i) Tender for TB Diagnostic Tools Launched
Defra have launched a new tender which aims to fund a 1 year 'proof of concept' project to aid in TB eradication Funding will be provided for projects such as those which aim to improve the diagnostic tools available for bovine TB detection. The application window closes on the 6th March and full details can be found here: https://defra.bravosolution.co.uk/esop/toolkit/opportunity/opportunityList.do?oppList=CURRENT
ii) California Initiative To Reduce Livestock Methane Emissions
Researchers at the University of California have developed technologies to reduce livestock methane emissions by 25% without reducing a single livestock unit. Reducing stock numbers to plant more trees is being considered as the “easy way out” and other strategies are now available which can work alongside food production.
iii) Farm Protests Aim to Redistribute the CAP
Around 200 farmers from Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania descended on Brussels this month to demand a higher share of direct payments under the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
iv) Taiwan Ceases Pork Imports
Following the continued spread of African Swine Fever (ASF) in Asia, Taiwan has stopped imports of pork and live pigs from Italy. ASF has been present on the Island of Sardinia for more than 40 years.