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			News stories 2003

	What's new on this site News stories Weekly focus 2003 News Releases 2002 News Releases 2001 News Releases Statements Other News Releases News Releases issued before the creation of Defra Other Government News Releases		19 December 2003 European fisheries deal gives support to UK fishing industry 17 December 2003 EU Fisheries Council meeting begins today in Brussels 15 December 2003 Sustainable Farming and Food Strategy - one year on 10 December 2003 Beckett joins international conference on climate change 10 December 2003 Defra launches public consultation on new rights of way proposals 08 December 2003 Defra reports progress on potato ring rot 05 December 2003 New guidance to tighten up rules on 'green' product labelling 05 December 2003 Defra launches The Environment in Your Pocket 2003 04 December 2003 'Sudden oak death': three new cases confirmed, surveillance increased 02 December 2003 Defra announces progress on developing emergency vaccination for FMD 24 November 2003 New Chief Veterinary Officer appointed to Defra 24 November 2003 New centre will promote non-food crop products and technologies 21 November 2003 Beckett addresses "How we can do more with less" conference 11 November 2003 Lord Haskins' Rural Delivery Review published 07 November 2003 Statement on US "ghost" ships: decision made on temporary storage 06 November 2003 Beckett sets out challenges and priorities for England's rural future 04 November 2003 Bathing water quality reaches all time high 04 November 2003 Minister announces suspension of badger culling in reactive areas of the Randomised Badger Culling Trial 30 October 2003 Government commits to buying goods and services that meet environmental standards 29 October 2003 Alun Michael launches consultation on reducing fast food litter 29 October 2003 Scientists research 'sex traps' as alternative to chemical pesticides 28 October 2003 Margaret Beckett addresses environment conference 'Shaping tomorrow's world today' 22 October 2003 UK's Veterinary Surveillance Strategy launched 21 October 2003 Beckett launches 'environmentally friendly' buildings initiative 20 October 2003 £135m for waste and recycling initiatives 16 October 2003 Farm-scale evaluations of GM crops - results published 13 October 2003 GM research reports, review of crop trial regulations published 08 October 2003 Lord Selborne appointed new Chair of Kew Gardens Board of Trustees 03 October 2003 BBC Gardeners' World reports on withdrawal of pesticides from the UK market 02 October 2003 GM crops: the farm-scale evaluations results 25 September 2003 Economic growth that protects the environment - discussion document launched 23 September 2003 Eurostar launches service for guide dogs under the Pet Travel Scheme 23 September 2003 2002 river water quality figures published 22 September 2003 GM Inspectorate's Annual Report for 2002/3 published 18 September 2003 EFRA committee publishes report on illegal activities of agricultural gangmasters 15 September 2003 Beckett makes statement on breakdown of WTO talks in Cancun 12 September 2003 Treaty takes effect on global GMO movements 10 September 2003 Living Lakes conference - Britain's lakes and protected areas 3 September 2003 Defra publishes Race Equality Scheme 26 August 2003 "Sustainable" food and catering services for the public sector - initiative launched 21 August 2003 Coral reef off Scotland to receive emergency protection 13 August 2003 £135 million for recycling and other waste tackling initiatives 12 August 2003 Government and industry regulators seek views on the water price review 05 August 2003 "Junk mail" industry agrees recycling targets 31 July 2003 Protecting biodiversity on the Government Estate - new targets set 30 July 2003 Sudden oak death discovered in pot-grown yew saplings 30 July 2003 Tax relief on water-saving technologies - first stage launched 28 July 2003 EFRA Committee report welcomes Defra's progress, has concerns over recruitment 25 July 2003 UK 'fallen stock' scheme to go ahead 25 July 2003 Local authorities given powers to close crime 'hot spot' alleyways 25 July 2003 Some pesticide products withdrawn from UK market 24 July 2003 Shark finning is barbaric and must stop, says Bradshaw 24 July 2003 Action taken to halt ragwort poisoning of horses and other livestock 21 July 2003 Welsh lamb wins EU quality award 18 July 2003 Outline Animal Health and Welfare Strategy launched 11 July 2003 Strategy Unit publishes report on costs and benefits of GM crops 11 July 2003 