Mathilde Gérard

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2024, a year of agricultural calamities driven by climate change

Whether it's excessive rain in France, severe drought in the Mediterranean and Brazil or devastating hurricanes in the US, extreme weather events are disrupting production across every continent.

Published on October 18, 2024, at 8:00 pm (Paris), updated on October 19, 2024, at 1:21 pm Mathilde Gérard

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Paris 2024: Animal welfare organizations demand that foie gras be removed from VIP guest menus

Despite the Organizing Committee's commitment to encouraging plant-based foods during the Olympic Games − and to sourcing products that respect animal welfare − the catering offered during the event may include foie gras.

Published on July 7, 2024, at 5:42 am (Paris), updated on July 7, 2024, at 6:20 pm Mathilde Gérard

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World Bank calls to 'drastically reorient' the global agrifood system

However, the solutions proposed by the financial institution have been deemed insufficient for moving toward a sustainable and resilient model.

Published on May 7, 2024, at 4:21 am (Paris), updated on May 7, 2024, at 7:56 am Mathilde Gérard

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World hunger levels have never been so high

Gaza, Sudan, Haiti: The number of people facing acute food insecurity has risen steadily over the past five years, according to an international assessment.

Published on April 24, 2024, at 2:10 pm (Paris) Mathilde Gérard

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Child malnutrition soaring in Sahel: 'Without aid, consequences will be extremely grave'

In an interview, UNICEF's regional director for West and Central Africa explains the challenges of operating in an area plagued by insecurity and affected by climate change.

Published on April 18, 2024, at 5:00 am (Paris), updated on April 18, 2024, at 8:17 am Mathilde Gérard

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One billion meals thrown out every day: 'Food waste exacerbates the climate crisis'

A new UN study found a fifth of the world's food goes to waste. Clementine O'Connor, of the United Nations Environment Programme, says this amount of refuse generates almost 10% of greenhouse gas emissions.

Published on March 30, 2024, at 2:30 pm (Paris) Mathilde Gérard

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Israel-Hamas war: 'In Gaza, famine is imminent'

Beth Bechdol, deputy director-general at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), explains how the food crisis in Gaza is 'unprecedented.'

Published on March 18, 2024, at 8:28 pm (Paris), updated on March 18, 2024, at 8:56 pm Mathilde Gérard

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Over a billion people clinically obese worldwide

According to an international study, the rate of obesity has more than doubled among adults in 32 years and quadrupled among children. Many countries experience a higher prevalence of obesity compared to those deemed underweight.

Published on March 1, 2024, at 7:52 pm (Paris) Mathilde Gérard Julien Lemaignen

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Food banks warn of deteriorating health of those who turn to them

From diabetes to undernutrition, obesity and mental health, a study by the Fédération Nationale des Banques Alimentaires (National Federation of Food Banks) highlights the greater vulnerability to illness of people who rely on food banks.

Published on February 29, 2024, at 4:56 pm (Paris) Mathilde Gérard

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European Green Deal: After decisive advances, many components are at a standstill

From a ban on the sale of combustion-powered vehicles starting in 2035 to a directive on renewable energies and a carbon tax at borders, several major pieces of legislation were adopted as part of the Green Deal. The agricultural component, on the other hand, has suffered a number of setbacks.

Published on January 30, 2024, at 12:50 pm (Paris), updated on February 17, 2024, at 10:26 am Stéphane Foucart, Mathilde Gérard, Matthieu Goar, Stéphane Mandard and Perrine Mouterde

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Animal rights associations fear French water park will send its three orcas abroad

A training exercise was carried out on Tuesday in the southern French city of Antibes which required extensive logistics to accustom the mammals to very specific handling for relocation. Animal welfare associations are ready to take legal action.

Published on January 11, 2024, at 4:44 am (Paris), updated on January 11, 2024, at 8:36 am Mathilde Gérard

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The dark side of eating frogs: Animal suffering and declining amphibian populations

An investigation by PETA reveals the conditions under which amphibians are captured and slaughtered in Indonesia, the world's leading exporter of frog legs, whose main market is France.

Published on December 7, 2023, at 11:33 am (Paris), updated on December 7, 2023, at 11:34 am Mathilde Gérard

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French government makes second attempt to ban the 'plant-based steak' label

After an initial decree had been suspended by the Conseil d’État, the French government has notified the Commission of a new draft text, aimed at banning certain names for meat substitutes.

