctionality II project collected the best practices of multifunctional farming in Europe among young farmers to see the extent of on farm diversification of activities in order to multiply income sources.
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The European Commission has opened a formal investigation under the EU State aid rules into Greek aid to the cereal sector.
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A Nepali agriculture farm has developed nine varieties of disease-resistant and heat-tolerant tomatoes. Gorkha Seed Company, which introduced Shrijana -- the first ever Nepali hybrid tomato variety, -- is making final preparations to introduce the tomatoes in the market. “The varieties we have developed are bacteria-resistant and withstand hot climate,” senior scientist at the company Dr Kedar Budhathoki told Republica on Saturday. “We will soon name those varieties.”
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In a meeting with the Belgian Presidency on EU Commission plans on the future Common Agricultural (CAP), Copa-Cogeca urged EU Farm Ministers to help make farmers and their cooperatives more competitive on domestic and international markets.
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Copa-Cogeca released final EU-27 cereal harvest figures for 2010/11 today, showing a sharp production drop compared to last year. With a grain export ban enforced in Russia due to bad weather conditions, the need to step up productivity through a strong Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), with a strong budget, is crucial.
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The Agriculture & Fisheries Council will meet in Brussels on Monday 13 (starting at 9.30 a.m.) and Tuesday 14 December. It will be chaired for the Agriculture issues by Mrs Sabine Laruelle, Belgian minister for SMEs, the Self-Employment, Agriculture and Science Policy, and , for the points on Fisheries, by Mr Kris Peeters, Minister-President for the Flemish Region and responsible for Fisheries. Commissioners Maria Damanaki and Dacian Cioloş will represent the Commission at the meeting.
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Guaranteeing quality to consumers and a fair price for farmers are the twin aims of the "Quality Package" adopted today by the European Commission. This Quality Package sets up for the first time a comprehensive policy on certification schemes, value-adding terms for agricultural product qualities, and product standards.
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A few days after the European Commission outlined its vision for the future of the Common Agriculture Policy (CAP), Commissioner Cioloş discussed the issue with the European Economic and Social Committee yesterday at its December plenary session.
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The European Commission has today adopted a proposal on "contractual relations in the milk sector".
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Deep in the heart of Somerset's Mendip hills a superstar celebrity hides away from the crowds at his country residence.
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Brazilian farmers are being urged to plant more trees to not only compensate for vagaries of agricultural returns but also offset carbon emissions. Brazil is a crucial country when it comes to the world’s climate. It is home to the Amazon and is also a large producer of agricultural commodities. How does one ensure the sustenance of one and the survival of the other?
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The European Commission has recently authorised a Slovenian scheme with a budget of approximately € 3.8 million which aims at supporting farmers in Slovenia who encounter difficulties as a result of the current economic crisis. Aid under this scheme can be granted until 31 December 2010 and will take the form of direct grants.
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Iowa grower Clay Mitchell employs a technology solution for installing drain tile that provides a sure-fire payback in improved yields.
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Mark Marquis had planned to double the size of his Illinois ethanol plant in 2011, and was considering expanding a Wisconsin facility his family-run firm bought into last July.
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December 3, 2010
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Syngenta’s Representative Office to the European Union yesterday evening marked the company’s 10th anniversary with the presentation in Brussels of a new award in recognition of the exceptional efforts made by many farmers across Europe to reverse the decline in biodiversity.
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Section 179 of the IRS tax code offers to farmers and small businesses a 100% deduction on qualified equipment up to $500,000 for 2010 and 2011.
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A global event for all agricultural sector participants – manufacturers, farmers, breeders, entrepreneurs, fruit and vegetable producers, wholesalers, distributors, importers and cooperatives, among others –, the next SIMA will be more than ever before a forum for international exchanges between participants in the agricultural industry, whether they be exhibitors (50% are expected to be from outside of France) or visitors (25% from over 100 different countries).
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CEJA’s newly established ‘Young Farmers Package’ was presented today to Agriculture Commissioner Dacian Ciolos in a personal meeting and at a European Parliament workshop on the situation of young farmers organised by the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development.
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It's not every day a potato harvester trundles through the streets of London. But a two-row self-propelled machine weighing more than 20 tonnes did just that earlier this month when it took part in the Lord Mayor's Show.
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Leader MaXXi is a self-propelled mixer wagon with a 35-cubic-meter double vertical auger. This is a development of the renowned Leader Double series, praised by farmers around the world for its unmatched performance.
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The Agriculture & Fisheries Council will meet in Brussels on Monday 29 November (starting at 10 a.m.) and (if necessary) Tuesday 30 November. It will be chaired for the Agriculture issues by Mrs Sabine Laruelle, Belgian minister for SMEs, the Self-Employment, Agriculture and Science Policy, and , for the points on Fisheries, by Mr Kris Peeters, Minister-President for the Flemish Region and responsible for Fisheries. Commissioners Maria Damanaki i, John Dalli i and Dacian Ciolos i will represent the Commission at the meeting.
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The Agriculture & Fisheries Council will meet in Brussels on Monday 29 November (starting at 10 a.m.) and (if necessary) Tuesday 30 November.
It will be chaired for the Agriculture issues by Mrs Sabine Laruelle, Belgian minister for SMEs, the Self-Employment, Agriculture and Science Policy, and , for the points on Fisheries, by Mr Kris Peeters, Minister-President for the Flemish Region and responsible for Fisheries. Commissioners Maria Damanaki, John Dalli and Dacian Ciolos will represent the Commission at the meeting.
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Better prepare your taste buds to savour vegetables other than potatoes -- or get ready to pay more for the vegetable that is used in almost every meal. Deesa, Gujarat’s premier potato growing and supply centre, has been severely affected by the unseasonal rains.
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Record number of visitors with over 140,000 livestock farmers and specialists from all over the world - 23,500 international visitors - BioEnergy Decentral a resounding success
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Thorsten Herdan, Managing Director VDMA Power Systems
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EuroTier 2010: World's top event for animal production
Dr. Reinhard Grandke, Chief Executive Officer of DLG (Deutsche Landwirtschafts-Gesellschaft - German Agricultural Society), Frankfurt am Main
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The Communication on the future CAP unveiled today in Brussels by Agriculture and Rural Development Commissioner Dacian Ciolos made specific references to young farmers.
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AGCO’s new Fendt 828 Vario tractor just earned Europe’s prestigious “2011 Tractor of the Year” award. The announcement was made in early November at the global farm show called EIMA International 2010. The 828 Vario is equipped with the new Interim Tier 4-compliant SCR engine. It also features a new electronic control system with a 10.2-in. touch-screen display. Farmers have at their fingertips the ability to control all functions of the tractor and any attached equipment.
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EU Farm Leaders today welcomed the EU Commission’s aim to have a strong Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) in the future but warned that it’s new plans fail to respond to the challenges faced by EU farmers and cooperatives. Instead, they threaten their competitivity and economic viability.
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The European Commission today adopted a Communication on the future of the CAP entitled "The CAP towards 2020: Meeting the food, natural resources and territorial challenges of the future". This document marks the beginning of a consultation process which will continue until next spring and which will enable the Commission to prepare legislative proposals by summer 2011. The reformed CAP should enter into force on 1 January 2014.
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The European Commission has today published a Communication on "the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) towards 2020 – Meeting the food, natural resources and territorial challenges of the future". The reform aims at making the European agriculture sector more dynamic, competitive, and effective in responding to the Europe 2020 vision of stimulating sustainable growth, smart growth and inclusive growth. The paper outlines three options for further reform. Following discussion of these ideas, the Commission will present formal legislative proposals in mid-2011
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Joaquín Almunia Vice President of the European Commission responsible for Competition Policy
Brussels, 17 November 2010
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New Holland dealers in the UK will be offering Tracker GPS stolen vehicle recovery and vehicle tracking products to farmers to give protection from the devastating effects that loss of vital agricultural and plant equipment can bring.
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The European Commission has cleared under the EU Merger Regulation the acquisition of the global sunflower seed business of the US company Monsanto by Syngenta of Switzerland. The notified transaction combines two leading sunflower seed suppliers in Europe, with significant breeding activities.
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Copa-Cogeca called for support for EU rice producers to continue under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) after 2013 in a meeting with Euro-MPs this week, and highlighted the economic, territorial and environmental importance of rice production.
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Today, the European Commission approved a project in favour of Zimbabwean smallholder farmers for a total amount of EUR 7 million which will benefit to at least one million small farmer families. The overall goal of this support is to reduce the dependency of vulnerable rural communal households on humanitarian assistance and improve their livelihoods.