Hunting Bill is clear and enforceable: Michael 04 July 2003 Hunting Bill: Committee Stage completed 04 July 2003 Kew Gardens joins Taj Mahal and Stonehenge as World Heritage Site 01 July 2003 Hunting Bill amendments tabled 26 June 2003 CAP reform deal 20 June 2003 Increased penalties for wildlife crimes 19 June 2003 Update on Ministerial appointments 19 June 2003 FMD online database launched 14 June 2003 Defra Permanent Secretary Brian Bender knighted 13 June 2003 CAP reform talks in Luxembourg to continue on 17 June 12 June 2003 Defra wins commendation at BBC Gardeners World Live exhibition 12 June 2003 UK Government welcomes adoption of new EU FMD Directive 10 June 2003 FAWC report on red meat slaughter practices published 06 June 2003 Lord Whitty announces initiative for a global partnership on sustainable energy 05 June 2003 Lord Haskins publishes guiding principles for Rural Delivery Review 04 June 2003 Defra welcomes Noise Action Day (4 June) 03 June 2003 Defra making good progress on rural sustainable development, says independent report 29 May 2003 Lord Whitty encouraged by CAP reform discussions in Poland and Slovakia 22 May 2003 Municipal waste management statistics for 2001/02 published 21 May 2003 UN Environment for Europe Conference in Kiev: UK signs protocols 20 May 2003 Dolphin by-catch: outcome of new fishing net trial encouraging 20 May 2003 'Fallen stock' disposal scheme - deadline for registering interest extended 15 May 2003 Religious slaughter - comment by Elliot Morley 14 May 2003 Defra's second Departmental Report published 13 May 2003 Defra's IT outsourcing programme: Prospectus & Qualification Questionnaire published 12 May 2003 Chief Veterinary Officer urges good biosecurity to combat threat of avian 'flu 12 May 2003 Successful first year for UK greenhouse gas emissions trading scheme 09 May 2003 UK welcomes agreement made at the UN sustainable development meeting in New York 08 May 2003 UK on course to meet its Kyoto gas emissions target, says UN 08 May 2003 Virgin Atlantic to join UK pet travel scheme 06 May 2003 Defra to take forward Strategy Unit's recommendations on waste 02 May 2003 Beckett attends international meetings on sustainable development 02 May 2003 Defra launches new three-year strategy 02 May 2003 Defra's Accessibility Commitment published 29 April 2003 Defra canvasses farmers' support for 'fallen stock' disposal scheme 28 April 2003 Independent research supports Defra's 'green' farming schemes 24 April 2003 Margaret Beckett to attend Environment for Europe Conference, 21-23 May 24 April 2003 Avian influenza: update and instructions for vets 15 April 2003 Defra's IT outsourcing programme: notice published in Official Journal of the EU 15 April 2003 European Bat Lyssavirus - FAQ published 09 April 2003 Budget 2003: Defra statement 07 April 2003 "Delivering the evidence": Defra launches its first science and innovation strategy 04 April 2003 Defra announces £250,000 for biodiversity information network 01 April 2003 Seven councils awarded Beacon status for supporting rural economies 28 March 2003 Protecting biodiversity: Defra welcomes non-native species report 27 March 2003 UK still on track to meet Kyoto greenhouse gases targets 24 March 2003 Darwin Initiative: grants for 34 new conservation projects 24 March 2003 Beckett opens England's first rural 'one-stop shop' 20 March 2003 Dolphin fishing net deaths: consultation launched 17 March 2003 World Water Forum opens in Kyoto 13 March 2003 Defra issues advice, risk assessment on avian influenza outbreak in Netherlands 11 March 2003 Beckett announces sustainability strategy for food industry 04 March 2003 Government report shows 40 percent drop in fuel poverty 03 March 2003 Delivering the vision: Beckett visits model of environmentally responsible farming 27 February 2003 New entry-level agri-environment scheme pilot launched 24 February 2003 Achieving a Better Quality of Life - launch of sustainable development report 24 February 2003 Energy white paper launched: Our energy future - creating a low carbon economy 21 February 2003 Study shows landfill sites cut value of nearby properties 20 February 2003 Government forum discusses development of Bovine TB strategy 20 February 2003 Water Bill takes forward Government's commitment to sustainable use of water 18 February 2003 Margaret Beckett speaks at NFU conference 11 February 2003 Local authorities have key role in reviving rural communities, says Beckett 07 February 2003 Business must make shift towards sustainable consumption, says Beckett 07 February 2003 