HOMEGROWN SUCCESS NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS . . . STOP GENETICALLY MODIFIED WHEAT IN CANADA . . . THE CHAMPAGNE OF MEATS . . . HOW TO CONTROL GRASSLAND WEEDS

HOMEGROWN SUCCESS NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
Source: SPANS
The Department of Agriculture’s Homegrown Success Program is now accepting applications and the program guidelines are available online. Please note that there have been some significant changes to the Program: The overall funding cap has been reduced and the percentage that will be funded on projects has been reduced to 50 percent or less. Applications will no longer be approved on a first-come-first-served basis. Applications will be accepted up until April 30. They will be evaluated based on the project. (read more)

STOP GENETICALLY MODIFIED WHEAT IN CANADA
Source: Canadian Biotechnology Action Network
In 2004, genetically modified (GM – also called genetically engineered, GE) wheat was rejected by farmers and consumers across the globe, and yet industry is now working to prepare the way for GM wheat. On May 14, 2009 industry groups in Australia, Canada and the US pledged to “work toward the goal of synchronized commercialization of biotech traits in our wheat crops.” (read more)

THE CHAMPAGNE OF MEATS
Source: Modernfarmer.com
In the fabled Black Forest, along Germany’s southwest border, there is a ham cold cut so special someone gave it a museum. The meat spends several weeks in giant brining jars, before being “afterburned” in a dry-cure room, then smoked and hung for up to 50 days in an aging chamber. Roving inspectors check for locally sourced softwoods in the smoke towers. Each slice is a coveted shade of deep pink, and redolent of fir and sawdust: this is high-end charcuterie. By European law, only licensed butchers working in the region can manufacture Black Forest ham. Thousands of the continent’s tastiest consumables – from Stilton to Newcastle Brown Ale – are protected this way. Using so-called “geographical indications”, the EU has long tried to extend these safeguards beyond its borders. But in America, Black Forest ham can still be found in everything from Subway sandwiches to Tyson packages (with the charming “Smoked Black Forest Ham and Water Product”) – with nary a thought to a German forest. (read more)

HOW TO CONTROL GRASSLAND WEEDS
Source: thebeefsite.
Controlling grassland weeds such as ragwort, thistles and docks remains a priority, with new industry figures showing that, at its worst, chickweed can reduce silage yields by 65 percent. This month, UK levy board DairyCo has said that grassland weeds, particularly when they reach density levels of 10-20 percent in swards, will have a significant effect on sward production. There is a direct correlation between dock and spear thistle ground cover and grass yield every one percent increase in ground cover results in a one percent decrease in grass growth, according to DairyCo Research and Development Manager, Dr Debbie McConnell. (read more)