The Human Imprint

Farmers set for anxious lambing season as scientists warn most sheep flocks and cattle herds are infected with Schmallenberg virus

Check out this article in The Independent.

H5N1 undergoes genetic shift in Indonesia

WattAgNet.com reports that Indonesia has identified the strain of bird flu virus that has killed more than 300,000 ducks since November. The more virulent form of the H5N1 virus is different to that usually found in Indonesia. Research is being called for to see whether the virus is a genetic shift in avian flu previously found in Indonesia, or whether the new strain came from overseas, possibly from Vietnam or Thailand. Follow the link to read the full article.

Malvern Autumn Conference 2012

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Nuffield Farming Conference 2012

Check out the highlights of the Nuffield Conference 2012  

LEAF Presidents Event 2012

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Involving local farmers is key to success of foreign investment

International investments that give local farmers an active role and leave them in control of their land have the most positive effects on local economies and social development, according to a new FAO report published recently.

The report, Trends and Impacts of Foreign Investment in Developing Country Agriculture, emphasizes that investment projects that combine the strengths of the investor (capital, management and marketing expertise, and technology) with those of local farmers (labour, land, local knowledge) are most successful. Business models that leave farmers in control of their land give them an incentive to invest in land improvements and also favor sustainable development. The publication offers a number of case studies on the impact of foreign investment in Africa and Asia, including large-scale land deals often referred to as land grabbing.

Source: FAO Media Centre

Tesco agrees £25m deal with beef and pork farmers

The Independent reports that Tesco has announced a £25 million annual deal with beef and pork farmers, promising them better prices and longer contracts. Follow the link to read more.

Women are main guardians of crucial livestock diversity

Check out this release by the FAO Media Centre.

Poor farmers 'face worst crisis since foot-and-mouth'

Check out this article in The Telegraph

Workers who collected Freedom Food chickens 'were trafficked and beaten'

Gangmasters' licence is revoked and two people are arrested after claims of debt bondage, poor conditions and violence - check out this article in The Guardian.