Research shows tap water quality affected by some household appliances 04 February 2003 Beckett in Washington to discuss farming reform and environmental issues 03 February 2003 New bird haven planned at Weymarks, North Essex 31 January 2003 RPA signs contract with Accenture to improve CAP service delivery 31 January 2003 Floods of 1953 commemorated 30 January 2003 UK implements EU pig welfare directives 28 January 2003 Morley announces aid package for fishermen 24 January 2003 Elliot Morley takes part in Birdwatch 2003 23 January 2003 Lord Whitty announces changes to animal movements regime 23 January 2003 Defra's budgeting round 22 January 2003 Secretary of State welcomes proposals for CAP reform 21 January 2003 British farmers boost incomes and benefit consumers with local foods 15 January 2003 Morley launches consultation on illegal wildlife trade 14 January 2003 New figures show air quality improvement, but still more to be done, says Michael 13 January 2003 FT article highlights Defra's leadership programme 9 January 2003 Farmers suspected of breaching BSE-related feed controls 8 January 2003 Animal health and welfare strategy consultation launched 7 January 2003 Beckett stresses importance of sustainability at Annual Farming Conference 2002 news stories 31 December 2002 New rules on personal meat imports come into force 24 December 2002 UK's festive waste could reach 3m tonnes: make it a recycling Christmas 23 December 2002 Environmentally friendly farming pilots mapped out 23 December 2002 Temporary fishing controls to start in February 20 December 2002 Views of local people key to Rural Delivery Review - Haskins 12 December 2002 Annoying noise considered a key factor in quality of life 12 December 2002 PM and Beckett launch sustainable farming and food strategy 10 December 2002 Veterinary surveillance strategy consultation launched 06 December 2002 Review of rural policy delivery: more details published 05 December 2002 Alun Michael marks 50th anniversary of the Great London Smog 03 December 2002 Bill on hunting with dogs published 29 November 2002 Sustainable Development in Government 1st Annual Report published 27 November 2002 Defra's statement on the Pre-Budget Report 27 November 2002 Strategy Unit report urges action on waste reduction and recycling 27 November 2002 Defra's Autumn Performance Report 2002 published 22 November 2002 Defra at Royal Smithfield Show 2002 20 November 2002 Saving species: Beckett welcomes £7 million extra for biodiversity 19 November 2002 Suspected case of rabies in Tayside: press notice and Q and A 19 November 2002 HRH Prince of Wales visits Defra 15 November 2002 CITES Conference: good news for basking sharks and mahogany 15 November 2002 Waste and Emissions Trading Bill published in Parliament 15 November 2002 Bathing water quality best ever, but more to be done, says Morley 08 November 2002 Animal Health Bill receives Royal Assent 07 November 2002 Elliot Morley responds to report on the state of the marine environment 07 November 2002 Public backing for Government plans to protect basking sharks 07 November 2002 Defra issues response to FMD inquiries 05 November 2002 Directing the flow - Defra sets out priorities for future water policy 01 November 2002 Delhi Declaration on climate change agreed 01 November 2002 Elliot Morley gives evidence on fisheries to EFRA Select Committee 31 October 2002 'Living Places' - Defra consultation on shared spaces launched at Urban Summit 25 October 2002 UK's top speciality food producers exhibit in Italy 25 October 2002 Defra consults on control strategy for bluetongue 24 October 2002 Working with the grain - biodiversity strategy for England launched 23 October 2002 Scientists warn of depleted fish stocks: Morley issues statement 22 October 2002 Beckett visits Paris to promote British beef 18 October 2002 Defra to consult on Saltdean badgers 17 October 2002 'Your Countryside, You're Welcome': autumn campaign focuses on food 15 October 2002 Special Countryside Stewardship for Stonehenge and Avebury 14 October 2002 Saltdean badger trappings suspended 11 October 2002 Badgers in Saltdean - Departmental statement issued 9 October 2002 Quality of life and environment survey published 8 October 2002 Nitrate Vulnerable Zones designated to improve water quality 3 October 2002 River quality continues steady improvement 3 October 2002 Forestry Commission publishes response to Sustaining England's Woodlands report 2 October 2002 Beckett welcomes French decision to lift ban on British beef 1 October 2002 Bat rabies in Lancashire: case