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Member States have the obligation to establish a system for advising farmers on land and farm management, the so-called Farm Advisory System (FAS). It is a major component of the 2003 Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) reform and had to be introduced by 2007.
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The High Level Forum for a Better Functioning Food Supply Chain is meeting for the first time in Brussels on Tuesday 16 November. It will adopt a work plan to boost competitiveness and to promote best contractual practices in the European food sector, extending the work of the previous High Level Group on the Competitiveness of the Agro-Food Industry to the whole supply chain. Vice President Antonio Tajani is leading this exercise together with his fellow Commissioners Michel Barnier (Internal Market and Services), John Dalli (Health and Consumer Policy) and Dacian Cioloş (Agriculture and Rural development).
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The European Commission is taking advantage of technological developments to consolidate the suppression of Bluetongue disease in the EU. Today's proposal to amend Directive 2000/75/EC, expected to enter into force in 2011, updates current rules on vaccination.
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Sugar beet farmers from across the country are bemoaning the court ruling from last October that barred any further plantings of genetically-modified (GM) sugar beets until proper safety studies have been completed.
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Growing optimism among European farmers - shifting focus of capital investment - more investment planned in indoor operations
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Renewable energy sources and bioenergy are set to play an ever increasing role in revolutionising energy supplies. There are many advantages to decentralised energy systems, one of which is the greater responsiveness to changes in demand, making for more efficient energy supply. Moving forward, the private sector is taking up initiatives to plug the gap in information-specific links, while public utilities have began to embrace more and more these new concepts in power generation and supply.
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IN a unique partnership with the HGCA, Farmers Guardian is giving you the opportunity to watch today’s (Thursday, November 11) HGCA Biofuels Conference live from your PC.
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The Provimi Group has successfully completed the acquisition of NASSA, a leading swine and shrimp feed producer in Mexico. Mariano Berdegué has been appointed new Managing Director of the company to lead NASSA’s integration into Provimi and realise the company’s growth potential in this region.
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As the EU Commission launches its plans on the future Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) , Copa-Cogeca invites you to attend a press conference on November 17 highlighting our serious concerns about the plans.
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CEJA organised farm visits today for MEPs from the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development in Belgium and France. The purpose of the visit was to show MEPs a real, from the ground perspective of Europe’s young agri-entrepeneurs.
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For the third year running EU's annual accounts have received a clean bill of health from its external auditors. As for payments, the overall evaluation improves visibly, with a significant drop in errors found in aid to EU's regions.
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Leading international breeding specialists present Europe’s best dairy and beef animals; Specialist English and Russian presentations
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Winter beans need to be drilled at a reasonable depth, which means many minimum tillage techniques are not up to the job.
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Farmer-run GPS precision farming network RTK Farming is set to increase its coverage to 160,000ha within two years, opening up opportunities for more than 2000 farmers from Suffolk to Bedfordshire to have ultra-precise GPS signals beamed to them.
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A total of € 578.5 million of EU farm money unduly spent by Member States is claimed back as a result of a decision adopted today by the European Commission. This money returns to the EU budget because of non-compliance with EU rules or inadequate control procedures on agricultural expenditure. Member States are responsible for paying out and checking expenditure under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), and the Commission is required to ensure that Member States have made correct use of the funds
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As of January 1, 2013 all gestating sows in the EU will have to be kept in group housing systems. Some pig producers have already made the switch to group housing but many still are still considering. For those still undecided, EuroTier 2010 comes at the ideal time to help producers make this strategic decision.
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Get a jump on spring chemical and fertilizer applications by taking care of self-propelled sprayers with these maintenance tips.
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Statement by Henk Bleker, Minister for Agriculture and Foreign Trade at opening of the Global Conference on Agriculture, Food Security and Climate Change in The Hague, the Netherlands, 31 october 2010.
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Young farmers and students will once again have a meeting place at EuroTier this year. Amid the buzz expected in the halls of the world’s top animal production event, EuroTier has not forgotten its youth participants, with a series of events tailored to this group of techno-savvy, global-minded young farmers and students.
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The European Commission today added the name of the Slovak cheese produced from fresh sheep's milk in shepherd huts "Ovčí hrudkový syr - salašnícky" to the list of "traditional specialities guaranteed" (TSG).
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A new clock feature on the £295 Techneat Vari-Scary gas gun enables farmers to pre-programme the bird scarer to not to go off during a set period each week.
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Our 40ha of forage maize, grown annually as a cash crop and sold to local dairy farmers, is almost ready to harvest.
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Kuhn's new Profile compact diet feeder is aimed at farmers with restrictive buildings.
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Telematics, GPS and tractor-implement automation are just a few of the technological developments set to revolutionise how operators spray in the future, according to those attending an Association of Applied Biologists (AAB) workshop last week.
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Belt-fed potato planters have been around for years and have a loyal following. But interest is once more growing, thanks to the extra output such machines can offer time-stretched growers.
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DLG (German Agricultural Society) and CremonaFiere S.p.a. has agreed on a strategic partnership in the field of bioenergy and renewable energy. This partnership was announced on October 29, 2010 during „The International Dairy Cattle Show“ held in Cremona.
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DuPont, through its Pioneer Hi-Bred business, and the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ) announced a one-year sponsorship to support the Master Class Initiative, a program that will provide training and networking opportunities for agricultural journalists in developing countries.
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An increasing number of mobile phone apps developed especially for agriculture are giving tech-savvy farmers a wealth of information at their fingertips.
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Dairy enthusiasts at EuroTier will be treated to a pre-show seminar hosted by the European Dairy Farmers on 15 November. The two-hour evening programme will feature speakers from South Africa, Russia and China, who will present global dairy farming trends and share perspectives from their home countries.
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The European Poultry Club (EPC) will host an international panel discussion on the outlook for the poultry and egg market in China, Russia and the EU, on the eve of EuroTier 2010.
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SALES of second-hand farm equipment is propping up South Australia's machinery market with sluggish demand for new units following the Federal Government's tax break incentive last year.
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Farmers, crop consultants and ag retailers who are frustrated by the complexity of many programs used to generate variable-rate fertility recommendations could find simplicity nirvana in a new web-based program called FieldRx.
Farmers, crop consultants and ag retailers who are frustrated by the complexity of many programs used to generate variable-rate fertility recommendations could find simplicity nirvana in a new web-based program called FieldRx.
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With over 600 exhibitors from 29 countries, the AgroTech Russia International Exhibition for Agricultural Machinery has registered the best attendance since its inception four years ago. The exhibition was held from 8 to 11 October 2010 at the All-Russian Exhibition Centre in Moscow as part of ‘Russian Agricultural Industry Week’ which has developed this year from the traditional ‘Golden Autumn’ exhibition.
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At a major conference on the future EU fruit and vegetable regime, Copa-Cogeca highlighted the crucial role EU fruit and vegetables play in a consumers diet, and called for support for cooperatives and producer organisations to continue after 2013.
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This summer, the National Conference on Weights and Measures voted to standardize testing methods and procedures to verify seed-count labeling.
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Copa-Cogeca slammed today EU Commission plans to sideline the economic objectives of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) in it’s review of the EU budget.
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UK registrations of agricultural tractors reached 11,413 units in the first nine months of 2010, a decline of 12.6% on the same period in the previous year, according to the latest figures from the Agricultural Engineers Association (AEA).
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The European Commission has today announced that it will propose a temporary suspension of animal cloning for food production in the EU. The Commission also plans to suspend temporarily the use of cloned farm animals and the marketing of food from clones.
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New Holland Agriculture was presented with two awards for engineering innovation by the Agrosalon 2010 Exhibition committee. Held from the 6th to the 9th of October 2010 at the "Crocus Expo" International Exhibition Center in Moscow, Agrosalon is one of the most important agricultural fairs in Russia, and is attended by leading Russian and foreign agricultural equipment manufacturers.
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Farmers and landowners are being invited to attend a small wind exhibition and free seminars that will explain the opportunities presented by small wind generation. Called RenewableUK 2010, it takes place at the Scottish Exhibition Centre, Glasgow, on 4 November.
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The European Commission today decided to add the name of a traditional smoked mountain sheep cheese "Ovčí salašnícky údený syr" to the list of "traditional specialities guaranteed" (TSG) following an application from Slovakia.
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Precision farming specialist Soilessentials has launched a GPS correction service which aims to give farmers the super-accurate guidance of RTK without the need for their own base station.
