Genetically Modified Foods: Breeding Uncertainty
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Genetically modified (GM) crops first appeared commercially in the mid-1990s to what seemed a bright and promising future. Resistant to pests
and the herbicides used to control weeds, these new crops were so popular with farmers that millions of acres were planted with them by the turn
of the millennium. Today, GM crops are grown commercially by 8.25 million farmers on 200 million acres spread throughout 17 countries,
reports the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-Biotech Applications (ISAAA), an international nonprofit that advocates for the
technology. The world’s top five producers—the United States, Argentina, Canada, Brazil, and China—account for 96% of global GM cultivation; of
this, more than half is in the United States.
Y et these impressive numbers tell only part of the story. Fully as notable as the growth of GM agriculture is the relentless backlash that has
developed against it. Although GM supporters insist the technology raises harvest yields, reduces agrochemical use, and will eventually even
produce high-nutrition food that can grow in depleted soils, skeptics counter that the risks of GM foods—made with gene splicing methods from
biotechnology—are unknown and poorly addressed by current testing methods. They also worry that the spread of GM crops, which are supplied
mainly by a handful of multinational companies, fuels corporate ownership of the seed supply and threatens the purity of indigenous crops, with
which GM varieties can breed by cross-pollination.
A Growing Backlash
The opposition’s attacks are generating sustained impacts. In April 2004, biotech companies including Novartis Seeds, Aventis CropScience, and
Bayer CropScience abandoned GM field trials in England, citing challenges raised by British consumers. The next month, Monsanto dropped its
new variety of herbicide-resistant wheat despite hundreds of millions reputedly spent on research and development. The product was shelved in
part because of threatened boycotts by Europe and Japan, which together buy 45% of all U.S. wheat exports, according to the U.S. Department of
Agriculture Economic Research Service (UDSA/ERS). And in November 2004, the world’s largest agrochemical company, the Swiss-based
Syngenta, moved its European GM field trials to the United States, also citing public resistance.
Europe itself, where commercial GM crops are grown only in Spain—and there in small amounts—is politically gridlocked over the issue, says
Geoffrey Lean, environment editor for The Independent on Sunday, a British newspaper. The European Commission lifted a six-year moratorium
on GM food in Europe last year, but even so, no new crops have been granted entry, he says. The commission, which favors the technology, wants
to allow more GM imports. However, a number of opposing countries—notably Austria, France, Portugal, Greece, Denmark, and Luxembourg—
have so far prevented this from happening. “As far as opinions in Europe go, the public is heavily against GM, the scientific community is for it,
and governments are split down the middle,” Lean says.
The Question of Health Risks
Despite public fears, the health risks of eating commercialized GM foods on the market now appear to be negligible, experts say. Nearly 45% of the
corn and 85% of the soybeans grown in the United States are transgenic, according to the USDA/ERS. Consumers are eating these foods without
any apparent health effects, although some stakeholders caution that greater postmarket surveillance is needed to confirm this.
As part of research and development, GM foods are tested for safety, specifically to ensure they don’t contain compounds that might cause allergic
reactions among those who eat them. How might this happen? Consider how biotechnology works: Scientists take genes from one species and
incorporate them into the genome of another. The modified genes in the transgenic hybrid are designed to make proteins that ideally will do
something useful, like deter pests or boost nutrition. But these same proteins might also be allergenic; in fact, most known allergens are protein
The only way to confirm that a transgenic protein is or is not an allergen is to test it in large numbers of people. But of course, large-scale human
testing isn’t practical or ethically possible. Therefore, scientists resort to surrogate tests to predict whether the transgenic protein will elicit a human
The U.S. Regulatory System
As far as U.S. regulatory agencies are concerned, agrobiotech companies need only demonstrate that—apart from the transgenic protein—a GM
crop shares equivalent composition and nutritional status to its conventional counterpart. If this is shown to be the case, then the crop is said to be
as safe as the conventional variety, and companies are free to sell it. Crops that contain a pesticidal protein such as Bt toxin must undergo
mandatory allergenicity testing coordinated by the Environmental Protection Agency. All other GM traits are evaluated by voluntary consultations
with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). During these consultations, FDA and company representatives discuss procedures, and the
companies disclose data and describe testing methods and results. The FDA recently introduced draft guidance on testing that encourages
companies to come in at the very early stages of the process, when they are still in planning stages.
GM opponents have long argued that FDA consultations should be mandatory. But Jason Dietz, a consumer safety officer at the FDA’s Center for
Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, says that in the administration’s view, the risks posed by transgenic crop breeding aren’t great enough to
warrant mandatory testing. Moreover, he adds, companies are liable for the health risks of GM foods under the safety provisions of the Federal
Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.


