Welsh rapeseed oil to be marketed as a rival to Italy's finest olive oils – WalesOnline
A small farmers’ co-operative which already produces a high-quality rapeseed oil for the Welsh market is now branching out into Cheshire and Cumbria. Blodyn Aur – Golden Flower in English – is the brand name of the golden liquid that its makers claim …
Rare lichen found for first time in Wales in Gregynog Hall's grounds – WalesOnline
An extremely rare lichen that has previously never been seen in Wales has been found in the grounds of Gregynog Hall, near Caersws, in Powys. The endangered Enterographa Sorediata lichen is thought to have survived due to the number of ancient trees in the Halls grounds.
Glastir will be top of agenda at Welsh conference – Farmers Guardian
GIVEN the importance of common land to Welsh farming – it covers more than 10 per cent of the land mass – some tough talking is a certainty at this year’s Welsh Commons Forum (WCF) annual conference. The Welsh Government’s Deputy Agriculture Minister, …
Wales' flagging High Streets 'need national strategy' – BBC News
The report from the assembly’s cross-party enterprise and business committee wants co-ordination of policy, planning as well as financial considerations to promote town centres. The Welsh government’s independent panel on business rates should consider …
Welsh Government urged to prepare for new farm virus – Daily Post North Wales
Antoinette Sandbach, shadow rural affairs minister for Wales, now wants assurances from the Welsh Government that it is fully prepared for the virus. “I am urging ministers to ensure that Wales, alongside the rest of the UK, has contingency plans,” …
Pub to be run by four rival brewers after being bought by mystery London banker – WalesOnline
Mr Hughes said the four were normally rivals but had worked successfully together to provide the beer tent at the annual Conwy Feast food festival. While the Great Orme and Conwy breweries are within a couple of miles of the pub, another brewery …
From sheep farm to sheep wool duvets – farmer aims to crack global market with … – WalesOnline
AN ENTREPRENEURIAL farmer is aiming to cash in on one of Wales’ most recognisable emblems – by selling innovative sheep wool duvets in the Far East. Roger Payne and his wife Lesley are the creators of the Baavet – a dust-mite resistant duvet stuffed
West Wales clothing business Howies has been bought out by its management- WalesOnline
The business has always had a strong ecological ethos and its clothing is made from organic cotton. In 2007 Howies was named the ninth coolest brand in the UK. It has a shop in Cardigan and use to have a store in London’s Carnaby Street.
Green light for flood alleviation scheme in Rhydyfelin – News Wales
The Environment Minister, John Griffiths, has approved a Welsh Government grant of over £1.3m million towards a £3 million flood alleviation scheme at Rhydyfelin, near Pontypridd. This grant is in addition to the £0.2 million awarded previously and the …
“One of the reasons for our good progress is the fact that every local authority in Wales offers weekly food collection services. “Separating out food waste not only diverts significant waste away from landfill, it also makes us far more aware of the …
Dr Jan Geert Hiddink: Science holds the key to sustainable fishing in Wales – WalesOnline
Dr Jan Geert Hiddink explains why he’s studying the effects of fishing on Welsh marine life FISH is an important and healthy source of food and fisheries are an important source of employment in Wales. This means it is important that fish stocks are …
Recipes from the Castle Hotel, Llandovery – WalesOnline
The food, like the place itself, is honest and robust, with a keen emphasis on helping Welsh producers and the planet by keeping things local. Rich colours, plump beds and modern en-suites are found in the bedrooms. Jess Bridgeman says they have gone …
Wales-based yoghurt producer Rachel's Dairy writes off £1m after supermarket … – WalesOnline
Wales-based Organic yoghurt producer Rachel’s Dairy has written off almost £1m of its value after a major supermarket stopped selling some of its products. The move, revealed in recently published accounts comes months …
VAT cut call to help building sector and tourism industry – WalesOnline
WELSH business wants a cut in VAT for Wales’ struggling tourism and construction sectors on the first anniversary of the hike in the tax. The Federation of Small Businesses in Wales argues that with businesses …
The prize is a night away for two in Milebrook House to include breakfast and dinner in their award winning restaurant so that you can experience firsthand their culinary skills.
Milebrook House near Knighton is a delightful 18th century house just a stone’s throw from the border with England. It is ideally located for walkers on the long-distance Offa’s Dyke Path. The hotel is also close to the historic towns of Ludlow and Presteigne.
Click here to visit their website.
Welsh agriculture well placed to lead economic fightback – WalesOnline
“And the food and drink industry in Wales is vital. It’s worth £6.5bn to our economy and employs 17% of the workforce – agriculture relies heavily on that.” Mr Bailey said there is potential for more growth in Welsh farming – with environmental …
One of its mantras of late has been that local authorities share resources to cut costs. But the Welsh Government has been accused of “gross hypocrisy” because it rejected plans to share its own expensive new office facilities with a council.