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As the world’s biggest food importer Europe has an enormous influence on global food markets, prices, availability and land use. An area outside of Europe the size of Germany is already dedicated to European food needs. The FAO calls this a ‘land grab’.
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Bt is paying big benefits, for farmers who plant Bt corn hybrids and even for producers who don’t.
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Interim Tier 4 emission rules means changes to engines used in farming, from tractors to self-propelled sprayers.
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John Hill and Colin Bowen are the new British National Ploughing Champions, their victories earning them a trip to Sweden next May to the 2011 World Ploughing Contest.
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Deadline is November 5 for nominations -- Online voting by Ag community starts November 22
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Aiming to further strengthen the protection of human and animal health, the European Union earmarked today more than €250 million to support programmes to eradicate, control and monitor animal diseases in 2011. Member States endorsed the financial package proposed by the European Commission during today's meeting of the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health (SCoFCAH).
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Filters aren't exactly glamorous things. Yet the job they do in holding back nasties of various sorts means they're essential to the good health of any engine or hydraulic system.
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At Greenmount Campus, part of the College of Agriculture Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) in Northern Ireland, they have been using solar thermal panels to heat parlour wash water since October 2009.
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The Farmers Weekly Farmer of the Year 2010 is West Country beef, sheep and arable producer John Hoskin.
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Harry Wilson has a passion for foragers. But it's not just big kit that's made he and his wife's business such a success. It's their vision and commitment to leave a lasting legacy for future generations that makes theirs a winning team.
The opportunity to take on a 12ha farm arose, and the pair started their own contracting business. "For a few years it was touch and go," he explains, Lynn nodding in agreement.
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After only a few minutes talking to Andrew Rees, it's apparent why he was awarded the best student award when he attended the local agricultural college, Brooksby Melton in Leicestershire, after leaving school.
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Small family farms rather than large-scale enterprises are central to the future of British agriculture, according to the Prince of Wales.
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Copa-Cogeca approved a major declaration on the future Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) at the 2010 Congress of European Farmers today, highlighting the need for a strong CAP to help farmers and cooperatives cope with the new challenges of extreme market volatility and climate change.
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In its 2010 Congress of European Farmers held in Brussels today, Copa-Cogeca urged the EU to ensure there is a competitive EU agri-food sector and a robust Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) post-2013, focusing on the economic role of EU farmers in providing food and services. Faced with declining EU farm incomes, big improvements must be made to the functioning of the EU food chain, to ensure a better return from the market for EU farmers and their cooperatives.
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Members of the European Parliament and their representatives were presented the Young Farmers Declaration on CAP by CEJA President Joris Baecke yesterday at a lunch hosted by MEP Le Foll.
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The first global guidelines for aquaculture certification have been adopted by the Sub-Committee on Aquaculture of the Committee on Fisheries, part of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization. Over 50 countries attended the meeting of the sub-committee, which is the only global intergovernmental forum discussing aquaculture development.
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Making smallholder dairy production more competitive could be a powerful tool for reducing poverty, raising nutrition levels and improving the livelihoods of rural people in many developing countries, FAO said in a new report on smallholder milk production published today.
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The Leicestershire-based Allerton Project seeks to enhance biodiversity in commercial farming.
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The German Agricultural Society has once again set up an impartial and international commission of experts who has assess the innovations submitted by EuroTier exhibitors up to the beginning of September on the basis of strict criteria and has awarded now 3 gold and 18 silver medals.
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A poor person can also be an entrepreneur: indeed, entrepreneurship has lifted many people out of poverty. Strong farmers’ organisations, delivering vital services to their members, can play a key role in this process. And the “Farmers Fighting Poverty” programme focuses on entrepreneurial farmers.
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The early crop harvest kept farmers in the fields instead of at last week’s Farm Science Review, as attendance at this year’s Farm Science Review was 124,122, compared to last year’s crowd of 138,014.
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Speech by Gerda Verburg, Minister of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality, on the occasion of the opening of the World Dairy Forum, 24 September 2010.
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The 2009 financial report presented by the Commission today shows that 97% of appropriations were spent, a similar percentage as in 2008 (98%). Overall expenditure amounted to over €112 billion. The bulk of this sum went to measures to boost economic growth, employment and research and development, as well as on agriculture.
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World population growth is increasing steadily. It is predicted that by the year 2050 there will be 9.1 billion people on the earth. This will be accompanied by growing affluence for many. It is an established fact that rising incomes go hand in hand with an increase in meat consumption, though this development is not unlimited. In the meantime there are countries – especially in North-Western Europe – that do not have meat on the plate every day. And the number of consumers who want to eat less meat or are even tending towards vegetarian diets is increasing too.
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EuroTier 2010 is characterised by many new technical developments. This demonstrates that the innovative spirit among manufacturers of machinery, equipment and installations for animal husbandry remains at a high level. Alongside new developments, many further developments and improvements are also identifiable. This leads to an ever larger number of auxiliary labour-saving resources being available to farmers and helping to secure or even improve competitiveness. The Innovations Commission at EuroTier 2010 considered altogether 197 submissions from exhibitors as "new product for the applicant" or as "further development of the applicant". The List of Innovations also contains company products that are new for the respective company or which it has developed further.
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The world’s top event for animal production, EuroTier 2010, is being held at the Exhibition Grounds in Hanover from 16 to 19 November 2010. The organiser, DLG (Deutsche Landwirtschafts-Gesellschaft – German Agricultural Society) reports excellent stand booking figures. Over 1,800 exhibitors from altogether 48 countries, including the leading manufacturers in the industry, will be presenting a full-scale programme and many innovations. EuroTier thus impressively underscores its position as the world’s top event for animal production.
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The British National Ploughing Championships is on 9 and 10 October this year. A record crowd is expected to attend the two-day event, which takes place at Grange-de-Lings, near Lincoln.
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A young farmer from Sweden is the winner of the European Young Farmer Photo Award organised by CEJA, The European Council of Young Farmers in collaboration with the Future of Rural Energy in Europe (FREE) initiative. The official award ceremony took place on 20th September at the European Congress of Young Farmers in Belgium. The winning photo and other interesting photo entries are exhibited at DG Agriculture as of 28 September 2010.
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In September of each year, the European Commission draws up a financial report on the administration of the European Agricultural Guarantee Fund (EAGF) and of the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) during the previous financial year and submits it to the European Parliament and the Council.
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Copa-Cogeca emphasized today the crucial role of biofuels in reducing EU oil dependency and greenhouse gas emissions, but warned that schemes to verify the sustainability criteria for biofuels and bioliquids may not be implemented in member states in time.
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New Copa-Cogeca EU-27 cereal harvest estimates for 2010/11 released today show production is down by over 14 mt this year, confirming the need for a strong Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) in the future to ensure food security for 500 million consumers.
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Optimum growing conditions mean growers will have to be on the ball with pre-emergence herbicide applications, say our Crop Watch agronomists.
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CEJA President Joris Baecke gave a speech to EU Agriculture Ministers and the EU Agriculture Commissioner at yesterdays Informal Farm Council in La Hulpe, Belgium.
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New Holland has become the first tractor maker to confirm the route it intends to take to achieve the next-but-one set of engine emissions standards, known as Stage 4 (Tier 4 Final) and due in 2014.
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The Management Committee for Direct Payments backed unanimously Commission proposals to allow 10 Member States to pay to farmers up to 50% of direct payments for 2010 from 16 October onwards instead of from 1 December 2010.
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LLN (Belgium), 21st of september 2010
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CEJA, The European Council of Young Farmers, hosted EU Agriculture Commissioner Dacian Ciolos, Valeriu Tabără new Romanian Agriculture Minister and Belgian Federal Minister Sabine Laurelle amongst others at the European Congress of Young Farmers held in Louvain La Neuve during 19-21 September. Experts from EU institutions, academics and sectoral analysts presented a range of statistical data and views which focused on the installation and renewal of young generations in the agri sector.
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Copa-Cogeca urged EU Farm Ministers today to ensure there is a competitive EU agri-food sector and a strong CAP after 2013, to prevent a complete collapse of the market.
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It's not just large-scale farmers with powerful tractors who need to cultivate at depth as part of a one-pass system.
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The European Commission has launched a call for proposal for information measures related to the Common Agricultural Policy.
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The European Commission today adopted an amended proposal to improve the current food distribution programme for the most deprived persons in the European Union. It builds on a 2008 proposal allowing the scheme to use market purchases on a permanent basis, to complement available intervention stocks.