Published on September 1, 2023, at 11:04 am (Paris), updated on September 7, 2023, at 3:10 pm Mathilde Gérard

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More than 1.3 billion people will have diabetes by 2050

According to new models published in 'The Lancet' the global burden of diabetes is set to rise sharply, exacerbated by racial, social and geographic inequalities.

Published on June 24, 2023, at 2:39 am (Paris) Mathilde Gérard Delphine Roucaute

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How meat consumption in France has stagnated over the past ten years

Since 2013, individual meat consumption has risen by 3%, with a noticeable increase for poultry. Yet, France has committed itself to a significant reduction in meat consumption through its carbon neutrality objective.

Published on June 2, 2023, at 8:00 pm (Paris), updated on June 2, 2023, at 8:08 pm Mathilde Gérard

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The French eat twice as much meat as the world average

With 84.9 kilograms of carcass equivalent consumed per capita in 2022, French consumption is in line with the European average.

Published on June 2, 2023, at 4:14 am (Paris), updated on June 2, 2023, at 8:09 pm Mathilde Gérard

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In France, pressure mounts for the government to present a sustainable food transition strategy

While civil society is calling for an ambitious national policy to improve access to sustainable food for all, some economic stakeholders resist new constraints.

Published on May 15, 2023, at 4:02 am (Paris), updated on May 15, 2023, at 8:06 am Mathilde Gérard

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European Court of Auditors wants animal welfare better reflected in meat prices

The institution says long-distance animal transport is a source of stress and suffering bolstered by a search for profits.

Published on April 18, 2023, at 5:25 pm (Paris) Mathilde Gérard

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Texas dairy farm fire kills 18,000 cattle, seriously injures employee

The fire is the most deadly for cattle in the last 10 years in the United States, and casts doubt on the American model of livestock farming, which is highly industrialized.

Published on April 15, 2023, at 12:35 am (Paris) Mathilde Gérard

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Cindy McCain takes over the leadership of an overheated World Food Program

The new WFP director will have the task, among others, of raising funds in the midst of a global food crisis.

Published on April 6, 2023, at 12:48 pm (Paris) Mathilde Gérard

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Nitrites in processed meats: French government asks to reduce levels but does not set a ban

The French government's 'action plan' on charcuterie has been expected since a 2022 report confirmed the link between cancer and exposure to nitrites in processed meats.

Published on March 30, 2023, at 9:28 am (Paris), updated on March 30, 2023, at 9:28 am Mathilde Gérard

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In France, warmer winter temperatures disrupt agriculture

With the winter of 2022-2023 ranking among the 15 warmest on record since 1900, fruit tree growers must manage the impacts of shorter cold spells and temperature shocks.

Published on March 7, 2023, at 11:50 pm (Paris), updated on March 8, 2023, at 4:59 pm Mathilde Gérard

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The war in Ukraine has highlighted the global food crisis

Soaring prices and disruption to production chains: the conflict had immediate repercussions for food, generating an international response but few long-term solutions.

Published on February 23, 2023, at 4:00 pm (Paris), updated on February 23, 2023, at 4:00 pm Mathilde Gérard

In Depth

French Assemblée Nationale votes to ban electric pet collars

MPs passed the bill banning the sale and use of electric collars or chokers for pets. If the ban is approved by the Sénat, France will join other European countries that have legislated in this area.

Published on January 17, 2023, at 12:42 pm (Paris), updated on January 17, 2023, at 12:59 pm Mathilde Gérard

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Nutri-Score labeling system to be updated next year

The governance committee of the nutritional logo has approved several changes to its algorithm expected to be effective in 2023.

Published on December 27, 2022, at 9:30 am (Paris) Mathilde Gérard

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The battle over Europe's nutrition label

The European Commission was expected to propose a harmonized logo before the end of the year, but the presentation was postponed due to a revolt led by Italy.

Published on December 27, 2022, at 5:30 am (Paris) Mathilde Gérard Allan Kaval Virginie Malingre

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On 'blood farms', horses are being bled and abused for a hormone used in European livestock farming

A new investigation by European NGOs condemns the mistreatment of pregnant mares in Argentina and Uruguay. Their blood is being drawn to extract a fertility hormone.