Being from the South, I would always brag to my friends that we produce the best olive oil up there, and now I have proof to back my claims 😀!
Bustan El Zeitoun, an olive oil from the town of Abra has clinched three gold medals this year at the renowned “NYIOOC” World Olive Oil Quality Competition 2023 held in New York, USA; the esteemed “EVOOLEUM” competition 2023 in Cordoba, Spain, which showcases the finest 100 extra-virgin olive oils in the world; and the prestigious “Olive Japan International Extra-Virgin Olive Oil Competition” 2023 in Tokyo.
This is not the first year “Bustan El Zeitoun” has been recognized. In fact, this is its fourth gold medal at the NYIOOC ceremony, and the Lebanese brand with a score of 91/100 has earned its place in the EVOOLEUM 2024 guide published by Spain’s Mercacei magazine, which specializes in olive tree farming and the olive oil industry at global scale.
These recognitions have once again put Lebanon among the world’s top producers of extra-virgin olive and solidified its position among the top 100 players in the industry.
Nestled in Abra – Saida, a small town of Southern Lebanon, “Bustan El Zeitoun” breathes new life into a national industry that had long been in disarray. Drawing inspiration from the rich history, culture, and heritage of his hometown, Abra – Saida in Southern Lebanon, where olive trees have been preserved for generations, founder of “Bustan El Zeitoun”, Walid Mushantaf combined his will and passion to produce internationally award-winning extra virgin olive oil. What seemed like a distant fiction became reality through his commitment, knowledge, and respect for the environment and the land.
Spanning 500,000 square meters, their orchard boasts twelve Italian varieties alongside local cultivars. For more than a decade, “Bustan El Zeitoun” has adopted and embraced modern, sustainable, and eco-friendly farming techniques, thus combining best-in-class practices with global expertise to ensure the best care is given to their planted olive trees. These trees are specifically chosen, taking into consideration the soil and weather conditions of Lebanon in order to preserve the unique and harmonious taste and flavor that characterizes Lebanese olives and olive oil.
You can read more about Bustan el Zeitoun and check out their products [here].


Garden of Life Raw Organics Organic Ground Golden Flax Seed 14 oz Pouch
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Our premium Certified Organic Golden Flaxseed is grown for us in North Dakota on pristine and virgin soils. Our family farmers have been growing flax for generations. Our flax goes through a unique five-step cleaning process that gently filters all impurities, leaving behind only the purest, freshest, Certified Organic Golden Flaxseeds. To unlock their goodness, the flaxseeds need to be milled and thats where we really shineusing state-of-the-art, cold-milling methods that preserve all of the nutritional value without releasing the valuable oils which can cause the seeds to go rancid.
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1g of Omega-6 linoleic acid LA
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Cacti from Seeds - transplanting and growing tiny seedlings!
My friend, Ralph Peters of Albuquerque, has encouraged me to write a more general article about transplanting and growing tiny seedlings. I have had a discussion with him and Steven Brack over the years. This article is related to my last (long-winded) article on growing seedlings, starting with seeds; it is titled "Growing Cacti from Seeds". The pictures above are of seedlings some months after seeding. The theme is - I always learn something new when I do another seed sowing. Even after these almost 50 years of sowing cactus seeds, the new lesson is always profound.


Applewood Seed Company maintains a large inventory of wildflowers, native grasses, and other suitable species for the roadside environment. We are a primary supplier to many state and county roadside projects. Our well trained staff of horticulurists can assist you with questions you may have regarding species selection and roadside adaptability. All of our seed is tested by a Registered Seed Technologist so that you can be certain that you are planting high quality seed. Please contact us to discuss your particular needs or to answer any questions that you may have.


High-Grade Seed Grower
Scottish seed potatoes are considered as some of the best in the world. The industry here is highly specialised and at the forefront of innovation.
The cool, temperate climate, long summer day length and light sandy soils on the Moray coast mean low disease pressure and aphid activity.
OPG work together with many of the best farmers in the Scottish Highlands. Together we manage the crop rotations aiming for at least 10-year intervals between successive potato crops. In addition to low aphid levels, this synergy creates a safe haven from pathogens and diseases that affect other European seed regions.
Maris Peer is the most popular salad potato variety in the UK. The variety grows well in the Scottish Highlands with its white flesh and light, fresh flavour. We pack and supply Maris Peer nationally from early July through to late Autumn in both pre-pack and bulk aiming for the field to store in just 48 hours.
At OPG we adopt an integrated approach to growing and packing salad potatoes. It all starts with the seed. We select the most suitable stocks from OPG’s 4-5 year seed propagation system. This ensures that the salad crop gets off to the best possible start.
We work closely with our sister company Nessgro Ltd, using state of the art hydro-cooling and sorting technology. This optimises packhouse process time and guarantees freshness on every plate.
Organic Table/Ware Potatoes
The humble potato has been a staple part of the British diet for many centuries. As organic potatoes are grown without artificial fertilisers and pesticides, they’re often perceived to be more simplistic; However organic potato production is arguably more complex, as farmers are required to take a holistic view of their farm management and come up with long-term solutions in order to sustainably produce successful crops.
This is achieved through long-crop rotations and investment in high-tech plant and equipment. For example infrared guided weeding machines designed specifically for organic applications have proven at OPG, to be very effective also in conventional crops.
Variety selection is also a key component for successful production and storage. Together with our customers, we select the varieties that are best suited to our soils, our weather and organic conditions. We currently grow Lady Balfour & Valor organic table potatoes.
OPG has been farming in the Scottish Highland since 2001, growing a mix of seed, packing and organic ware potatoes. The business currently farms over 200 hectares on the Moray Coast Learn More
Our small dedicated team of highly skilled potato heads are dedicated to ensuring that our potatoes achieve unrivalled taste and freshness in every bag. Learn More