The Welsh Government spurned the chance to reduce duplication when it commissioned its new offices in Aberystwyth – next door to Ceredigion council’s new offices….Walesonline
Warm weather brings lambs two months early – WalesOnline
Two lambs born in Wales more than months early due to the unseasonably warm weather. Pictured here on a farm in South Wales……
2011 was an eventful year for the environment, from carrier bag charges to new … – WalesOnline
In response, Carwyn Jones announced that the Welsh Government believed there was no need for the new pylons if wind farm development was kept within reasonable limits. The renewable energy industry was appalled by what appeared to be backtracking from …
Good foods for foraging – WalesOnline
Most often associated with Penclawdd, Gower. 10. Shellfish Beach tucker. Oysters, mussels, whelks and clams can all be found on the coast around Wales. Again, be careful when picking and cooking shellfish, which can cause food poisoning….
The Christmas jumper makes a comeback – WalesOnline
A Danish detective, who enticed 800000 viewers to watch her intrigue in the highly-addictive The Killing, and a Christmas ad featuring a Welsh couple’s designs are helping to fuel the dubious fashion trend. The BBC’s Christmas jumper trailer has been …
Wales: A destination where sustainable living comes naturally – Mother Nature Network
Farmers markets are found throughout Wales and are arguably the best places to get in touch with the locally grown scene. There are even markets in central areas like Cardiff. Though not necessarily all organic, many markets feature a good selection of …
The NFU’s ambition is that the UK will have 1000 AD plants on farm by 2020. Welsh dairy farmers should look at anaerobic digestion as potentially adding value to their manure and slurries. ‘Admittedly, AD is more complex than the other renewable …
Farmer's woodland is an historic treasure trove helped by Welsh grant – Smallholder
A farmer whose land shines a light on Welsh history stretching back thousands of years is planning to carry out work to his woodlands to meet thoroughly modern needs. Emlyn Roberts’s father, Griff, bought the woodland on his land, in the foothills of …
Food Hygiene Ratings Could Prevent Another Wrexham E.Coli Outbreak – Wrexham.com
Welsh Government plans to introduce a mandatory hygiene rating system across all food outlets in Wales could help prevent a repeat of the 2009 Wrexham E.Coli outbreak according to the town’s AM Lesley Griffiths. The plans, which were announced on …
Award-winning Darlington Hospital milk contract turns sour – Darlington and Stockton Times
A NORTH-EAST hospital trust which was recognised for its support for organic milk by Prince Charles this week has confirmed that it cancelled the contract months ago and switched to cheaper, non-organic milk….
Welsh retailers brace themselves for snow, sleet and ice on last weekend … … – WalesOnline
Non-food retailers battled against their biggest monthly fall in sales since February, while food stores saw their largest fall for half a year. This was despite strong internet demand and a recovery in clothes sales, which had been hit in recent …
Food hygiene rating plan for Wales to put 'scores on the doors' – BBC News
In August, Conservative assembly leader Andrew RT Davies said E. coli outbreaks were too frequent. He was speaking after a kebab house in Cardiff was closed temporarily when a number of people fell ill in an outbreak of E. coli O157. …
Wales tops league for buying the most fruit and vegetables – WalesOnline
PEOPLE in Wales buy the largest quantities of fruit and vegetables – but also the most fat, sugar and alcoholic drinks, according to official data. Welsh people also buy the largest quantities of nine out of 16 food …
UK fish farm runs into difficulties – Fish Update
THE Welsh Government is holding talks with a joint Greek-Saudi-owned aquaculture company to secure the future of one of the UK’s largest fish farms which is facing difficulties.
Selonda UK operates an extensive and modern recirculation sea bass farm on Anglesey and the Welsh Government has said it is aware of problems at the site. Some workers claimed they have not been paid for at least two weeks, but this has not been confirmed.
The company has received millions of pounds in UK and European grant money since it was set up in Anglesey almost 10 years ago. The farm, which produces around 1,000 tons of sea bass a year, is jointly owned by the Greek fish farming enterprise Selonda and a Saudi-based business called The Jazadco Development Company….
