CALU Centre for Alternative Land Use

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CALU NEWS - June 2006

NFU LAUNCHES POLYTUNNEL CAMPAIGN
Polytunnels have become an integral part of many fruit and vegetable production systems in the UK. Without protection, the UK's small fruit production industry would be drastically reduced: currently 80% of the home produced small fruit which is sold through supermarkets is grown under protection.

In recognition of the importance of polytunnels and in response to recent planning decisions against polytunnels, the NFU has launched a publicity campaign to promote the positive aspects of protected cropping. They have also published a Code of Practice for the industry. Visit the NFU's website for further information.

ECO-ROOFS ON THE INCREASE

DRAFT RURAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR WALES - CONSULTATION
The Assembly has published its Draft Rural Development Plan for Wales for consultation. The document covers the period 2007 to 2013 and sets out how the Government will implement the Strategic Approach for Rural Development. The consultation period runs to 21st July 2006.

For further information, please visit the Assembly's website.

Local authorities and architects are becoming increasingly aware of the benefits that living roofs (or eco-roofs) can bring.
Eco-roofs benefit the properties they cover by mitigating extremes of temperature - keeping the warmth in during the winter, and keeping the building cool during the summer.
However, they also have far wider benefits. The footprint that a building takes is usually a 'dead' zone - with little or no plant life. If the roof is covered with plants this is remedied and the plant cover can help to absorb CO2. The roofs also act like a sponge, reducing the run-off of rainfall and helping to prevent flash floods.
Click here to visit the website of the Portland Bureau of Environmental Services which has a wealth of information on green roofs.

RISING INTEREST IN OATS
The market for oats is looking better than it has for a long time. Developments by food manufacturers, such as microwaveable oat based breakfast cereals, and increased demand from pig and poultry producers have lifted contract prices above £70/tonne.

Naked oats, as featured in CALU's novel crop demonstrations, are particularly popular. These oats are not only huskless, but also have a higher oil content than traditional varieties - an important consideration for feed composition.

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e-mail: calu@bangor.ac.uk

UK's FIRST CROCODILE FARM
A farmer in East Anglia is setting up the UK's first crocodile farm. The farmer, Mr Johnson, has imported eight crocodiles to use as breeding stock.

Crocodile meat is a niche product which commands a premium price. It is viewed as a healthy meat, with very low cholesterol levels.

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 Welsh Assembly Government