The fungus Septoria lycopersici causes a Septoria leaf spot, affecting tomato plants’ foliage. The fungus infects the leaves through natural openings or wounds. It causes small, circular, brown spots with gray centers to form on the foliage. The spots may enlarge and eventually cause the entire leaf to wilt and die.
The disease can spread rapidly from plant to plant, significantly reducing yield and fruit quality. It is important to monitor your tomato plants regularly and take prompt action if you notice any disease symptoms. Early detection and treatment can help reduce the disease’s spread and prevent severe crop losses.
Septoria Leaf Spot Management in Tomato
The Causal Organism of Septoria Leaf Spot
Septoria lycopersici is the pathogen responsible for causing the Septoria leaf spot in tomato plants. The fungus thrives in moist conditions, so periods of high rainfall or overhead irrigation can increase the risk of infection. The fungus can also persist in plant debris and soil, making it important to practice good crop rotation and to remove and dispose of infected plant material to reduce the risk of future infections.
The Disease Cycle of Septoria Leaf Spot
- The disease cycle of the Septoria leaf spot starts when fungal fragments (conidia) are deposited onto and penetrate the leaves of tomato plants.
- The fungus can rapidly develop and spread when favorable environmental conditions, with abundant moisture and moderate temperatures.
- The pathogen can be dispersed through various means, including equipment, plant stakes, contaminated seed, insects, and workers. Rain splash and overhead irrigation can also contribute to the spread of the disease by spreading fungal fragments from one plant to another.
- The fungus can survive between tomato crops in infected plant debris, on solanaceous weeds, or on contaminated seeds, making it important to practice good crop rotation and to remove and dispose of infected plant material to reduce the risk of future infections.
Causes/conditions Favorable for Septoria Leaf Spot Disease Spread in the Field
- High humidity and warm temperatures can create ideal conditions for developing and spreading Septoria leaf spots caused by the fungus Septoria lycopersici.
- The fungus can overwinter on infected plant debris or nearby weed hosts. It can be spread by rain splash, wind, or contact with infected foliage.
- Overhead irrigation can also contribute to the spread of the disease by keeping the foliage moist, which provides a suitable environment for the fungus to thrive.
- By reducing the amount of overhead irrigation and removing and destroying infected plant debris, you can help to reduce the risk of the Septoria leaf spot and minimize its impact on your tomato crops.
Symptoms of Septoria Leaf Spot Disease
- The symptoms typically start as small brown spots, dark margins, and tan to gray centers on the lower leaves, which can quickly spread and cause defoliation of the plant.
- These spots are often dotted with black fungal fruiting bodies (pycnidia) and may be surrounded by a slight yellow halo. Stem, petiole, and calyx lesions are generally smaller and may or may not contain pycnidia.
- If the disease is severe, it can cause the leaves to turn yellow, brown, and wither, reducing yield and fruit quality.
- Fruit can also become sunscalded if the disease severely damages the foliage. To minim


Native Seed Collection Workshop -- Backyard Nature Series (Succop)
Volunteer to seed the future of our native plant nursery! Learn to harvest native seed while you help us to replenish our seed stocks. You’ll also add to your own seed collection! Participants will gain hands on experience collecting, cleaning, and sowing a variety of native plant seed during this free program.
These programs are offered for free thanks to underwriting from the Fox Chapel Garden Club. Certified Backyard Habitat participants—taking these programs will help you to earn your certification!


In 1919 when the Gardens at Exbury were first laid out by Lionel de Rothschild it very soon became apparent that although the pH of the soil was very favourable for the cultivation of Rhododedrons the climate was far from perfect and for this we have to thank the Isle Of Wight. Being on the very edge of the New Forest and being virtually at sea level the Island casts a rain shadow and creates a phenomena known locally as the 'Exbury Bowl'. As a consequence any weather front approaching from the south or west is deflected and it may rain as close as by Brockenhurst, Lymington and Lyndhurst and yet bypass us completely.
Lionel overcame this problem by building an enormous water tower which holds 50,000ltrs and he also laid over 20 miles of pipe in order to irrigate his precious plants. The network of pipes is still very much in use but the water tower has been superseded by a borehole. Rhododendrons come from some of the wettest places on earth, (some experience up to 2m of rainfall a year), and they rely on summer moisture to set their buds for the following springs display and also reducing the chance of problems caused by stress. Because of this our team at Exbury spend most of the summer irrigating our prize collection in order to ensure a repeat of the fantastic spring show we had this year.
Spring feels like a distant memory as temperatures this week have soared above 30 degrees. This may be difficult for the gardens team but many of the plants in the herbaceous border come from the drier, sunnier parts of the world feel very much at home. This is currently reflected in the fabulous show of Knifophia, Hemerocallis, Astrantias and Achillea. With the help of our volunteers deadheading, staking and weeding the borders will continue to improve until their zenith in a month or so's time.
Although the majority of Rhododendrons flower in the months of April and May there are a few notable exceptions. Exbury with its long and proud tradition of Rhododendron breeding has spent a great deal of time and effort trying to increase the flowering season. This has been achieved using several wonderful late flowering species as parents, this often meant storing the pollen over an extended period of time which was no mean feat the best part of 100 years ago! Some of these fine hybrids are still to be found though out the gardens and help to punctuate the various midsummer shades of green. One of the main parents of these late hybrids is the magnificent form of Diaprepes known as 'Gargantua' that grows throughout the garden. It is one of the parents of both 'Isabella' and 'Bustard' which both have the gentle perfume, large upright habit and huge trusses of white blooms of its parent. At the other end of the scale the satin like textures of the dusky red flowers of 'Impi' make a welcome sight. Being much smaller in stature 'Impi' makes a ideal garden plant even in the smallest of gardens.
It was Lionel's ambition to grow every single rhododendron species in the garden at Exbury and to include the alpine species he embarked on the building of the Rock garden. It was the last bit of the gardens to be laid out and was never completely finished due to the outbreak of WW2 and the subsequent sudden death of Lionel. As in many other gardens Lionel found that the shady conditions that suit the larger rhododendron species didn't apply to the smaller alpine species due to the vast range of habitats they enjoy in the wild, (often at high altitude), some creative thinking was needed. A cold dry montaine environment and a blanket of winter snow is hard to achieve in the New Forest and as a result many plants have died over the years. After several incarnations we now grow a mixture of sun loving plants from across the world including Grevillea, Leptospermum, Cistus as well as ericaceous plants such as Gaultheria and many others from the southern hemisphere which enjoy the sandy soil and dry aspect such as Callistemon. Lionel commissioned Edward Balls, a famous alpine plant collector to design the Rockery, incidentally it is over 2 acres in size making it the largest man made rock garden in Europe.


