WA frost slashes wheat yield - 17/10/2008

Grain growers in Western Australia's wheatbelt are counting the cost of a devastating frost late last month.

The widespread frost struck when many of the grain crops were at their most vulnerable stage, resulting in severe damage to seed pods, stems and individual grains.

Between 15 and 80 per cent has been wiped off the value of crops.

Kevin Davies, from York, says it's the worst frost he's ever experienced, and although he will harvest what's left in his paddocks, it's a bitter blow after years of drought.

EU backs December date for climate deal - Summary : Environment

Brussels - European Union leaders on Thursday stuck to a December deadline for reaching a final deal on fighting climate change after Polish and Italian threats of a veto were won over, officials said. EU leaders meeting for a two-day summit in Brussels decided to "organize an intensified effort in the weeks to come to allow the council (of EU states) to decide in December 2008" on a package of laws aimed at fighting climate change, the summit statement said.

However, the December decision will have to "take into account the specific situation" in each member state, the declaration said in a concession to the objections of Poland and Italy.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk told journalists after the meeting that French President Nicolas Sarkozy, who chaired it, had promised him that any deal in December would be adopted by unanimity, rather than the usual qualified majority needed for environment laws - handing Warsaw a potential veto over proceedings.

And the joint statement discarded a list of rules to govern the December talks which had been proposed by the French government, current holder of the EU's rotating presidency, in a bid to reinforce support for the package at a time of financial crisis.