A range of essential oils can provide high levels of larvicidal and adulticidal activity against a commonly found species of mosquito, according to research published last week in Scientific Reports. Consumer interest in organic wine continues to grow – but price remains a factor. The future prospects for organic wine are positive, according to industry professionals: but consumers’ unwillingness to pay more remains a big challenge for the category. After years of lobbying by organic farmers, the Agriculture Department tightened its rules on how dairy animals — cattle, goats, and sheep — enter organic production, in the name of fairness to farmers and consumers. The new “origin of livestock” rule would end the practice of cycling dairy animals between organic production and feeding on lower-cost, non-organic rations. California may ban a neonic pesticide to protect drinking water. The Department of Pesticide Regulation is considering new regulations to add for the use of a controversial neonicotinoid to protect drinking water wells from contamination. Scientists are helping farmers kick the chemical habit. In a field in western France, the small purple and white flowers quivering among tender shoots of wheat are a clue that this is not conventional single-crop farmland. 

 

Consumer interest in organic wine continues to grow – but price remains a factor

The future prospects for organic wine are positive, according to industry professionals: but consumers’ unwillingness to pay more remains a big challenge for the category.

USDA CLOSES LOOPHOLES ON ORIGIN OF ORGANIC DAIRY LIVESTOCK

After years of lobbying by organic farmers, the Agriculture Department tightened its rules on how dairy animals — cattle, goats, and sheep — enter organic production, in the name of fairness to farmers and consumers. The new “origin of livestock” rule would end the practice of cycling dairy animals between organic production and feeding on lower-cost, non-organic rations.

The scientists helping farmers kick the chemical habit

In a field in western France, the small purple and white flowers quivering among tender shoots of wheat are a clue that this is not conventional single-crop farmland.

California may ban a neonic pesticide to protect drinking water

The Department of Pesticide Regulation is considering new regulations to add for the use of a controversial neonicotinoid to protect drinking water wells from contamination.

Certain Essential Oils Found To Be Highly Effective at Killing Mosquito Larvae and Adults

A range of essential oils can provide high levels of larvicidal and adulticidal activity against a commonly found species of mosquito, according to research published last week in Scientific Reports.