Last weekend, we went to Johnny’s house. That place is a little garden Eden. The little orange painted house that he built himself is surrounded by 14 different kinds of fruit trees. A bit further, he has an organic vegetable garden, where we were happy to eat freshly picked kale and carrots. Alva was fascinated with the goats, the horse and the chickens. For me, the most impressive thing about this place was the huge ficus tree that is watching over johnny’s piece of land. It’s one of the biggest trees i have seen in my life.
Here are a few photos of our visit.


Monday, June 6, 2016
Natural Remedies To Fight Mosquitoes
Summer is here bringing the sun and fun activities along with it. It's the time to be outside and enjoy what we love to do like go to the beach, garden, etc. It’s what we have been waiting for! The problem is that is that summer brings not only wonderful activities, but it also brings something that we hate... “mosquitoes.
Plants to Mention
I’d like to name a few plants that you can have in your garden to add beauty while simultaneously repelling mosquitoes. If you plant this in your garden, their aroma will do the job
Citrosa has an attractive foliage and is a mosquito fighter with a lemony scent.
Lemon balm releases a soothing smell caused by high levels of citronellal which gives it its citrusy odor and flavor that repels mosquitoes.
Lantana, also called white - sage, grows in any soil. It is a perennial flowering plant in the verbena family
The lime basil is a culinary herb and a medicinal plant as well. It is very effective as an organic mosquito repellent.
Stone root is from the mint family with a noticeable smell of lemon that drives mosquitoes away. It can easily grows in most soil conditions.
A recipe for dried or fresh herbs to use as a repellent against mosquitoes:at http://ezinearticles.com/expert/Eunilda_Carpio/2269977


Sustainable Cottenham talks with Sue Arnold and Cecilia Tredget, founders of the Cottenham Community Allotment. The story from waste ground to profusion of crops in 4 months.
SC – Hello, it’s so exciting to hear about this inclusive and sustainable project! How did the idea of the community allotment come about?
Sue – Last year in lockdown, I had an allotment for the first time with some friends. There was a plot close to ours which was unused and had been for several years. I was eyeing it up and had the idea I’d like to start a community allotment. For a long time, I didn’t do much about it, then in a chance conversation with Cecilia, I mentioned it, and she said straight away she’d be up for it and we started to formulate a plan to make it happen. We envisioned it as a positive legacy from COVID ’19, not least because, although we only live a few doors apart, Cecilia and I had only met through doing the COVID volunteering group.
Cecilia – Co-incidentally the Baptist Church minister was also thinking on the same lines and also approached the Cottenham Charities who manage the allotments on Rampton Road. They set up a meeting and as they say the rest is history! The aims of the community allotment are that it is both a place to grow fruit, vegetables and other plants, and a place where people in Cottenham can connect with each other through these activities. It has been created to enable those in need of support to meet others over the shared activity of growing and harvesting. It is designed to be a place that serves the community and encourages positive wellbeing for all ages. It will provide produce for those who need it, and a space for groups and individuals of all ages to learn and try their hand at growing and nurturing plants and vegetables.
SC – How does it all work and how many people are part of the allotment?
Sue – We’ve been finding our way with all of the practicalities. Soon after we started trying to make the dream a reality, we discovered that Kate, from the Baptist Church, had also had a similar idea. We managed to link up and asked for the plot I’d been eyeing up together and have since been working it as a group.
Cecilia – The group has a small management committee of 5 people who meet regularly and a small group of regular volunteers. We also have a wider group of volunteers we know we can call upon for big work parties. We have allotment volunteering sessions, usually two weekends per month.
Sue – A big next step for us is working out how to get more people involved and reaching out to the wider community, especially making it available to people who might not otherwise have access to growing produce or who would welcome the opportunity to meet others and experience the pleasure of working the soil and meeting others.
We have had a number of people make donations too, which has been amazing. Everything from tools, potting bench, water butts to plants and seeds. The shelter and the raised beds were all built by local talent and created using largely upcycled materials.
SC – What work did you have to do to the land before you could start growing?
Sue – The land was completely overgrown and the plot had not been worked for 3-4 years. That led to our biggest, most amazing volunteer weekend. 2 days, 12 people, lots of spades, forks and sheer hard graft got the plot cleared.
Cecilia – In March 2021 we had a big working party from across the village who helped clear the very overgrown plot. Fortunately some of the volunteers are very handy and built some amazing planters with upcycled timber and wooden pallets from Travis Perkins. One of the biggest jobs was building a lovely wooden shelter with seating to provide shade and shelter from the rain.
SC – What kind of produce have you managed to grow so far?
Sue – We have had an amazing summer. Potatoes, onions courgettes, cucumbers, tomatoes, beans, chard, rhubarb have already all cropped profusely and continue to do
Cecilia – We have also grown black eyed beans successfully, one of the volunteers used to grow them in Sudan when she was growing up.
SC – Were there any big obstacles to overcome?
Cecilia – Distributing all the produce – we have had too many courgettes this year and they have been difficult to get rid of!
Sue – No big obstacles really, we have just had to put in the time and work hard – people have been wonderful with giving their time and energy, and it wouldn’t have happened without that.
Cecilia – We do have a very small plot and it is very cramped so we would like to expand if we can. We also need to grow our pool of volunteers and start to work with referral agencies to support people who are lonely or depressed and want to visit and enjoy the allotment.
SC – What have you enjoyed about the allotment most so far?
Cecilia – We have all found it very rewarding to share our love of growing things and starting a community project together to provide a place for people to meet. We have all made new friends in the village through the community allotment which has been great and fun too!
Sue – The volunteer weekends have been fantastic, a place to meet others, get stuck into the work and watch the transformation of a barren piece of land into a fertile area growing an abundance of produce. I arrived back from holiday on Sunday and cooked a meal for 5 from scratch with produce from the allotment and garden where every single element was home grown – what’s not to like?!
Seeing the plot take shape and the shelter and greenhouse come into use has been exciting. And my personal favourite? Watching the sun set on a warm summer evening after doing the watering – truly beautiful.
SC- How and who can get involved and is there any other information you would like to tell people about?
Cecilia – Anyone and everyone can get involved and they can find out more on our Facebook page ‘Cottenham Community Allotment’ (note, not Cottenham Allotment which is the FB group for the allotment holders) or email us at email@example.com
Sue – We’d like to reach out to more people who are perhaps on their own, or finding things tough and would feel the benefit of some company and the bonus of growing some crops too. We would welcome participation and would love to hear how people would like to be involved. There are volunteer weekends which is the first and most obvious way to get involved, which are all published via our Facebook page, and the Cottenham newsletter.
We have an exciting project underway to make a short video about the allotment. Ellie, a young local entrepreneur who has set up her own video production company has volunteered to make a video for us. Watch this space.
We would also like to consider expanding the plot if it is possible and would love to have a “Junior Cottenham Community Allotment.”
There’s nothing more joyful and therapeutic than putting your hands in the soil, planting seeds and watching as things grow, and what’s more, it can happen, even in a pandemic. Who’s in?
SC – The project sounds like it is growing and thriving, just like your produce! We look forward to following the journey of the community allotment and the achievements it will continue to make.


