ReleaseWire Connect

Storm Desmond caused havoc across much of the North West of England in early December, with heavy winds and rain leading to flooding in a number of areas. Severe flood warnings were put in place, with exposed and flat land at particular risk. Unfortunately, this has meant that multiple areas of farmland have been waterlogged; especially as fields often flank rivers. The flooding experienced by farms within Lancashire has led to loss not only of land, but also livestock and valuable equipment. In response, the government Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has promised to support payments of up £20,000 in order for affected farmers to restore this land. Yet this money is only part of wider effort to support Lancashire farmers not just financially, but through a variety of means, at this difficult time.

On Tuesday this week, The European Commission (EC) adopted a resolution to ban the new glyphosate-tolerant GM maize NK603 x T25 in food or feed. The EC stated that the entire authorization process for GM foods was "under review". This has led to increased attention in the UK towards the chemical contents of our food; with many people preferring to opt for most natural choice.

A key hog roast company, The Pendle Pig, had recently commented on the governments plea to have food better labelled, to display just where the food has come from, due to the desire by many to choose local food over anything else.

Pork is the most prolifically eaten meat in the world with some estimates accounting it for 38% of the world's meat production. And it is particularly popular in Asia and the Pacific regions, where it is most widely consumed in China. Now, new business figures suggest that Chinese demand for Pork imports is set to skyrocket. The regions set to fulfill this demand will most likely be the EU and US, prominent exporters of pork.

Several supermarkets and other suppliers of meat have had to remove pork products from their shelves due to the presence of the MRSA bug found in them. It is thought to be due to the overuse of powerful antibiotics used on factory farms. There is also evidence that the UK could be at threat of a wider health crisis if the issue is not curtailed by authorities. The news comes in the midst of a climate where many are becoming increasingly aware about the source of their food and if it poses any health hazards. Meat reared and raised on factory farms is also used by many catering services, so the news could have wider implications than envisaged.

According to recent news from the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) there is a planned Pulled Pork campaign which will be supported by culinary celebrities including Tom Kerridge, the Michelin starred T.V Chef. With the intention of encouraging interest in British pork as an affordable and attractive food, the campaign for pulled pork is expected to be supported with over 1.3 million 'perfect for pulled pork' stickers displayed on associated pork products in supermarkets. Retailers are hoping this will further the current popularity of pulled meat products and encourage people to try it themselves at home.

Leading UK hog roasting company, The Pendle Pig, has recently commented on the upcoming British Pig Executive (BPEX) innovation conference, which plans to showcase new experimental methods of controlling disease for pigs, including a study that links cucumber disease control with pig disease control.

The 25thFebruary saw the annual gathering of The National Farmers Union (NFU) take place, with potentially exciting predictions for the farmingand related catering industries. This has excited much comment from prominent businesses working in line with the best farmers, such as the Pendle Pig.