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Copa-Cogeca welcomed today EU Commissioner Mr Tajani strong support for the EU agri-food sector, and urged him to ensure a better functioning EU food chain.
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Phytophthora infestans causes ‘late blight’. In regions of potato cultivation with a temperate climate, like Belgium, this is the single most dangerous disease. The disease costs farmers in Belgium about 55 million euros annually, and controlling it causes significant environmental pressure. However, in the last few years a number of resistant varieties based on conventional plant breeding techniques were introduced to the market, and work is being done on developing genetically modified Phytophthora-resistant lines. The report provides the necessary background information and gives an overview of the most recent scientific developments. It also discusses the pros and cons of genetic modification as a technique for building in resistance.
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Bayer CropScience intends to maintain its growth strategy with innovative crop protection agents, high-quality seed and enhanced plant traits. To this end, the company plans to further strengthen its portfolio in conventional crop protection and increase the proportion of new, high-margin products. In the area of seeds and traits, the regional business will be expanded and long-term growth will be generated with new crops.
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CEJA, The European Council of Young Farmers in collaboration with the Future of Rural Energy in Europe (FREE) initiative is pleased to announce a new photo exhibition which will tour the European institutions to show a more modern, dynamic and upbeat image of European farming and those living in rural communities.
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Bayer CropScience intends to maintain its growth strategy with innovative crop protection agents, high-quality seed and enhanced plant traits. To this end, the company plans to further strengthen its portfolio in conventional crop protection and increase the proportion of new, high-margin products. In the area of seeds and traits, the regional business will be expanded and long-term growth will be generated with new crops.
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The ethical case against eating animal produce once seemed clear. But a new book is an abattoir for dodgy arguments
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Copa-Cogeca strongly opposes any cuts in farm spending in the planned review of the EU budget, warning a sufficient budget is vital to finance a robust Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) in the future.
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West Sussex firm ADF Milking won this year's RABDF Livestock Machinery and Equipment Award for its automated teat dipping and flushing system.
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The city of Sint-Truiden is situated in the eastern part of the Belgian Loess plateau. It has a gently rolling landscape, dissected by streams draining water to the North. Annual mean precipitation ranges from 700–900 mm (Hufty, 2001). Loess is very susceptible to soil erosion, but due to its high soil fertility, there is a long agricultural tradition in this region. Arable land covers 65% of the total surface (Statistics Belgium, 2006).
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The region “Kempen and Maasland” is located in the Province of Limburg in the North-East of Belgium (Flanders). It covers 12 municipalities and is a rather densely populated region, with 300.000 inhabitants in an area of 75.000 ha. Nevertheless, about 30% is officially designated as natural area, with high biodiversity values. After the closing of the coalmines at the end of the 20th century, local economic activity plummeted and unemployment rates increased dramatically. Policy makers came up with a large reconversion plan, emphasising on conventional economic activities.
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Copa-Cogeca welcomed today the vote by European Parliament on new rules designed to improve the functioning of the EU food supply chain and to ensure a fair income for EU farmers.
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Your Excellency Mr. Wolde Giorgis, Excellencies Mr. Jean Ping and Abera Deresa, Distinguished colleagues, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, it is a great honour and pleasure for me to be here with you today and to address the African conference on Agriculture, Food Security and Climate Change.
Minister Verburg
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Regulation (EC) No 767/2009 requests the submission of dossiers to the European Commission in order to allow feed supplements to stay on the EU market. FEFANA companies worked hard during the last months in order to respect the deadline of 1st September 2010 stipulated in the Regulation for the submission of these dossiers; the permanence of such products is now guaranteed.
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Fendt has just regained the title of biggest standard (small wheels at the front, big wheels at the back) tractor on the market.
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There's plenty to be positive about in the grass and tillage machinery sector, according to brothers Heinz and Klaus Pottinger. Despite announcing an 18% year-on-year decline in turnover to €182 million, the company has retained nearly all of its staff during the downturn, and cleared the supply chain ready for growth in the year to come.
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Cold Harbour Farm, at Bishop Burton, East Yorkshire, was one of the first LEAF (Linking Farming and the Environment) demonstration farms, opening its gates to the public in 1993 soon after the organisation was founded.
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Open air exhibition "all about the potato” with trial plots, machinery demonstrations and discussion forums on 8/9 September 2010 at the Rittergut Bockerode Estate in Springe-Mittelrode near Hanover
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Pioneer Hi-Bred Ukraine, a DuPont business, reaffirmed its commitment to Ukraine research by celebrating the official opening of its now fully operational multi-crop research center in Lyubartsi.
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EU scientists have succeeded in obtaining viable mass eggs from Atlantic bluefin tuna in captivity, using natural means and without any hormonal induction. If breeding can be developed on a commercial scale, pressure on endangered wild stocks could be significantly relieved.
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Exports of U.S. agricultural equipment have increased each quarter of 2010, with midyear shipments totaling $4.9 billion, a gain of 4 percent compared to January-June 2009, according to the Association of Equipment Manufacturers.
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Exports of U.S. agricultural equipment have increased each quarter of 2010, with midyear shipments totaling $4.9 billion, a gain of 4 percent compared to January-June 2009, according to the Association of Equipment Manufacturers.
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THE extended dry spell may have stopped aggressive yellow rust in its tracks, but only for the time being, warns Broom’s Barn director,
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Industry-good body DairyNZ and Fonterra said today the creation of a NZ$170 million research programme through the Primary Growth Partnership (PGP) would help drive transformational change in the dairy industry.
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Global meeting place for decentralized energy supply Marketplace for information on all aspects of bioenergy partnerships - 450 exhibitors from 14 countries - Advisory Center - Live demonstrations daily
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Bharatbook added a new report on "Agricultural Equipment Market in India 2010" which discusses the steps taken by government towards developing the agricultural sector with strong potential.
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Researchers in the US have found new evidence that genetically modified crop plants can survive and thrive in the wild, possibly for decades.
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Corn and soybean seed sales were higher for Pioneer Hi-Bred in 2010, with the company noting a two-point gain in corn seed market share and a four-point gain in soybean market share. In addition, Pioneer says its global seed sales grew by 14% on 8% volume gains delivering against its long-term growth objectives.
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The quotations for wheat on the EU market have increased by 40% as from the beginning of July 2010 and there is no indication where and when this will stop.
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Farmers’ organisations from developing countries are marching in and will go and demand there legitimate role on the world stage. We are witnessing an important moment in time, that might change the world drastically. Remember farmer delegates from developing countries and OECD countries gathering in Geneva at the eve of WTO negotiations in December 2008.
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A machine that can inject dry poultry litter and composted cattle manure below the soil surface in pastures and no-till fields is on order from a research coalition across five Chesapeake Bay states: Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania and New York. There are currently no machines on the market that can do this.
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The European Commission has decided today to extend the mandate of the High Level Group on the Competitiveness of the Agro-Food Industry, upgrading it to a High Level Forum to improve the functioning of the food supply chain as regards contractual relations, logistics and competitiveness. The agro-food industry represents 2% of Europe's GDP and 13.5% of total employment in the EU’s manufacturing sector.
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You will hear much about the importance of small businesses this summer. Candidates running for public office will talk about the role of small businesses in creating jobs, increasing production and contributing to the economy.
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Rural crime in Devon and Cornwall has fallen by almost 9% over the past year after the introduction of a scheme to improve farm crime prevention.
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A high air-flow, self-emptying grainstore invented by a Cambridgeshire farmer more than 30 years ago is set for a comeback.
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The European Commission has approved funding for 210 new projects under the third call for the LIFE+ programme (2007-2013), the European fund for the environment. The projects are from across the EU and cover actions in the fields of nature conservation, environmental policy, and information and communication. Overall, they represent a total investment of €515 million, of which the EU will provide €249.8 million.
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Farmers could face more problems with blocked fuel filters when red diesel is replaced with ultra-low sulphur gas oil at the end of the year.
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Closing the Conference on the Public Debate on the CAP post-2013, EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dacian Ciolos stated on July 20: "Strengthened by your points of view, your ideas and the analytical ability of my services, I will come forward in November with a Communication from the European Commission on the future of the CAP.
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The European Commission has launched a call for tenders for a study entitled "Support for farmers' cooperatives". The overall purpose of this study is to provide the background knowledge that will help farmers organise themselves in cooperatives, as a tool to consolidate their market orientation and so generate a solid market income.
