by Lucy MacLennan | Sep 7, 2017 | genetic improvement, Sustainability
In the UK we are used to seeing full shelves of bananas in our supermarkets, but their apparent abundance conceals the very real threat that faces global banana production. That threat takes the form of Panama Disease – this disease is caused by a soil-borne fungus...
by Lucy MacLennan | Sep 7, 2017 | Artificial Fertiliser, Sustainability
Since the ‘Green Revolution’ of the 20th Century, the application of artificial nitrogen fertilisers throughout the world has become commonplace. Their use increases yields thus creating the opportunity for farmers to maximise profit. However despite the...
by Lucy MacLennan | Sep 7, 2017 | Artificial Fertiliser, Sustainability
In many natural environments nitrogen is the primary factor in limiting plant growth (provided there is sufficient water supply and an absence of pests and disease). It is an essential macronutrient for plant metabolic pathways, protein synthesis and is a major...
by Lucy MacLennan | Sep 7, 2017 | Circular Economy, Retailers, Sustainability
It is estimated that the UK could save USD $1.5billion on landfill cost by keeping organic waste out of landfill (Ellen MacArthur Foundation, 2013). Organic waste is generated at every stage of the fresh produce supply chains, whether it is on farm through impact of...
by tobyduckett | Sep 7, 2017 | Retailers, Sustainability
Agriculture contributes £9.9billion to the British economy and is responsible for employing 476 000 people (DEFRA, 2014). Its importance to the economy and increasing food security awareness has resulted in the development of Government led strategy to indicate how...
by Lucy MacLennan | Sep 7, 2017 | Circular Economy, Sustainability
The circular economy puts sustainability and closed loop thinking at the heart of business models and industrial organisation. It is a movement that requires business to think, plan and act in a systems approach, ensuring that the implications of the whole system are...