For pests like wasps that might be eating the fruit off your fruit tree, the easiest trap I’ve seen is the one from The Complete Tightwad Gazette. Take a two liter plastic bottle, cut a banana peel into strips and drop them into the bottle. Add one cup vinegar and one cup sugar and swirl around to mix. Add water to two inches below the top. Tie a string around the neck of the bottle and tie the string to your fruit tree. The pests will be drawn to the fermenting banana, fall into the bottle and die.
Bees won’t be attracted to this because of the vinegar. If you have bees you don’t want, please call your local county extension to find a beekeeper that will take pollinator bees away. Meanwhile, to keep them away from your yard or deck, try spraying the area liberally with diluted blue Dawn detergent. Put about an inch in the bottom of the spray bottle and then fill it up with water.
Marie Brack is the author of Frugal Living for the 21st Century: Adventures in Using Your Money Wisely. It’s available on Amazon.com in both Kindle and paperback versions.


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|Material||Picture||Price Per Yard or bag|
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|Pea Stone||$46.00 per yard|
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Department of Agricultural Biology offers this compulsory course for students following BSc Agriculture Resource Management and Technology and BSc Agri-Business Management.
To provide students with a basic understanding of
■ principles and methods in plant taxonomy
■ botany of tropical crops
■ developmental morphology of agricultural plants
■ common weeds identification and their control methods
To familiar the students with the common laboratory techniques related to Crop Botany and Weed Science.
- Course Coordinator: Prof. (Mrs.) Nilanthi Dahanayake


Our company, ŞİTOĞLU, having started the production thereof in Malatya province in 1996 in a small area of 200 square meters, currently continues the production activities thereof with approximately 120 employees and in an area of 20,000 square meters, 9,000 square meters of which is covered area. Our company is the only company in Turkey which has made its investments only on the field of molasses. ŞİTOĞLU has gained a significant place both in the national and international markets currently by producing 100% natural products such as mulberry, grape, apricot, carob and date molasses in addition to broadening its range of products by producing pomegranate syrup, tahini and soy sauce, jam varieties as well as halva varieties. ŞİTOĞLU has become a pioneer in sales of mulberry molasses on shelves of national and local supermarkets in our day which was sold in local markets before ŞİTOĞLU has started production in 1996.
Our company, having the largest syrup production factory of Turkey in which production is performed through usage of the state of the art technology currently has a production and marketing capacity of 50 tonnes per day. Our company, which has commenced its production process first by producing mulberry molasses, subsequently has added carob molasses, apricot molasses, grape molasses, date molasses, tahini, pomegranate syrup sauce, soy sauce, jam group consisting of 10 jam varieties and halva to its product range and offers products in line with Turkey's traditional taste. Our company aims to further develop its product range.
Inasmuch as our product range covers traditional products, our production is mainly is based on manpower; however packing of molasses, jams, tahini, halvah and sauce groups are currently made via production untouched by human hands using the latest technology in our plants.


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3. The shipping fee will be auto-added in the grand total when you send payment.


