The EU’s top court ruled today that a controversial new generation of food genetic engineering techniques should be subject to EU safety checks and consumer labelling. [1] In a landmark ruling, the European Court of Justice confirmed that new techniques to modify genetic material in plant or animal cells – so called ‘GMO 2.0’ –...
Category: FAB
Will GMO 2.0 come to Europe via the back door?
For more than 20 years, civil society, farmers, politicians and the food sector have successfully fought for GMO-free fields and the right to choose food without GM ingredients in Europe. But this could be about to change. On July 25, the EU’s top court will rule whether new genetically modified (GM) seeds and foods – so-called...
What’s in season – July
Every month we feature a fruit or vegetable that is in season, along with a fun fact or recipe idea. We are currently working on a project, Citizen’s CAP, highlighting the importance of citizen involvement in agricultural policy to ensure healthy food and protection of our agricultural land. In a way, this is a continuation...
Direct action to stop tree cutting
The senseless destruction of the environment in the name of development is a growing problem which needs to be addressed. In the wake of the uprooting of hundreds of trees all over Malta, the need to take action is now being felt stronger than ever. We are calling for anyone who is interested in joining...
Citizens demand alternative vision for urban development and transport projects
We are a group of environmental NGOs, voluntary organisations and active citizens who wish to voice our concerns in unison and feel the urgent need to put forward an alternative vision to the way urban development and transport projects are being planned and executed. We believe piecemeal projects such as the Kappara Junction, Marsa Junction,...
What’s in season – June
Every month we feature a fruit or vegetable that is in season, along with a fun fact or recipe idea. We are currently working on a project, Citizen’s CAP, highlighting the importance of citizen involvement in agricultural policy to ensure healthy food and protection of our agricultural land. In a way, this is a continuation...
First steps taken to cut single-use plastics in Europe
The European Commission has taken a leap forward in tackling plastic pollution, with new laws to reduce throwaway single-use plastics. The proposal, which is designed to prevent and reduce the impact of certain plastic products on the environment, and in particular the marine environment, sets a number of different policy measures to tackle these problematic...
What’s in season – May
Every month we feature a fruit or vegetable that is in season, along with a fun fact or recipe idea. It’s all about the legumes this month. I already spotted the first chickpea shells lying on the street corner, testament to the old men catching up on village gossip while munching away on fresh, raw...
EU-wide ban on bee-harming pesticides passed
Tremendous victory for our bees and the wider environment. EU governments today passed a total ban on bee-harming neonicotinoid pesticides on outdoor crops. [1] This comprehensive neonicotinoid ban, covering all outdoor crops, is a tremendous victory for our bees and the wider environment. The European Commission must now focus on developing a strong pollinator initiative...
What’s in season – April
Every month we feature a fruit or vegetable that is in season, along with a fun fact or recipe idea. It’s hard to imagine that it could escape anyone’s attention, with stalls along the roadside and the immensely popular Festa Frawli in Mġarr last weekend, but it’s strawberry time on our islands! Even though the...