INDUSTRY NEWS
FDF WELCOMES AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGIES STRATEGY
Food and Drink Federation’s Sustainability Director Andrew Kuyk attended the launch by BIS Science Minister David Willetts and Defra’s Lord De Mauley of the new Government Agricultural Technologies strategy aimed at promoting growth in UK food and farming. Commenting on the launch, Andrew said: “Food and drink is the UK’s largest manufacturing sector and we fully support this recognition of the role which there is real potential for sustainable increases in production here as well as export opportunities for world leading UK products, technologies and services in the future to help meet the wider global challenges of producing more, from less and with less environmental impact. “We particularly welcome the inclusion of food manufacturing experts on the Strategy’s Leadership Council, as it is only by taking a whole chain approach that we will achieve the economic benefits that our scientific capabilities can deliver.”
innovation and technology can play in our industry’s shared vision with Government to achieve 20% growth by 2020. “Our sector purchases two-thirds of UK agricultural produce and we believe
TRACKit24 – a cost-effective solution
Vehicles and machinery play a vital part in agriculture and rural businesses, and when these are stolen, repercussions are serious. Farmer Charles Lupton recently installed a TRACKit247 vehicle tracker into his Land Rover Defender after a spate of targeted thefts of 4 x 4’s in his area. Charles said: “By investing in TRACKit24 I know if my Defender is stolen, the recovery time will be quicker. I depend on it for my livelihood and in these tough times, I cannot afford to be without it. Peace of mind more than justifies the small outlay.” TRACKit24 is easy to use and implement. Tracking can be via web based control panel and from mobile devices (iPhone/Smart Phones/ iPad or Tablet) allowing you to TRACK LIVE and view history (speed, mileage and locations) from anywhere in the world for up to a year. With advanced features including motion alerts, geo-fence zoning and panic button, TRACKit247 trackers are a cost-effective solution, offering functionality, flexibility and low running costs. Units start from just £99.00 with average tracking cost £2.50 per week per device.
For a free demo or more information, email [email protected] call 01923608647 or visit www.trackit247.com
Biodiversity offsetting: a new threat to the countryside?
Countryside charity CPRE urges caution about the proposed biodiversity offsetting scheme if it is not to become another green light to developers. CPRE was responding to the Government’s green paper on biodiversity offsetting. The scheme could mean that developments would get the go-ahead if they provide biodiversity offsets for the habitat that was damaged or destroyed. CPRE is concerned that the scheme has the potential to have a negative impact overall on the landscape and habitats. Neil Sinden, CPRE’s Policy and Campaigns Director, says: “Biodiversity offsetting will be unacceptable if it is used to lower the bar in terms of protection for important sites and make it easier for developers to push through damaging schemes. Fundamentally, if offsetting is to happen, it should be as a last resort. “There are many questions that need to be answered,” he added. “In practice, how could a developer replace a mile of ancient hedgerow with three times the length of new planting and say that is sufficient mitigation? Many habitats are simply irreplaceable and integral to the character of our landscape.”
Ancient hedgerows. (Photo courtesy of Hedgelink).
To read more, visit www.farmers-mart.co.uk
FarmersMart Aug/Sep 2013
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