Archived News

22nd June 2008

This year's International Oilseed Producers Dialogue (IOPD) took place in Berlin from 17 - 18 June and Laurence was there representing the National Farmers Union.  The annual dialogue is held between vegetable oil producers from America, Canada, Malaysia, South Americans and Europeans.

They debated the common problems of GMO’s around the World including the effect of Europe not importing GMO’s nor growing GMO’s commercially  and the media  hyped topic of food V fuel was debated from various angles, however it is worth noting that less than 1% of the area grown for food is used for biofuels.

Sustainability standards of vegetable oil production was a big topic with contrasting expectations amongst the various countries. 

The UK would like to see sustainability criteria put in place on imported biofuel feed-stocks which would help to prevent biofuels from being imported at the expense of rainforest or Savannah which were not previously used for crop production.    Other countries feel they are producing to high standards and do not wish to have such an assurance scheme as this would bring more expense and red tape.  In the UK we produce to high standards and have Assurance Schemes in place for each farming sector including the Assured Combineable Crops Scheme which could adapt to include biofuels.

Back at home, we are pleased to say that Maisie is now up and about and grazing in a small field next to the yard where we can keep an eye on her.  

This photo shows Maisie standing in the yard as she became more steady on her feet.

The Surrey branch of Royal Agricultural Benevolent Instistute (RABI) held it's annual Gala Evening on Friday which gave us the chance to dress up and have some fun whilst raising money for farming families in need.  We ended the evening with an array of interesting Tombola prizes and auction goodies including Tanya's much prized silver spoons!  We were successful in bidding for a superb outing around the sites of London as pillion on a Harley Davidson courtesy of Riverside Motorcycles, we just need to decide which one of us gets to go!