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Cogeca and Coceral welcomed today the adoption by the EU Commission and Member States of The European Good Hygiene Practices Guide for the collection, storage, trading and transport of cereals, oilseeds and protein crops destined for human as well as animal consumption.
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Firm-skinned early table potatoes from Germany will feature as the top quality goal again in 2010. This was agreed by the German Potato Industry Association (Union der Deutschen Kartoffelwirtschaft e.V. - UNIKA), the Association of Early and Table Potato Producer Communities in Germany (Vereinigung der Erzeugergemeinschaften für Früh- und Speisekartoffeln im Bundesgebiet) and the German Cooperative Association (Deutsche Raiffeisenverband e.V. - DRV).
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The entire European potato industry will be coming together in Germany on 8 and 9 September 2010 for the second time after 2006. The top event for international potato experts, PotatoEurope 2010, is being staged at the Bockerode Estate in Springe-Mittelrode near Hanover, organised by the DLG (Deutsche Landwirtschafts-Gesellschaft – German Agricultural Society) and UNIKA (Union der Deutschen Kartoffelwirtschaft– the potato industry association ) as patrons in cooperation with K+S KALI GmbH (Kassel). With over 150 exhibitors from twelve countries, the number of stand bookings is twenty percent up on the comparable level for 2006.
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Copa-Cogeca urged the EU Commission today to ensure there is a strong CAP in the future, to help farmers cope with increasingly costly EU regulations, price volatility and to strengthen their economic role in providing food and services to 500 million consumers.
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The European Ombudsman, P. Nikiforos Diamandouros, has criticised the European Commission for its delay in imposing restrictions on Brazilian beef imports in 2008, in order to deal with risks from foot and mouth disease. However, he rejected a call from a federation of British and Irish farm organisations that the Commission should have imposed a complete ban on Brazilian beef as from 2007.
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A total of € 265.02 million of EU farm money unduly spent by Member States is claimed back as a result of a decision adopted today by the European Commission. This money returns to the EU budget because of non-compliance with EU rules or inadequate control procedures on agricultural expenditure. Member States are responsible for paying out and checking expenditure under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), and the Commission is required to ensure that Member States have made correct use of the funds.
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The Lada Niva, Russia's favourite 4x4, is back on sale in the UK. It's petrol only and left-hand drive, but don't let that put you off, says David Cousins
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There is not an across-the-board answer to whether or not using fungicides on soybeans will pay. How well fungicides will pay off on soybeans depends on a lot of factors that can only be answered by an individual farmer and usually on a field to field basis.
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Roughly 600 delegates from all over the EU come to Brussels next Monday and Tuesday to discuss the future of the Common Agriculture policy after 2013. This Conference will seek to debate and draw some form of conclusions from the public debate on the post-2013 launched by the Commission in April, based on the four very fundamental questions of: "Why do we need a CAP? What do citizens expect from agriculture? Why reform the CAP? What tools do we need for the CAP of tomorrow?"
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SELF-propelled sprayers, GPS and auto-steer technology are becoming more popular as the drought eases across parts of Australia, says Case IH Patriot Sprayer brand manager, Ross Johansson.
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The food and farming sector has been told it will have an essential role to play in lifting the UK out of the recession, a gathering of MPs and officials in Westminster has been told.
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After the vote this week on new EU rules for aid to fruit and vegetable producer organisations, Copa-Cogeca urged EU Ministers to ensure that producer organisations are properly supported to enable them to have a fairer share of the retail price.
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Unless you're a tractor buff, you may well not have heard of TYM. The South Korean maker's tractors have been quietly coming into the UK for more than a decade. But until recently these were sub-70hp models aimed at the groundscare market.
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The two global agriculture trade exhibitions - Agritechnica in Europe and AG CONNECT Expo in North America - have coordinated the timing of their show dates for 2011 and 2013 for the convenience of exhibitors and attendees with global business interests. Show organizers said this schedule allows those interested in global agriculture to attend both events in those years. The shows are held biennially.
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Copa-Cogeca voiced concerns today about the new EU Commission proposal which allows member states to ban the cultivation of an authorised genetically modified crop on their territory.
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Copa-Cogeca voiced concerns today about the new EU Commission proposal which allows member states to ban the cultivation of an authorised genetically modified crop on their territory.
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Copa-Cogeca urged Euro-MPs today to take action to prevent a new EU dairy crisis from emerging, warning the EU market is still fragile and the market price does not always cover farmers’ production cost must be maintained, to deal with increasing market volatility”.
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In the wake of declining EU farm incomes, Copa-Cogeca welcomed today the Belgian Presidency’s intention to continue talks on the future of the CAP, and called on EU politicians to ensure that a strong CAP, with a sufficient EU budget, is kept. The coming months is a crucial time for EU farmers and their cooperatives.
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The Sumo Trio has become a well-known piece of kit for UK farmers since its launch in 2002. Emily Padfield tried a 5.5m version out on the back of the new Claas Xerion 4500.
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The Sumo Trio has become a well-known piece of kit for UK farmers since its launch in 2002. Emily Padfield tried a 5.5m version out on the back of the new Claas Xerion 4500.
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It's a familiar dilemma for many farmers - carry on using a contractor or buy your own machine. Suzie Horne asked the experts to suggest the best way forward
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This year, Agromek – the largest exhibition of agricultural machinery in Northern Europe – will once again be an extensive, collective exhibition for all who are involved in farming and the entire green sector.
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The world’s largest plant biotechnology collaboration just got larger. Today, BASF and Monsanto announced an expansion of their joint efforts to develop higher-yielding and stress-tolerant crops to include a fifth crop, wheat.
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Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) accepted announced today that it has accepted one bid from Dairy Farmers of America, Inc. for 110,231 pounds, or 50 metric tons, of cheddar cheese to the Middle East. The product will be delivered in September.
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Angela Jefferson, of Hall End Farm in Ledbury, Hertfordshire, teamed up with local web designer Carol Smith to launch itsbeennicked.co.uk - a searchable database of stolen goods.
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Air induction nozzles can reduce drift 75% to 90%, but drift can still occur when farmers are spraying herbicides, insecticides and fungicides. Farmers who were early adopters bought air induction nozzles and used them for everything, both contact and systemic herbicides. Problems started to emerge in reduced performance of some contact herbicides that had been sprayed using air induction nozzles. Causes for this reduced product efficacy were not readily apparent.
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Copa-Cogeca outlined their views on future EU quality policy at a seminar they organized in Brussels this week, emphasising the need to improve and better communicate on quality schemes, in order to meet consumer expectations.
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In the latest instalment of our series of articles looking at other countries' farm machinery industries, Graham Fuller take a look at Australia
The Australian tractor market is one of the most "over-subscribed" in the world. When the country celebrated 100 years of the modern farm workhorse in 2004, there were some 40 different brands offering an estimated 700 different models.
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Monsanto announced that it submitted to the EPA for registration a 5% refuge-in-the-bag (RIB) option for Genuity VT Double Pro Corn. Upon registration, this RIB product would contain both Bt seed and refuge seed. A farmer could plant the product to an entire field, which would create a refuge throughout the field.
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BROTHERS Kit and Tim Papworth of Norfolk based contractor LF Papworth Ltd explain why new technology and farming co-operatives such as Anglia Farmers are helping to improve their management system.
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Copa-Cogeca highlighted today the vital role biofuels play in terms of reducing EU oil dependency and greenhouse gas emissions as well as boosting employment in the rural areas of the EU.
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The USDA recently released the final draft of a new crop insurance agreement that it claims will save $6 billion in federal spending. However, the Crop Insurance Professionals Association opposes the draft and has proposed an alternative that it says “would save taxpayers and farmers money without crippling the crop insurance infrastructure and harming growers.”
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Farmers and landowners are being urged to develop their own energy strategy to avoid paying increased fuel and fertiliser bills in years to come. Speaking at the On-Farm Energy Generation conference held at Stoneleigh last week, CLA's chief surveyor Oliver Harwood set out some basic steps to establish what options are available.
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Two thirds of Scottish farms targeted in a Health and Safety Executive campaign were not using all terrain vehicles safely, figures have revealed.
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The Agriculture and Fisheries Council will meet in Luxembourg on Tuesday 29 June, under the presidency of Mrs Elena Espinosa, Spanish Minister of the Rural, Marine & Natural Environment. Maritime Affairs & Fisheries Commissioner Maria Damanaki, Agriculture & Rural Development Commissioner Dacian Cioloş and Health & Consumer Policy Commissioner John Dalli will represent the Commission at the meeting. Over lunch, ministers will discuss the reform of the common organisation of the markets in fishery and aquaculture products.