confirmed 28 September 2002 Suspected case of bat rabies in Lancashire 28 September 2002 FMD Investigation in Cornwall: Final Results Negative 28 September 2002 Whitty backs plans for increased collaboration across the farming industry 27 September 2002 Meacher presents awards for tackling antisocial noise 25 September 2002 British beef back on European menus 24 September 2002 FMD investigation in Cornwall - initial results negative 24 September 2002 FMD investigation in Cornwall 24 September 2002 Environment Agency launches annual flood awareness campaign 23 September 2002 Countryside Alliance's ten-point agenda at heart of Government's policies, says Michael 20 September 2002 Beckett welcomes French Food Standard Agency's report on safety of British beef 18 September 2002 New plant atlas will help fight decline of biodiversity 12 September 2002 Hunting hearings webcast attracts 1,750 viewers a day 11 September 2002 "Where we go from here": Beckett looks along path set by WSSD 05 September 2002 Hunting hearings: how to access the debate 30 August 2002 GM seed cleared for final farm trials 29 August 2002 Biodiversity project reveals new facts about whale sharks 27 August 2002 Wide media coverage for WSSD 23 August 2002 UK delegation leaves for World Summit 20 August 2002 Darwin Initiative marks tenth anniversary 16 August 2002 Impurities found in GM crop trial seed 14 August 2002 More changes to animal movement restrictions 14 August 2002 DEFRA and farming organisations issue biosecurity leaflet 14 August 2002 Seal virus reaches UK 08 August 2002 Changes to animal movement regime announced 08 August 2002 Newcastle disease outbreak confirmed in Denmark 07 August 2002 £3.3 million for Community Energy Programme 07 August 2002 Research shows halt in butterfly decline 07 August 2002 Meacher announces new targets for cutting air pollution 02 August 2002 Hunting with dogs: public hearings in September 01 August 2002 Horse chestnut leaf miner discovered in UK 01 August 2002 Report on decline in sparrows and starlings published 31 July 2002 DEFRA gives consent for GM vaccine trials 29 July 2002 Beckett announces next steps on managing radioactive waste 29 July 2002 Organic Action Plan published 22 July 2002 Lessons Learned report published: Beckett makes statement 19 July 2002 DEFRA Settlement: Beckett makes announcement to Parliament DEFRA Settlement: Curry to head sustainable food and farming drive 18 July 2002 Extra 40m for disposal of fridges 17 July 2002 Double boost for British beef exports 16 July 2002 Marine life report highlights need to safeguard our seas 15 July 2002 Beckett welcomes Spending Review 2002 15 July 2002 Morley calls for EU action on live exports 10 July 2002 EU proposes agriculture policy shake up 09 July 2002 Rural Affairs Forum for England meets in Shrewsbury 08 July 2002 "Don't bring back more than you bargained for" - new campaign launched 02 July 2002 Review of pig identification rules announced 02 July 2002 £1 million for sustainable development projects in National Parks 02 July 2002 Aujeszky's disease: test results expected this week 01 July 2002 New countryside campaign launched at Royal Show 28 June 2002 Unmarked pig raises concerns 27 June 2002 Measures announced to control agricultural pollution and improve water quality 25 June 2002 £140m to speed up recycling 25 June 2002 FMD investigation in Leicestershire: final results negative 24 June 2002 New rules and further consultation on welfare of English hens 21 June 2002 FMD investigation in Leicestershire - initial tests negative 21 June 2002 DEFRA responds to NAO report on foot and mouth epidemic 21 June 2002 Report shows quality of life rising faster in some regions than others 20 June 2002 FMD investigation in Leicestershire 20 June 2002 Rural Stress Action Plan receives a further £300,000 20 June 2002 Select committee reports on the disposal of fridges 20 June 2002 Origin of the 2001 FMD epidemic 18 June 2002 DEFRA's sustainable development strategy published 14 June 2002 School students discuss the world's future with Beckett and Blair 14 June 2002 Food Standards Agency proposes ban on sheep's intestines 13 June 2002 DEFRA announces £500k boost for countryside access recovery 11 June 2002 Malachite green to be withdrawn from use 10 June 2002 Much achieved in Bali, more to do for 2002 UN Earth Summit, says Beckett 05 June 2002 Kyoto Protocol: Japan ratifies, Australia rejects 05 June 2002 WSSD outcomes must include target for bringing renewable energy to world's poorest, says Beckett 31 May 2002 Beckett joins British team