Gwyn Jones' Farm Diary, October 20 2005

The chicken industry is bracing itself as avian flu continues to spread. Both Turkey and Romania are now suspected of infection, and Europe is advising all chicken to be shut inside. This throws complications for organic producers, and the NFU is keen to obtain a derogation that would allow organic chicken to be temporarily shut inside if the threat increases, without affecting its free-range organic status. Predictably, the Soil Association is against such a compromise, preferring to put organi

The RABI (Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution) has been chosen (along with Seafarers UK) to benefit from the celebrations during Trafalgar weekend (this weekend 21-23rd October). The West Sussex RABI committee chaired by Mr David Burden, has organised a Trafalgar dinner to raise much needed funds, as well as commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar.

The RABI was founded in 1860, a charity to assist those involved in agriculture who had fallen on hard times. For reasons beyond their control, many faced hardship and distress, with no one else to turn to. Many people, looking through rose-tinted glasses, believe that the late 1800 were the 'golden age' of agriculture, but the reality on the land was very different.

Any one interested in attending the dinner or can help in any way, contact David Burden on 01798 342752.

Gwyn Jones' Farm Diary appears every week in the West Sussex Gazette. To read the full version of this article, see October 20 issue.