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Tractor sales may be down 20% nationally, but machinery dealers at today’s Royal Cornwall Show are reporting a very different picture for the South West. Claas dealer Hamblys, for example, says that its tractor sales are up 20%+ for the first six months of 2010 when compared with the same period in 2009.
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The benefits of CVT transmission are normally confined to higher horsepower, arable farm-destined tractors. But, with the launch of Fendt's 200-series Varios last year and now Deutz's TTV Agrofarm, smaller mixed and livestock farmers now have the choice of opting for sophisticated, infinitely variable transmissions too.
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In the wake of the XXV FEFAC Congress on competitive sustainability of the EU feed and livestock sector in Hamburg, on 10-11 June 2010, FEFAC members have provided final estimates for the compound feed production for the EU-271 in 2009. The total production estimate is now set at 147.6 mio. t, i.e. 3.8% below the figure for 2008 (153.4 mio. t).
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In a first meeting today with the new EU Trade Commissioner, Karel De Gucht, Copa and Cogeca Presidents voiced serious concerns about the Commission’s current trade policy.
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Food in the European Union has become even safer over the past year thanks, in part, to the withdrawal from the market of harmful pesticides and the strengthening of the Union's border control activity. As of January this year, the EU has in essence established a common control border as regards certain fruits and vegetables.
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Copa-Cogecas’ published today new forecasts for EU-27 cereals production for the 2010/11 marketing year, which show stable production, with a slight drop of 1.3% seen, compared to the good harvest in 2009/10. A bigger fall of 7.4% in barley production can be seen and a slight increase of 3.3% in soft wheat production is estimated for 2010/11.
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Legislative improvements are needed to control the traffic in illegal pesticides and their use across Europe. Illegal pesticide use endangers the environment, consumer health and can ruin the food supply reputation of an agricultural region.
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The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation under the EU Merger Regulation into the proposed acquisition of the global sunflower seed business of US company Monsanto by Syngenta of Switzerland.
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Monsanto adds an acetochlor premix formulation, called TripleFlex, for preemerge and postemerge use in corn. The new herbicide will be available for the 2011 crop season.
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German handler specialist Kramer is the latest firm to target farmers who want a telehandler with decent power and reach but with more compact dimensions.
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Farmers are generally a pragmatic lot, but even the most unsentimental can develop a soft spot for a favourite animal, or even, as Farmers Weekly discovers, a combine harvester.
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Cereals may be over, but the Highland Show (24-27 June) is the next date on the machinery circuit. One of the key new launches there is Vaderstad's new Spirit System Disc Combi, a drill that can place seed in rows while at the same time applying fertiliser.
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Nitrogen fertilisation of arable land is strictly regulated in Belgium and other European countries by the nitrate directive. Farmers are challenged to adjust fertilisation rates in order to obtain good crop yields with a minimal release of nitrogen to the environment.
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Top event for potato experts to be held at Bockerode Estate in Springe-Mittelrode near Hanover on 8/9 September 2010 - Over 150 exhibitors from twelve countries - 10,000 visitors expected
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Firm-skinned early table potatoes from Germany will feature as the top quality goal again in 2010. This was agreed by the German Potato Industry Association (Union der Deutschen Kartoffelwirtschaft e.V. - UNIKA), the Association of Early and Table Potato Producer Communities in Germany (Vereinigung der Erzeugergemeinschaften für Früh- und Speisekartoffeln im Bundesgebiet) and the German Cooperative Association (Deutsche Raiffeisenverband e.V. - DRV). The
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The High Level Group on Milk, set up last October in the wake of last year's dairy crisis, has finalised the report on its deliberations, including recommendations to the Commission on seven issues. These include an invitation to come forward with concrete moves to enhance the use of written contracts in the dairy supply chain and to consider proposals to increase the collective bargaining power of dairy producers.
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On release of the report today by the High Level Expert Group (HLG) on long-term measures for the EU dairy sector, Copa-Cogeca urged the EU Commission to come forward with concrete proposals rapidly.
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The € 1 billion EU Food Facility provides for funding to improve access to agricultural inputs; sustain safety-net programmes to the most vulnerable population and support microcredit, investment, equipment, infrastructure and training.
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On the 3 June 2010 the Enlarged Advisory Group on the CAP post 2013 took place in the Borschette Centre with the participation of organizations representing various sectors of the civil society.
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THE CRT FarmFest field days put worries about last year’s Federal Government investment grant initiative behind it, championing new technology as the way ahead.
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A new way to make topographic maps with radar can help farmers divert more of their resources to the highest-yielding parts of their fields, according to an Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientist.
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Ledbury Welding and Engineering, which specialises in steel fuel tanks, has had a busy Cereals.
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Ministers will join farm leaders in central London next week to celebrate 10 years of the Red Tractor logo - the industry-backed assurance scheme which promotes British food and drink.
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"In 2009, around 14 million farmers cultivated more than eleven plant species with a wide variety of genetically modified properties on land covering 134 million hectares in 25 countries. In addition, worldwide there are plants with more than 90 different genetically modified properties that are either at the research stage or at the point of being approved. While global development in green genetic engineering is hurtling ahead, Europe is facing difficulties in accepting this technology. Various surveys show that many consumers and farmers too view green genetic engineering sceptically because they have the feeling that they are not sufficiently informed about this complex thematic area.
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At midnight tonight, the Commission will close the internet-based public debate on the future of the EU's Common Agriculture Policy launched by Agriculture & Rural Development Commissioner Dacian Ciolos on April 12.
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Since the '90s when BSE and other animal diseases were delivering severe blows to industry and consumer confidence alike, the European Union has come a long way in its efforts to reinforce Animal Health and Food Safety .
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East Yorkshire farmers Andrew Manfield and Peter Southwell are to bring in complete ultra-precise RTK tractor and implement steering packages that include the GPS signal and all the equipment.
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Precision fertilising with mineral fertiliser spreaders, boom stability and balance in crop protection sprayers, automated steering and headland management and stubble cultivation
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Save on fuel and time with the Blu-Jet BT Conquest, a new primary tillage tool from Thurston Manufacturing Company. Designed to meet the challenges of producers who practice conventional tillage, the BT Conquest combines soil mixing with root ball destruction while maintaining a reasonable 20-hp/ft. draft requirement.
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This year's Suffolk Show farmer inventions competition attracted some clever home-built kit. Michael Williams was there
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With the forage wagon business now sold to Kverneland, Dutch company Veenhuis concentrates on high-end muck and slurry kit. In the UK it sells through five franchised dealers.
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Forget your 8m or even your 12m drills - compared to some of the equipment working in North America, Australia and other big corn-growing areas, they wouldn't even touch the sides of the gate leading into the fields.
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Our article on the decline in sales of two-wheel-drive tractors prompted a sympathetic response from a number of readers, including Diss, Norfolk arable farmers Charles Clarke and his son Charles jnr.
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There's still time for John Deere enthusiasts to take part in our easy-to-enter competition and win a great book about their favourite tractor make.
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AgroFarm, the international exhibition for animal husbandry and breeding, is continuing its very dynamic development. This was the conclusion drawn by the organisers, DLG International GmbH, a subsidiary of the DLG (Deutsche Landwirtschafts-Gesellschaft – German Agricultural Society), and the Agricultural Sector of AREC (Moscow). From 26 to 28 May 2010 altogether 222 exhibitors from 19 countries came together at the VVC exhibition grounds in Moscow to present modern genetics for breeding, as well as animal housing construction systems and modern production methods for cattle, pig, poultry, goat and sheep husbandry and rabbit keeping.
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"This afternoon we will celebrate our heroes. The high potential farmers, people who have come with plans that generate local enthusiasm and energy. These individual initiatives are what is required to create market chains and make optimum use of the marketing opportunities in a country. Which, in turn leads to a stronger farming sector, less poverty, less hunger, more entrepreneurship, more social infrastructure, better education and other developments. Our stakes are high. It is therefore not important whether you will get the award this afternoon. Smart entrepreneurs know they have already won."
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EFSA has published an evaluation of factors that may contribute to the spread of MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) in pig holdings in the European Union, following on from the publication of the first EU-wide survey on the occurrence of this bacterium in pigs[1].
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Dacian Cioloș Member of the European Commission Responsible for Agriculture and Rural Development
(summary of the speech)
Informal Council of AGRI Ministers Merida, 1 June 2010
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Copa-Cogeca urged EU politicians today to re-focus the CAP and strengthen the economic role of EU farmers in producing food, so that they can play their crucial part in contributing to the EUs’ 2020 strategy, maintaining over 28 million jobs in EU rural areas.