at sustainable development conference in Bali 31 May 2002 Kyoto Protocol ratified: EU commits to tackling climate change 31 May 2002 'What better place than the seaside' - Meacher welcomes record 83 Blue Flags for Britain's beaches 30 May 2002 Guilty verdicts returned in Bobby Waugh case 30 May 2002 Recycling waste: England must catch up with Europe, says Beckett 28 May 2002 Common Fisheries Policy reform plan published 24 May 2002 DEFRA report shows poor air in poor areas 23 May 2002 World Cup legend helps DEFRA tackle illegal imports 22 May 2002 Beckett urges action to prevent world environment disaster 21 May 2002 Morley welcomes return of chough chicks to Cornwall 20 May 2002 Iceland's bid to join IWC rejected 09 May 2002 Live sheep and goat markets to resume 08 May 2002 Waste management revolution has started, says Beckett 03 May 2002 Oak disease alert: US plant and wood imports restricted 01 May 2002 'Safeguarding Our Seas': first Marine Stewardship report published 30 April 2002 Animal welfare legislation: consultation period ends 29 April 2002 Tackling Bovine TB: badger culling trials to restart 26 April 2002 Meacher welcomes good news on Britain's beaches 26 April 2002 New report on climate change scenarios published 25 April 2002 Organic farming "a significant contribution to sustainable development": Elliot Morley 22 April 2002 Meacher launches National Wildlife Crime Intelligence Unit 19 April 2002 Bovine TB: Statement by Elliot Morley 18 April 2002 Countryside Stewardship celebrated at Kew 17 April 2002 Budget 2002: Statement from DEFRA 17 April 2002 Organic food and farming forum: Elliot Morley chairs first meeting 16 April 2002 Hunting with dogs: Alun Michael seeks views of interested parties 15 April 2002 FMD test results negative on North Yorkshire farm 15 April 2002 Rights of way key to local services, Michael tells Ramblers 12 April 2002 Elliot Morley launches Green Week 12 April 2002 World Bank central to WSSD success, says Beckett 11 April 2002 Margaret Beckett visits US and Canada 11 April 2002 FMD investigation in North Yorkshire 10 April 2002 Rural Affairs Forum - second meeting held 10 April 2002 Crackdown on abandoned cars launched 05 April 2002 Meacher announces £4 million for biodiversity and education projects 04 April 2002 Emissions Trading Registry now in operation 03 April 2002 Additional £7 million for BSE and CJD research 02 April 2002 DEFRA publishes "Sustainable Food and Farming - Working Together" 28 March 2002 Government provides £140 million to boost recycling 27 March 2002 New IACS appeals panel to cut red tape for farmers 26 March 2002 Restored "Cathedral of Canals" opens to public 26 March 2002 PM and Beckett in talks on sustainable food and farming 22 March 2002 Government submission to Foot and Mouth inquiry published 21 March 2002 DEFRA hosts forum to protect UK from exotic diseases 21 March 2002 Hunting with hounds - statement by Alun Michael 21 March 2002 DEFRA publishes prospectus: "Working for the Essentials of Life" 20 March 2002 Dolphin-friendly fishing nets set for trial: WWF supports DEFRA 19 March 2002 Beckett's visit to South Africa "invaluable" 14 March 2002 Sustainable development fundamental to our future, says Beckett 13 March 2002 Auction sucess for Emissions Trading Scheme 13 March 2002 UK 'quality of life' barometer rises 13 March 2002 New chief scientific advisor takes up post 10 March 2002 Margaret Beckett visits South Africa 10 March 2002 Joan Collins launches 'Your Countryside, You're Welcome' week 7 March 2002 Beckett announces UK ratification of Kyoto Protocol 7 March 2002 Rivers and bathing waters to benefit from further sewage treatment 28 January 2002 Your countryside, you're welcome 16 January 2002 New woodland from recycled Christmas cards - Michael Meacher does his bit for the environment 4 January 2002 New Year Honours List 2002 - DEFRA staff 2001 news stories 18 December 2001 Are you dreaming of a green Christmas by doing your bit? 12 December 2001 Global problems: global solutions - Margaret Beckett's wide-ranging Washington speech 10 December 2001 Meacher welcomes fall in overall UK emissions of greenhouse gases 6 December 2001 Margaret Beckett visits Washington 27 November 2001 DEFRA welcomes pre-Budget report 21 November 2001 DEFRA holds first waste summit DEFRA grants will help banish fuel poverty 14 November 2001 Responses to consultation on DEFRA's aim and objectives 10 November 2001 Climate change breakthrough at Marrakech

			Page last modified: 19 December 2003


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