Posted by Mr. N. Krishnan on April 19, 2002 at 07:38:35:
SIF Gram Mills Pvt. Ltd. is the leading manufacturers of agro based products. The product range includes fried grams, roasted peas, salted grams, puffed rice, gram flour, wheat flour, rice flour, puttu rice, etc.
The company is also a leading dealer of rice flakes, corn flakes, vermicelli and noodles, basmati rice, maida, etc.
Post a Followup


Sunny Pine Farm
Interested in experiencing farm life on a goat dairy? Would you like to be able to spend some time in our beautiful Methow Valley? WWOOF is an educational and cultural exchange program. WWOOFing is a way to learn practical farming skills, be part of the organic agriculture movement, and experience the heart of American agrarian culture. Visitors, or ‘WWOOFers’, spend about half of each day helping out on a host farm, learn about organic farming and sustainable agriculture, and receive room and board during their visit – with no money exchanged between hosts and WWOOFers.
To apply to be a WWOOFer and to learn more about we offer, please go to : https://wwoofusa.org/farm/sunny-pine-farm/
Sunny Pine is always open to receiving applications for employement. Summer is our busiest time of year, and are always lookinf for extra farm hands and cheesemakers. Below is a list of employment opportunities. If interested, please email us your resume and cover letter to email@example.com
1. Full time farm manager


Low Pressure Water Nozzles And Drip Irrigation Systems
Keeping lawns and home gardens healthy requires a lot of hard work on the part of the homeowner. Among the chief responsibilities when tending to lawns and gardens is the watering of all that grows in their yards. Where a great deal of homeowners meet difficulty is not in the actual watering of their lawns and gardens but rather in making sure that their lawns and gardens receive exactly the amount of water they need. Too much water as well as too little almost always spells doom for plants and lawns.
The aforementioned problem has led many homeowners to turn to low-pressure water nozzles. While there are many different types of low-pressure water nozzles available for purchase all of them seek to do the same thing. These nozzles provide plants and lawns with only the right amount of water. Lawns and any plants around the home, which require a large amount of water, will receive it and those that require very little, will receive it as well. These nozzles prevent homeowners from overwatering their foliage.
Low-pressure water nozzles also assist homeowners with something that they consider to be an annoyance. Water overflow can be a real problem when homeowners water their lawns and plants by hand or utilize outdated or broken sprinkler systems. Runoff can happen as a result of over watering and can cause many problems such as: it can ruin decks, porches, flooring, and even portions of a home if the problem is left unattended for a long period of time. Plus, the city will issue warnings and eventually fines if this is not taken care of in a timely manner. Once low-pressure water nozzles have been installed, homeowners needn't worry about water overflow. In addition to utilizing low-pressure water nozzles to ensure proper watering, many homeowners go a step further and install some sort of drip irrigation system into their gardens. Drip irrigation is an excellent way to save on water and fertilizer costs as the systems allow water to drip slowly to the roots of plants. This can be achieved by either dripping directly onto the roots of the plants or onto the soil surface just above the root. Regardless of what system a homeowner selects, a drip irrigation systems will save them plenty of money and will help make their plants healthier than without it.
Homeowners are always looking for ways to keep their gardens and their lawns looking crisp and healthy. They also often look for ways to achieve such goals without having to invest additional time into their gardens and lawns. Utilizing low-pressure nozzles and drip irrigation systems are excellent ways to meet both the needs of a homeowner and their gardens. Any homeowners interested in these things should of course contact a professional so as to ensure that they purchase the right systems for their gardens and their lawns.
Click Here to Start Your Search For a Pre-Screened & Pre-Approved San Diego Landscaping Specialists


To pop popcorn on a range top you will need a 3 to 4 quart pan with a loose fitting lid to allow some steam to escape. Heat 1/3 cup of oil (canola, grape seed, or non-virgin olive oil) to 400 degrees. Add a cup of popcorn and cover. Shake to evenly spread, and continue shaking when the popcorn begins to pop. When the popping is almost complete remove the pan from the stove top. The heated oil will still pop the remaining kernels. When complete uncover and salt to taste (don’t add before popped as it will make the corn tough). Enjoy plain, or season with olive oil, butter, salt or your favorite seasoning.
There are many commercial poppers on the market, but our favorites are the Stir CrazyTM, or the Whirley PopTM popcorn poppers.
We grow two varieties of popcorn on our farm, both are non GMO. Bur Oaks Red is a red kernel popcorn that pops snow white and is very tender. Bur Oaks White is also a very delicate tender corn.
All of our corn is grown, stored, cleaned and processed on our farm in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Most producers fumigate their corn to prevent grain moths from infesting the corn. We choose instead to freeze our corn to eliminate insects. Because we do not use an insecticide grain moths can return so we recommend keeping g your corn in your freezer or refrigerator in an airtight container so your corn does not dry out. Popcorn needs to have 13.5% humidity to fully pop.
If you prefer your popcorn already popped our corn can be purchased at: www.popdaddypopcorn.com


With Sustainably Yours Multi-Cat litter, you don’t have to sacrifice clumpability and odor control when you decide to go clay-free! The secret is our special blend of corn and cassava, two natural, renewable and biodegradable crops.
The Multi-Cat PLUS litter blend goes through an extra processing step for performance that’s unsurpassed. Plus, we add more cassava for improved clumping and odor control – a must for litter boxes that are frequently used.
Multi-Cat or Multi-Cat PLUS
13 lb or 26 lb bags.
Ingredients: Corn, Cassava.


