New method for egg production: When male chicks do not even hatch

Gender determination in the egg provides the possibility to only breed laying hens. The first eggs produced in this way are now available in conventional retail.

German organic producer takes on Danone

The German brewery Neumarkter Lammsbräu has issued a warning to the Danone Group. Because its mineral water subsidiary Volvic advertises its water with the terms "Naturally organic" and "Premium mineral water in organic quality".

Jan Plagge is Chairman of the Civil Dialogue Group

The Civil Dialogue Group is the EU Commission's most important advisory body on the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy after 2020. Jan Plagge, previously Vice-Chairman, is now Chairman.

Switzerland: Organic sales of vegetables, fruit and milk increase significantly

From September 2017 to August 2018, customers bought 7 percent more organic vegetables in Swiss retail outlets than in the same period last year. Sales of fruit and milk increased as well.

Winners of 2018 Sustainable Beauty Awards

The winners of the 2018 Sustainable Beauty Awards were announced at a dedicated reception in Paris a few days ago.

France: Trends and tendencies in the organic specialist trade

In 2017, France generated organic sales of around 8.3 bn euros. However, as conventional retailers are pushing their organic growth, the specialist trade is being threatened. But new trends also create new opportunities.

Genetic engineering researchers demand new genetic engineering law

Scientists from biotech research institutions in Europe are calling for European genetic engineering legislation to be amended and GM plants to be exempted from its approval regulations. However, their demand encounters resistance.

EU organic control in Romania slowly improving

The EU Directorate General for Health and Food Safety inspected Romania's eco-control system in April. The audit report now published confirms Romania's progress, but still criticises many details.

IFOAM EU: Organic meets conventional

On 30^th October, IFOAM EU’s event format “IFOAM EU meets business” had a successful premiere. The event aims at bringing together organic companies and companies involved or interested in organic trade.

Malmö: Natural Products Scandinavia and Nordic Organic Food Fair

Next week, Natural Products Scandinavia will be hosted from 14-15th November in Malmö, Sweden. Alongside the trade event, the Nordic Organic Food Fair will also take place at MalmöMässan.

New study: Eating organic food reduces cancer risk

Scientists investigated the link between the consumption of organic food and the risk of developing cancer. Result: More organic food reduces the risk of cancer. However, the work has scientific weaknesses.

EU criticises Ukrainian control body: "Culture of leniency"

In June this year, the competent EU Directorate General inspected a control agency operating in Ukraine. The audit report now published confirms progress made by the inspection body, but accuses it of living a "culture of leniency" with regard to infringements.

Microplastic found in humans for the first time

For the first time, the Austrian Federal Environmental Agency and the Medical University of Vienna have proven that microplastics also occur in the human digestive system.

Green logistics using lorries: Models from current practice

How can logistics experts from the organic sector transport goods in a more environmentally friendly way? The panel Green Logistics of Bodan and BNN presented practical solutions for trucks. Some of them are already in use at Bodan.

Last days of registration: European Sustainable Cosmetics Summit in Paris

Next week, the tenth European Sustainable Cosmetics Summit will be hosted in Paris from 5-7th November. Registrations are still open for interested parties.

Bayer-Monsanto Trial: Less penalty - but the court decision remains

Judge Suzanne Ramos Bolanos has confirmed the jury's verdict in the Johnson vs. Monsanto case. However, she the assessed the fine as too high and greatly reduced it accordingly.

Unpacked: Glass instead of plastic silos

For all those who want to offer unpacked goods in their shop, grain mill manufacturer Hawos has developed glass silos. They offer advantages over frequently used plastic silos.

Call for moratorium on gene drives from UN conference

Leading representatives of the global agricultural movement have called for a stop to all releases of gene drives.

Germany: Microplastic in food worries consumers

83% of German consumers are familiar with the topic of microplastics in food and 56% of them are therefore worried. The BfR determined this in its current consumer monitor.

Critical look at new additives

Glycerin, E 551, E 476, sodium hydroxide, potassium polyaspartate and E 965: EGTOP, the EU Commission's advisors on organic food issues, give their opinion on additive applications.