Published on December 6, 2022, at 8:20 am (Paris), updated on December 6, 2022, at 1:07 pm Mathilde Gérard

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EU climate plan: Researchers warn of the risks of "sacrificing" land for bioenergy

American and European researchers are asking the European Commission to take better account of the risks of indirect deforestation through the burning of biomass.

Published on December 2, 2022, at 2:21 am (Paris), updated on December 2, 2022, at 7:38 am Mathilde Gérard

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'We are facing the worst humanitarian and food crisis since World War II'

David Beasley, executive director of the World Food Programme, calls on world leaders to co-ordinate and take action, as hundreds of millions are threatened by famine.

Published on November 14, 2022, at 5:00 pm (Paris), updated on November 14, 2022, at 6:11 pm Mathilde Gérard

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COP27: Agriculture and food are neglected in climate negotiations

Only 3% of public funding for climate change is allocated to agriculture and food, even though this sector accounts for one-third of greenhouse gas emissions

Published on November 7, 2022, at 12:00 pm (Paris), updated on November 7, 2022, at 3:00 pm Mathilde Gérard

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Drought-resistant sorghum could sustain a quickly warming planet

Cultivated in the south of France for several decades, sorghum – a plant native to Africa and reputed to be more resistant to drought – is gradually making its way to France's northern departments.

Published on November 4, 2022, at 8:00 pm (Paris) Mathilde Gérard

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COP27's problematic sponsor: Coca-Cola

Advocacy groups have criticized the partnership between the annual climate conference and the world's foremost plastic polluter.

Published on November 4, 2022, at 5:00 am (Paris) Mathilde Gérard

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Harvard University research on monkeys sparks outrage from primatologists

250 specialists are asking 'PNAS,' a scientific journal, to retract an article based on research in which female monkeys were separated from their young and babies had their eyelids sutured shut.

Published on October 23, 2022, at 3:07 pm (Paris) Mathilde Gérard

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According to the European Commission, animal welfare legislation is no longer adequate

The EU executive has determined that EU rules are not in keeping with scientific knowledge and societal expectations.

Published on October 7, 2022, at 9:43 am (Paris) Mathilde Gérard

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Avian flu could become endemic in wildlife

The number of animal species and areas affected this summer by the disease was unprecedented. The migration season, which presents the greatest risk, has not even begun.

Published on September 19, 2022, at 4:35 pm (Paris), updated on September 27, 2022, at 12:19 pm Mathilde Gérard

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Recognizing that men eat more meat than women is key to the ecological transition

While Paris MP Sandrine Rousseau's comments about barbecues have caused controversy, the more meat-heavy diets of men do have a greater impact on greenhouse gas emissions, according to IPCC experts.

Published on September 11, 2022, at 12:00 pm (Paris), updated on September 11, 2022, at 12:00 pm Mathilde Gérard

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More space, shorter journeys, lower temperatures: European agency publishes recommendations for animal transport

The European Food Safety Agency has published assessments for individual species on which new legislation on animal transport, expected in 2023, will be based.

Published on September 7, 2022, at 3:54 pm (Paris), updated on September 7, 2022, at 3:54 pm Mathilde Gérard

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Agrofuels stand accused of exacerbating supply tensions as food crisis looms

The production of fuels made from agricultural crops is under scrutiny because of the competition it creates with food needs, and an underestimated environmental impact.

Published on July 24, 2022, at 8:00 am (Paris), updated on July 24, 2022, at 8:04 am Mathilde Gérard

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Orca in the Seine: Bullet found in whale’s skull was not the direct cause of its death

According to a report, the mammal had a bullet lodged at the base of its skull, but showed no other injuries. For the NGO Sea Shepherd, which intends to file a complaint, the shooting of cetaceans is not uncommon.

Published on July 7, 2022, at 3:01 am (Paris), updated on July 7, 2022, at 7:43 am Mathilde Gérard

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A second life for the Seine orca in Paris's natural history museum

The skeleton of the mammal found dead in the Seine River at the end of May has joined the workshops of the Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle. Before being integrated into the collections, it is undergoing a meticulous cleaning and inventory.

Published on July 3, 2022, at 12:30 pm (Paris), updated on August 25, 2022, at 5:31 pm Mathilde Gérard

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