Organize Your Brown Thumb into a Green One
By Professional Organizer Lea Schneider, CEO of OrganizeRightNow.com
If you’ve ever felt that your plants die, while the neighbor’s look glorious, then this article is meant for you. That seriously brown thumb you’ve got can easily be organized into a green one.
As a former gardening professional, I know that one of the best ways to begin gardening is with porch pots- or container gardening. With a container, you control the situation from the get-go. You don’t have to “fix” the soil, worry about weeds and guess at watering.
Believe it or not, this all has to do with being organized. Gardening has some exact steps to follow that make you successful. Think of it as a checklist to a green thumb.
Choose Your Location
Where will you set those pots? That is the single most important thing to know. Some plants like hot sun. Others like shade. You need to know exactly where your pot will sit to choose the right plants. Look at that area a couple of times on a sunny day. Is it sunny in the morning but then goes shady? Is it sunny all day? Is it sunny only in the afternoon? Or perhaps, it is under a porch and in the deep shade all the time? You need to know this before you head to the nursery.
Choose Your Container
Most of the time, when people don’t have success growing things in pots, they have chosen a small pot. A small pot won’t hold enough moisture and the plant will dry out quickly. It also won’t allow enough room for roots to grow. Choose a pot that is at least 14-inches in diameter or larger. It can be made of light weight foam, clay or pottery as long as it has a drain hole. If you buy the foam kind, you can easily make your own drain hole with a drill or hammer and nail. Make your drain hole at least 1-inch across- or make several smaller ones.
Get Quality Soil
A good bag of potting soil costs a bit more but is well worth it. You are paying for the nutrition. If you buy cheap soil, use top soil, use old soil from last year or dirt from the yard, you deserve the brown thumb you will get. Either buy homemade potting soil from a local nursery or buy a bag of brand-name soil. (The voice of experience is telling you cheap dirt doesn’t work!) If your pots are going to be in the afternoon sun or all day sun, then buy a bag of potting soil that says “moisture control” because it will help hold water on the roots.
Close the Gap
Place a piece of broken pottery, crushed aluminum cans or Styrofoam pieces in the bottom of your pot. The water can still drain out but it helps keep the soil from draining out. Top with your bag of potting soil- but just fill it up to about 6-8 inches from the top so you have room to set in your plants.
At a local nursery, you’ll find lots of advice on which plants to choose. If you shop at a big-box store, it is harder to find help so be sure to read the tags. Here are some basic guidelines:
- All day shade: Buy plants marked shade or low light
- Morning sun but afternoon shade: Buy plants that say shade or partial sun.
- Afternoon sun or all-day sun: Buy plants that say sun or hot-sun.
Place plants in the pot, add soil between gaps. Only fill up your pot to about two-inches from the edge. You don’t want the soil to wash over the sides when you water. Only lightly push the soil around the plants. Don’t pack it down hard. Plants need air too.
Water and Feed
Add some time-release fertilizer. I am a big fan of Osmocote, because I add it when I plant, according to package directions, and then just once again in the middle of the summer. Help remember by writing a note on your calendar.
Water well. I recommend you water, wait a few minutes and water again so that you know the water has washed all the way through the pot. As summer progresses, be sure to water the soil- not the blooms. A water-breaker on the end of the hose will help disperse the water so you don’t wash it off the roots or “dig” a hole with the running water. Stick your hose into the pot and hit the dirt. If you water the blooms, you’ll knock off your pretty flowers. Try to have a routine for watering. The hotter or windier it gets, the more water they need. Usually, you will move from watering two to three times a week to daily in the heat of the summer. Find a routine such as each day when you come in from work or in the morning when you put on your coffee.
Other than watering, you’ve not much too do but enjoy. Do deadhead when you water. Deadhead means to pick off the dead blooms. First of all, they look ugly, but removing them encourages your plant to make more blooms. Don’t be afraid to cut things back. If in the later summer, the plants look heavy and are dragging downward and blooming less, they are just two heavy. Get some scissors and cut each plant back half way. Water well and in 10-days to 2-weeks, they will be beautiful again.
Happy Organized Gardening!


One thing we know for sure. Fine wines owe nothing to chance. They come to life in places where the balance of climate and geological factors is perfect.
Our soils benefit from the favourable conditions exhibited in the Sauternais region.
They are mainly composed of large pebbles, which help to absorb and retain heat on the surface. The lower layers are made up of clay, a highly porous substance that ensures the vines are fed a balanced supply of water.
The soil at each of our estates, of varying sizes, is rich and diverse, giving each wine its complexity and individual character.
Our grape variety selection is classic:
The vines demand constant attention and tending to them involves numerous operations all year round. In Sauternes, most of these are still done by hand. Rigorous practices that require a deft and precise touch.
Today, several parcels of our vines are a hundred years old. These ancient Sémillon vines which continue to produce their sweet nectar after all these years receive our greatest care and attention.
At the end of their life, these vines will be pulled out of the soil and replaced by carefully selected young plants. A traditional practice called complantation. Each vine stock will have to yield at least five excellent years to produce a grape that meets our exacting standards.


THE IMPORTANCE OF PROCESSES
During the ripening phase, called veraison, olives change color several times: from green to yellow, to reddish, to purple, to brown, to black. Each variety has an optimal degree of maturation; extraction during this stage best enhances the oil’s sensory characteristics and achieves the best fragrance and flavor.
Like wine and other natural products, a number of factors can affect an oil’s characteristics from year to year.
For example, the amount of rain that the olive trees may be exposed to during the season can cause significant variations in the bitterness of the resulting oil.
During some critical times of the year, you can notice a number of differences in flavor. In September, for example, all oils are 1 year old; however, within a few days the new oils are produced, and as bottles are filled within a short period of time, the difference between an oil from the previous year and a freshly pressed one can be obvious. Monini strives to minimize these differences by leaving oils with a more intense flavor for the end of the season, and choosing the more delicate ones for the beginning.