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South African farmers have a ridiculous choice of models and brands considering the overall size of the current market
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The Joskin Telecover trailer cover system, with remote control opening, is aimed at farmers having to haul crops over longer distances.
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Hiring tractors has always been a good way for small-to-medium-sized farms to have the horsepower they need without the cost and commitment of having that tractor on the books all year round.
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BRITISH farmers are being duped into buying fake pesticides as the counterfeit industry booms across the world, a fraud expert has warned.
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THE Tuer family has been farming at Hutton Bonville, near Northallerton, for over 50 years, building up to about 405 hectares (1,000 acres) over three holdings.
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ALMOST parallel with the introduction of big square hay balers into farming systems came the arrival of telehandler machines.
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Hiring tractors has always been a good way for small-to-medium-sized farms to have the horsepower they need without the cost and commitment of having that tractor on the books all year round.
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The Michigan Farm Bureau (MFB) backs legislation introduced by U.S. Congresswoman Candice Miller (R-Mich.) that would direct the U.S. Environment Protection Agency (EPA) to change its designation of milk as an environmental hazard.
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From 15 to 17 June 2010, the Bockerode Estate in Springe-Mittelrode near Hanover will be hosting the DLG Field Days, bringing them back to Lower Saxony in Germany again for the second time since 1992. This unique forward-looking forum for modern plant production, held every two years since 1988, is organised by the DLG (Deutsche Landwirtschafts-Gesellschaft – German Agricultural Society).
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The European Commission authorised a Finnish scheme with a budget of €22 million which aims at supporting farmers in Finland who encounter difficulties as a result of the current economic crisis. Aid under this scheme can be granted until 31 December 2010 and will take the form of a direct grant.
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Copa-Cogeca urged the EU Commission today to use extreme caution in managing the EU dairy market, following its latest decision to sell a large part of intervention stocks, warning the market is very fragile and farmers cannot suffer another income drop.
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The Dairy Event and Livestock Show, the UK’s largest livestock business event is relocating its two day event staged on Tuesday 7 and Wednesday 8 September, to the NEC, Birmingham enabling easy access for overseas visitors flying into nearby Birmingham Airport or travelling by rail to Birmingham International, both of which are 10 minutes under-cover walk away.
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AgroFarm, the international exhibition for animal husbandry and breeding, is being held in Moscow for the fourth time from 26 to 28 May 2010. With over 200 exhibitors from 19 countries, the organisers DLG International, a subsidiary of the DLG (Deutsche Landwirtschafts-Gesellschaft – German Agricultural Society), and Agricultural Sector of AREC (Moscow) report excellent stand booking results.
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Blommer Chocolate Co. has announced a new $3 million cocoa sustainability partnership supporting farmers in Ivory Coast, West Africa. The joint venture, called the Processors Alliance for Cocoa Traceability and Sustainability (PACTS), is being developed in conjunction with Cemoi Chocolatier of France and Petra Foods of Southeast Asia.
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"We are facing one of the biggest challenges ever: feeding 9 billion people in 2050. With also the challenge to sustainable use of our natural resources."
Statement by ms Gerda Verburg, minister of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality and chairperson of the 17th session of the un Commission on Sustainable Development at the opening of the high level segment of the 18th session of the Commission on Sustainable Development, 12 may 2010, New York
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Copa-Cogeca welcomed today EU Farm Ministers talks on the International competitiveness of the European agri-food model, stressing the model must be promoted better both domestically and internationally, in a bid to raise consumers’ awareness of the EU’s high quality goods and production standards.
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Copa-Cogeca backed today the EU Member States who have opposed the re-opening of trade talks with Mercosur, the Latin American trading group, warning the move will severely undermine the EU’s high standards.
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Copa-Cogeca presented their first position paper on the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) after 2013 at a European Parliament hearing today, emphasising the vital economic role EU farmers play in producing food for 500 million consumers in Europe.
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With Wisconsin’s governor poised to sign legislation allowing raw milk sales direct to consumers in that state, the National Milk Producers Federation and the International Dairy Foods Association today criticized elected officials for downplaying the food safety risks inherent in raw dairy products, and urged federal lawmakers to take measures restricting such sales.
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JF-STOLL now introduces the single rotor rake R 365 DS as supplement to the range of strong lift suspended single rotor rakes.
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Organic farms may be seen as wildlife friendly, but the benefits to birds, bees and butterflies don’t compensate for the lower yields produced, according to new research from the University of Leeds.
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EU Farm Leaders approved today a position on the future Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), emphasizing that with the challenges ahead a strong CAP is more essential than ever.
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EU Farm Leaders unanimously approved today a position on ways to promote EU farmers and agri-cooperatives position in the food supply chain, warning it currently does not work properly.
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EU Farm Leaders unanimously opposed re-starting the trade liberalising talks with Mercosur, the Latin American trading group, today, warning it would have a devastating impact on the EU agriculture and agri-food sector.
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Under EU rules on transparency, EU Member State Ministries of Agriculture have to publish detailed figures on recipients of Common Agriculture Policy funding in 2009, by midnight tonight (April 30).
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Speech by the Netherland’s Minister of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality, Ms. Gerda Verburg, at the Conference 'The Future of the Common Agricultural Policy', Copenhagen, April 26, 2010.
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In a bid to promote the importance of women farmers in the EU, Copa presented its position paper on their role today at a seminar held in Caceres.
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"Sustainable agriculture is at the root of a better world. Sustainable forms of agriculture can prevent us from turning into the ultimate consumption society, as people elsewhere sink into the depths of poverty and hunger. Sustainable agriculture can prevent further declines in biodiversity."
Speech by Ms. Verburg, Minister of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality, at the VIV Europe, april 20th 2010, Utrecht.
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The European Commission authorised an Austrian scheme with a budget of approximately €1.2 million which aims at supporting farmers in Austria who encounter difficulties as a result of the current economic crisis.
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NEW NFU dairy board chairman Mansel Raymond has used his first address to the union’s council to attack buyers over the price they are paying for their milk.
He claimed farmers were being ‘misled’ over the state of the market and called for a ‘long over-due price rise’ for milk.
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The European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dacian Ciolos, today launched a public debate on the future of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) in the European Union. Since its creation, the CAP has always been adapted to respond to the challenges of its time. Significant reforms have been made in recent years, notably in 2003 and during the CAP health check in 2008, to modernise the sector and make it more market-oriented.
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According to the Columbia Daily Tribune, a McCurtain, Mo. County jury has returned a $7.3 million verdict against Tyson Foods Inc., finding the company defrauded a group of 10 McCurtain County chicken growers through a series of deceptive and coercive business practices.
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Copa-Cogeca called on the EU Commission today to urgently improve crisis management and prevention measures in the EU fruit and vegetables sector, warning that the sector is in crisis, with a sharp fall in the value of EU fruit production of 12.7% seen in 2009.
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Today, the European Commission adopted two new EU policy frameworks to help developing countries address the issue of food security, both in emergency and long-term situation. The objectives are to ensure progress toward achieving Millennium Development Goal related to the elimination of poverty and hunger (MDG 1), and to maximise the effectiveness of humanitarian support in crises where food insecurity threatens lives.
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The European Commission has launched a call for tenders for a retrospective evaluation of Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) measures applied to the dairy sector. The aim of this evaluation is to assess the effectiveness, efficiency, relevance and coherence of the measures applied to the dairy sector under the Common Agricultural Policy since the CAP reform adopted in 2003. The focus of the evaluation is on market measures and coupled direct payments, as modified by the 2003 CAP reform.
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The European Commission authorised a UK scheme with a budget of approximately £20 million (€22.3 million) which aims at supporting farmers in UK who encounter difficulties as a result of the current economic crisis.
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European citizens broadly support the new aims of agricultural policy as conducted at European Union level and a majority are in favour of maintaining its budget. This is one of the main findings of a survey of people's attitudes to the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
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In a high-level meeting with the Spanish Presidency today, EU Farm Leaders called for action to be taken immediately to improve the catastrophic situation in the EU farm sector, warning farm incomes are at levels seen in the 1990s.
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Copa-Cogeca called on the EU Commission today to urgently open private storage for olive oil, warning that the sector is in crisis.
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More than 400 delegates from all parts of the dairy supply chain plus political and administrative stakeholders will attend a Conference in Brussels tomorrow to discuss the prospects for the dairy sector against the background of recent extreme price volatility and a future milk production without quotas..