Once-a-month bin collections loom as councils aim to cut costs and up recycling – WalesOnline
HOUSEHOLDERS have been warned they could have their bins emptied just once a month in future, as Welsh councils strive to meet tougher recycling targets. Councils across Wales have already moved from weekly to fortnightly …
£10000 reward offered to catch sheep rustlers – South Wales Guardian
A LLANGADOG farming family are counting the cost after sheep rustlers made off with 150 of their sheep who were grazing on the Black Mountain above Brynaman. Hugh and Mary Davies reckon the theft of 60 Welsh Mountain ewes, 42 yearlings and 45 lambs …
Welsh estate for less than a 1-bed London flat – Land Gazette
James Prewett, Head of Regional Farm Sales at Knight Franks, comments: “This is a highly unusual opportunity for a buyer to acquire the freehold of what amounts to a small upland estate of 790 acres for a price guided at less than a one-bedroom London …
Crisis talks at Anglesey fish farm – Daily Post North Wales
Food and Fisheries Alun Davies approved a payment to the company for “securing a permanent solution to the electrical supply to Pen Mon Fish farm”. Yesterday the Welsh Government would not confirm how much grant money had been paid in total due to …
Horticulture businesses urged to work together – Farming UK
Opening the Horticulture Wales Conferences, held in Swansea and St. Asaph, Alun Davies the Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and European Programmes congratulated the sector on its high quality produce. He stated that the Welsh …
Welsh govt. enforces inspections at poultry facilities – WorldPoultry.net
Welsh egg producers have welcomed an announcement by the local Government to increase the frequency and focus of inspections at egg processing facilities to make sure illegal eggs don’t enter the food chain once the 2012 conventional cage ban comes …
Local produce make winning pizza – North Wales Weekly News
“I bought organic leeks from The Farmers Garden company here in Llangernyw and slowly caramelised them with fennel seeds and butter. “I served these on top of the pizza with a spicy pork sausage meat and rocket.” He was a category winner in the Wales …
Tesco's Welsh suppliers display wares at Cardiff Bay event – WalesOnline
THE contribution of the Welsh-based supply chain into supermarket giant Tesco will be highlighted today. An event showing the range of food and drink supplied to the supermarket chain from producers in Wales will be held at …
Lamb rustling soars amid downturn – The Press Association
The public’s taste for tender Welsh lamb, at knock down prices, is among the factors fueling the rise in illicit sales. Officers with the Welsh Food Fraud Co-ordination Unit say they are looking at more cases of illegal meat sales than ever before. …
Severn Crossing prices amongst most expensive in the world – WalesOnline
Byron Davies, Conservative Assembly Shadow Minister for Transport, agreed, saying: “Welsh Conservatives proposed a freeze on the Severn tolls for the next four years, which would have saved Welsh motorists £3.4m in 2012 alone. …
Beavers released in Machynlleth enclosure – BBC News
The Wildlife Trusts Wales are consulting on the benefits of reintroducing this extinct species and will need the approval of the Welsh government and the Countryside Council for Wales. Sharon Girardi, project manager at Blaeneinion Farm, …
Slow pace of Welsh Budget talks causing concern – WalesOnline
Carwyn Jones’ party is currently in negotiations with Plaid and the Lib Dems to get a deal on its £14bn Budget, which is due to be laid before the Assembly on November 29. With 30 of the 60 seats in the Assembly, Labour needs at least one opposition AM …
Plans to lift radioactive contamination controls on UK sheep farms – The Guardian
Since June 1986 when the present restrictions were imposed, farmers have had to call in officials to check their sheep for caesium, the main radioactive element, every time they want to move them off the hills for market. The blast happened on 26 April …
Llyndy Isaf farm in Wales saved by National Trust after £1m appeal – The Guardian
The National Trust has raised £1m to buy a farm encompassing a lake considered one of the most beautiful and emblematic in Wales. There were concerns that Llyn Dinas in Snowdonia and its shoreline could be turned into a water sports centre if it were …
Forestry employers' group attacks single environment body for Wales – WalesOnline
“These include a single environment body (SEB) for Wales, to ensure effective delivery of the Welsh Government’s new approach to managing the natural environment. “There are no plans to make an SEB the regulator for wind farm developments. …
19th century village hall is greenest in Wales – Daily Post North Wales
Ann Jones, Labour’s Welsh Assembly Member for the Vale of Clwyd, added: “This project is very much in line with Welsh Assembly Government thinking about how communities need to take care of our planet. “I believe this is a first and I hope they can …
Coastal research will help ensure projects are ecologically sound – WalesOnline
Wales has some of the best sites in the world for exploiting the tidal stream resource. For this reason, leading developers are planning large-scale tidal energy farms around the coast of Wales. Much of my research is concerned with understanding how …
Questions over environment money – BBC News
A Welsh assembly environment committee member wants more scrutiny, with groups receiving nearly £20m in three years. Plaid Cymru AM Llyr Huws Gruffydd said: “When these sums are added up, they are incredible amounts.” The Welsh government said all …
Welsh Government announces more money for recycling – WalesOnline
THE Welsh Government is to give extra cash to local authorities across Wales to help them reach recycling targets and avoid landfill costs.
Environment Minister John Griffiths has announced that £3.2m of capital funding will be made available for councils to invest in recycling infrastructure this financial year….
Voters and politicians need to know how Wales' money is being spent – WalesOnline
THE scathing report from the National Assembly’s finance committee about the Welsh Government’s draft budget is worrying for a number of reasons. At a time when spending cuts make it more important than ever to ensure that every pound is spent wisely, the committee suggests there is a lack of clarity about how the administration intends to allocate resources in certain areas. This is certainly unsatisfactory – it is vital that politicians as well as officials are in no doubt about where the Welsh Government’s money is going…
