Category: E

egg classes: The grading of eggs under EU regulations, into Class A (fresh eggs), Class B (preserved eggs), and Class C (eggs for use in food processing). Understanding egg classes helps farmers market their eggs more effectively.

European Food Safety Authority: A consultative body, funded by the European Community, which advises policymakers on health and food safety issues. Abbr EFSA. Understanding EFSA guidelines helps farmers ensure food safety and meet regulatory standards.

environmental degradation: A reduction in the quality of the environment. Preventing environmental degradation helps farmers maintain productive land and healthy ecosystems.

extensification schemes: Pilot schemes for beef cattle and sheep which were begun in 1990 to offer compensation to farmers who reduced their beef output or the number of sheep by at least 20% and maintained this reduction over a 5-year period. The schemes were aimed at a less intensive use of land and reduction in the use of pesticides and fertilizers. Participating in extensification schemes helps farmers adopt sustainable practices and receive financial support.

ergot: A fungus that grows on cereals, especially rye, producing a mycotoxin which causes hallucinations and sometimes death if eaten. Genus: Claviceps. Understanding ergot helps farmers manage crop health and prevent contamination.

Environmental Stewardship: A system under which farmers and land managers receive funding for implementing schemes to protect the environment, such as preventing soil erosion or protecting wildlife. Participating in Environmental Stewardship helps farmers receive funding for implementing environmentally friendly farming practices.

ear emergence: The main stage used in determining the heading date of a crop. In the case of a sward, this is the date at which 50% of the inflorescences have appeared. This information helps farmers manage crop growth stages and plan harvesting schedules.

enzootic pneumonia: A disease of pigs, previously thought to be caused by a virus. Symptoms include coughing and stunted growth. Abbr EP. Managing enzootic pneumonia is crucial for farmers to ensure the health and productivity of their pigs.

Enterobacteria: A family of bacteria, including Salmonella and Escherichia. Understanding Enterobacteria helps farmers implement effective biosecurity measures and prevent disease outbreaks.

earthworm: An invertebrate animal with a long thin body divided into many segments, living in large numbers in the soil. Earthworms aerate the soil as they tunnel. They also eat organic matter and help increase the soil’s fertility. They help stabilize the soil structure by compressing material and mixing it with organic matter and calcium. It is believed that they also secrete a hormone which encourages rooting by plants. Earthworms are beneficial for farmers as they enhance soil fertility and structure, promoting healthy crop growth.