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CALU NEWS - March 2006

WELSH DAFFODILS IN THE NEWS
Welsh daffodils have been receiving positive press coverage in the last few weeks.
Farmers Guardian reported that initial results from IGER's trials growing daffodils in the Welsh uplands to produce a drug to help sufferers of Alzheimer's disease are promising. The study has been growing daffodils at altitude (more than 400m a.s.l) to see whether the stress of growing at such high levels would increase the porduction of Galanthamine, an alkaloid that naturally occurs in daffodils and which has proven to be effective in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. IGER are hopeful that the technology they are developing can be applied by farmers as soon as 2007.

Elsewhere, Waitrose announced that The Really Welsh Daffodil Company would be supplying daffodils into its three south Wales stores.

WOODLANDS FOR SAINSBURY'S CHICKENS
The supermarket chain J Sainsbury's has announced plans to plant more than one million trees to create woodland habitats for its free range and organic egg production.
The supermarket giant is aiming to have all its free range and organic eggs produced by hens living in woodland environments by 2007.

Sainsbury's report that their research shows that a woodland enviroment is the most beneficial to the welfare of hens.

The transition will focus initially on organic egg production, followed by conversion to woodland habitats for their free range flocks.

Source: The Grocer

GROWING CONSUMPTION OF GAME
The Countryside Alliance's "Game to Eat" campaign reports that there have been significant increases in sales of game over the last year.
Prices paid for pheasants and partridges were up by 25% in 2005 compared to 2004, with game dealers paying around 50p for a shot pheasant.
Once again, media personalities and TV chefs have played an important part in changing consumers' attitudes. Game is now increasingly being seen as a healthy alternative to conventional red meats.

CELERIAC IS SELLING WELL
Sales of celeriac are soaring, with J Sainsbury's reporting year on year volumes of sales up by more than 100%.
The root vegetable with a slighty celery-like taste, is low in calories and has a low glycaemic-index making it popular with healthy eaters and dieters.

BUMPER BLUEBERRY SALES
UK sales of blueberries exceeded £1m for the first time in 2005. The Dorset Blueberry Company predict that the current market will expand by a further 60% by 2015.
Source: The Grocer

POULTRY REGISTRATIONS
More than 830 flocks of more than 50 birds have been registered with Defra, following the introduction of compulsory registrations. The total number of birds in these flocks exceeds 7.5m. Anglesey alone accounts for more than 1.5m birds.

Although registration is only obligatory for those with more than 50 birds, voluntary registration of smaller flocks is encouraged.
For more information contact Defra.

ARE OUTDOOR TOMATOES ON THEIR WAY OUT?
The Grocer reports that the last commercial outdoor tomato producer in the British Isles is to cease production of tomatoes and concentrate on broccoli production instead.
Peter Le Maistre cites the risk of blight and the lack of blight sprays passed for use on outdoor tomatoes as being the major influencing factor behind his decision to cease production. Other factors which militate against outdoor tomatoes include the short season of production and the variability in the crop in terms of size and skin finish.

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CALL FOR NOMINATIONS - PIG INDUSTRY AWARD
Nominations from any sector of the pig industry are now invited for the top pig industry award - the Pig Industry Service Award. The award will be presented to the person considered to be the most outstanding ambassador for the sector.
Nominations should be faxed to 01507 313997or e-mailed to angela.rutledge@haynet.com by 20th April. They should include a brief explanation of why the person is being nominated and contact details for the nominator.

CALU exists to transfer technology to any business in Wales that is interested in horticulture, biomass, alternative crops, alternative livestock and/or farm woodlands.

CALU is funded by the WDA and Welsh Assembly Government