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The European Commission has launched a call for tenders for an evaluation of Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) measures applied to the sheep and goat sector. The objective of this evaluation is to analyse the economic aspects of the sector since the introduction of the 2003 CAP Reform.
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BioFach Nürnberg with its daughters in Boston, São Paulo, Shanghai, Tokyo and Mumbai again attracted some 4,000 exhibitors and over 100,000 trade visitors from production, processing, trade and services in 2009. The markets in Brazil, China and India are strong raw material markets, whereas the USA and Japan are marked by a high demand for organic products. The international organic market has successfully defied the crisis and is even showing slight growth according to experts. The sector enters 2010 with self-assurance and confidence, for sustainable consumption is one of the key future trends.
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More than 7,700 registrants attended the inaugural AG CONNECT Expo 2010 in Orlando, Florida, making it a resounding success in these tough economic times. Exhibitors have already booked 65 percent of the 2010 floor space for the next show which takes place in 2011, just less one year ahead. The exhibition was held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, from 12 to 15 January 2010.
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The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), as the first EU institution, rose to the challenge of providing a comprehensive vision for the future of the Common Agriculture Policy (CAP), in advance of the European Commission's papers on the matter, due to be issued later this year and in 2011. The EESC's opinion on this divisive and highly controversial issue was adopted with near-unanimity, a move that EESC Vice-President Seppo Kallio called "historical".
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More than 1700 exhibitors and in excess of 130,000 visitors are expected to attend this year's EuroTier 2010. Held at the Hanover Exhibition Centre, in Germany, the international flavour of the show is best highlighted by the number of overseas visitors, some of which are expected to come from Vietnam
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In a bid to promote the quality of EU dairy products, EU farm leaders emphasised at a hearing on the long-term future of the EU dairy sector the need for clear EU marketing, labelling and quality standards.
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The European Commission has authorised today a Slovak scheme with a budget of approximately €3.32 million which aims at supporting farmers in Slovakia who encounter difficulties as a result of the current economic crisis.
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In autumn 2009, the EuroGenomics partners VikingGenetics (Denmark/Sweden/Finland), UNCEIA (France), DHV and vit (Germany) and CRV (Netherlands/Belgium) agreed on the exchange of genomic SNP marker data (Illumina Bovine SNP50 BeadChip). Each partner contributed the data of 4,000 proven bulls to further improve the reliability of genomic breeding values.
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300 exhibitors book stands already – Global forum for decentral energy supply – In Hanover from 16 to 19 November 2010
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Fish farming can help to meet growing demand for fish products without harming the environment, but to succeed, it has to guarantee quality and also win political support, MEPs and guest speakers agreed at a public hearing on Tuesday. Fish farmers need political determination, clear rules, a level playing field, and a trustworthy labelling system, urged their representatives.
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The European Commission has today authorised the German Land Saxony to grant aid of up to 80% to farmers for damages caused by carnivores. It is the first time the Commission allows such aid. The possibility to grant compensation for damages caused by carnivores is not foreseen in the current State aid legislation.
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In the 2009 business year Amazone, with its involvement in both agricultural and municipal technology, achieved a turnover of 290 mio €. Certainly, in comparison to 2008 when the family owned company achieved a turnover of 380 mio €, this is a reduction of round about 23 %, but it still exceeds the av-erage of the past five years. "After the exceptional year of 2008 we have still achieved - as in 2007 - the second highest turnover in the company's history and in spite of the clearly noticeable affects caused by the financial and eco-nomic crisis," is the verdict of the Amazone directors, Christian Dreyer and Dr. Justus Dreyer with regard to the actual situation. 75 % of the turnover in 2009 went for export which was still considerably above the sector average and 80 % of the total turnover was achieved in Western Europe incl. Germany. 16 % of the total sales were made in Eastern Europe and 4 % in the rest of the world.
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Grant award ceremony for beneficiaries of EU grant schemes "IMPROVING AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION" and "supporting rural enterprise"
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The Agriculture & Fisheries Council will meet in Brussels on Monday 22 February (starting at 11 a.m.), under the Presidency of Mrs Elena Espinosa, Spanish minister for Agriculture. Commissioners John Dalli and Dacian Ciolo ş will represent the Commission at the meeting.
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Stable prices and fair incomes for dairy farmers are crucial to ensuring the supply of high quality dairy products and preserving a vibrant rural environment in Europe, says the EESC opinion on the future of the EU dairy strategy adopted at the 17 February plenary session.
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced details of the final regulation regarding access to pasture for organic livestock operations. This rule amends the National Organic Program (NOP) regulations to clarify the use of pasture in raising organic ruminants.
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The international herd improvement organisations NCBC and CRV have launched a joint venture to help customers who run grass-based farming systems. The name of the joint venture is Grassland Alliance and it will be the largest and most specialised player in the world specifically for the grazing market.
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DLG expects some 1,700 exhibitors from all over the globe – Over 150 first-time exhibitors already – In Hanover from 16 to 19 November 2010
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Top-level meeting of European potato experts at Bockerode Estate near Hanover on 8/9 September 2010
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The European Commission authorised a Belgian scheme with a budget of €2.73 million which aims at supporting farmers in Flanders who encounter difficulties as a result of the current economic crisis. Aid under this scheme can be granted until 31 December 2010 and will take the form of interest subsidies and guarantees.
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According to the Associated Press, Chinese officials issued a recall for more than 170 tons of milk powder tainted by the industrial chemical melamine and closed two dairy companies in the northern region of Ningxia, the China Daily newspaper reported.
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A European Commission report published today reveals that nitrate levels in waters across the EU are falling. The report shows that the implementation of legislation to prevent nitrates from agricultural sources polluting ground and surface waters is proving effective.
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USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists have developed an efficient and cost-effective method to speed up the breeding of scab-resistant barley cultivars, thus improving crop quality for small-grain breeders in the Northern Plains.
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Today Greenpeace launched another pesticide “blacklist” headline maker.
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Copa-Cogeca welcomed today the public hearing on Animal Welfare organised by European Parliament, and emphasised the need to ensure that EU legislation is based on good scientific evidence and that the EU’s high welfare standards also apply to imports.
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Copa and Cogeca participated at the European Forum on mycotoxins in cereals on 1st and 2nd February 2010, in order to emphasise farmers’ commitment to reducing the presence of mycotoxins in feed through the use of best available techniques.
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The European Commission has authorised under State aid rules a Hungarian scheme worth some EUR 18.2 million (HUF 5000 million) aimed at supporting farmers who encounter difficulties as a result of the current economic crisis. Aid under this new scheme can be granted until 31 December 2010 and will take the form of direct grants, soft loans, interest subsidies and guarantees.
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Bayer CropScience is adding the biofungicide Shemer to its portfolio of classic crop protection products. The company has now completed the acquisition of certain assets and technologies relating to biological development products of AgroGreen in Ashdod, Israel. This move follows the acquisition by Bayer CropScience in March last year of AgroGreen products which will be marketed under the brand names BioNem and Votivo® (containing the active ingredient Bacillus firmus).
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According to the Associated Press, melamine-tainted dairy products dating from early 2009 were taken off convenience store shelves in southern China after health inspectors tested them and found melamine, said Ling Hu, a Guizhou provincial government spokeswoman.
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Copa-Cogeca warned today that EU farmers are increasingly becoming the victims of retailers price wars and urged EU politicians to take action.
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The Common Agricultural Policy plays a critical role in helping farmers to deliver environmental goods and services, provided that policies are targeted in the right way. This is the key message of a report published today for DG Agriculture and Rural Development by the Institute for European Environmental Policy. The report is a first ever attempt to identify the full range of environmental public goods provided by farmers across Europe and sets out the arguments for paying for their delivery via the public purse.
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According to the Chicago Tribune, sugar prices are hovering at 29-year highs. Low U.S. sugar stocks and soaring global sugar prices appear to be the culprit, and consumers are feeling the effect as candy makers pass along their rising ingredient costs.
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In the wake of increasing market volatility, Copa-Cogeca welcomed today the Spanish Presidencys’ intention to debate the future of the CAP and urges EU politicians to ensure that a strong CAP, with sufficient EU funds, is maintained.
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Copa-Cogeca welcomed today the new EU Commissioner-designate Dacian Ciolos views on the future of the CAP, especially the need for a strong CAP which provides a fair income for farmers, and recognition that the cost of no support for the CAP would be far too high.
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