Agri-Textile Market Size, Share and Trends Analysis Report by Type, by Material, by End-Use, by Application, by Region and Segment Forecast, 2022
Agricultural Textile Market Size, Share & Trend Analysis Report By Type (Woven, Knitted), By Material (Synthetic, Natural), By End Use (Fishing Nets, Shade Nets), By Application (Agriculture, Aquaculture), by Region and Sector Forecast, 2022 – 2030
New York, Sept. 13, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report “Agro Textile Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Type, By Material, By End-use, By Application, By Region And Forecast segment, 2022 – 2030″ – https://www.reportlinker.com/p06318472/?utm_source=GNW
Growth and trends in the agro-textile market
The global agro-textile market size is expected to reach USD 6.98 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 4.7% during the forecast period. The demand for products is expected to experience significant growth due to the growing need to increase agricultural productivity to meet the daily demands of a growing population. Growing consumer health awareness has contributed significantly to the growing demand for organic products. Growing consumer preference for natural products has led to an increase in demand for organic raw materials used to manufacture sustainable clothing and all-natural personal hygiene products, such as soaps.
An increase in demand for organic foods has also contributed to the adoption of processes and technologies that improve crop yields without the application of supplements. This leads to an increase in the use of materials, such as agro-textiles, across the world.
Agro-textiles play a major role in various applications in agro-industries, such as horticulture, agriculture, animal husbandry and aquaculture, in the form of protection, storage and growth promotion.Some products help with protection from sunlight in the form of shade netting by controlling the amount of sunlight and mulch mats that help block sunlight to reduce weed growth.
Products, such as anti-hail nets and windshields, help protect crops from damage caused by climatic factors.
The global industry is characterized by the presence of several large-scale manufacturers catering to global demand. Demand for the produce is high in developing economies, especially India and China, due to the integration of environmental factors into farming practices, such as restrictions on the use of pesticides. , which helped to maintain the quality of the land.
Freudenberg Performance Materials, Garware Technical Fibers and Tencate Industrial Fabrics, with their brands such as Tencate Toptex and Tencate Nicolon, are key players developing products to increase agricultural yields and protect products.
Highlights of the Agricultural Textiles Market Report
• Rising demand for synthetic fibers is likely to drive the growth of the segment at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. Growing demand for polyethylene (PE) in APAC region owing to its use in consumer products is expected to fuel the growth of the polyolefin textile market in the region
• Strong demand for packaged goods in APAC due to ease of use and cost effectiveness is expected to drive growth in coming years
• Nonwoven type segment is expected to hold the highest revenue share by 2030 owing to the continuous development of technology to manufacture nonwoven fabrics, such as spinning and needling
• The end-use segment of fishing nets led the industry in 2021 owing to the increasing use of aquatic life in various industries, such as nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics, as well as consumer growing seafood
• Major players are undertaking merger and collaboration activities to expand their reach and increase their production capacity, thereby enhancing their market share
• In addition, leading suppliers are focusing on R&D activities to reduce operational costs; maximize production and storage efficiency and improve product quality to maintain their position in the industry
Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p06318472/?utm_source=GNW
ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need – instantly, in one place.
CONTACT: Clare: [email protected] US: (339)-368-6001 Intl: +1 339-368-6001


Description of Bianca grape variety
There are many varieties of white grapes. Each has a different ripening period, characteristics and purpose of application. Grapes Bianca - a technical variety that is used to make wines. It ripens early and bears fruit well.
Description of Bianca grape variety
The Bianca variety is used to make white table and fortified wines. Due to its raw material properties, it is also used for the production of cognac.
Bianca grapes have unique organoleptic qualities, a mild flavor and aroma of almonds. From squeeze also prepare grappa - grape vodka.
The bushes are medium sized. Leaves have a smooth surface of dark green color. Shoots grow actively, each has 2-3 inflorescences.
Plants planted with the help of cuttings take root well and yield a crop already in the third year. The brushes have a cylindrical shape, weight - 100-150 g.
The berries are small, round. The weight of each does not exceed 2 g. The color of the fruit is yellowish with a green tint.
The pulp is juicy, with a rich taste. The amount of sugar is 28%, so the berries are used to produce sweet and semi-sweet wine. Ripened fruits have an acidity of 7%, alcoholicity - 14%. The taste is felt floral or honey notes.
The Bianca variety grows well in any locality, it is only important to fertilize the soil. If it is clay, the vine is securely fixed.
If the soil has a high acidity, it is bred with lime. For wine species, light and heat are important, so it is best to plant them on the south side. The larger the slope, the better.
The optimal period for planting seedlings of Bianca grapes is the first half of October. It is important to consider the local climate. Seedlings are planted before the start of frost, the soil should not be too wet.
Description of the rules for planting seedlings:
- The depth of the pit is 50-55 cm. This is important for protecting the roots in winter.
- Cuttings are planted in thick rows. The distance between the seedlings should be 50-60 cm, between the rows - 2-3 m.
- In the southern region, plants take root in late March. In the north - in late April or early May. The air temperature should not be lower than 12 ° C, and the earth - 8 ° C-10 ° C.
The plant needs to be pruned regularly
To increase resistance to frost, the upper roots of plants are pruned. This is important because they are poorly protected and suffer from frost in winter. This affects the condition of the whole plant. Above the surface of the earth should be no more than 5 cm root.
Also, the vine is pruned. On one shoot leave 3 eyes. Due to this, the branches are not overloaded, the yield increases.
Bianca must be fertilized every year. Fertilizer is introduced in the spring before the shoots begin to bloom. Use 200 g of superphosphate and 100 g of ammonium sulfate per plant. Phosphorus is important for the formation of inflorescences and ripening of fruits. There are 2 methods of fertilizing.
Description of fertilizer application rules:
- between the rows make ditches 40 cm deep, add fertilizer to them and fill it with soil;
- at a distance of 40 cm from the seedlings, dig holes, throw fertilizer into them and sprinkle with earth.
At the end of June, fertilizer is introduced with nitrogen or nitrophos. In early August, fertilize with potassium in the form of foliar top dressing.
For top dressing take:
- copper - 1.5 g;
- sugar - 3 tbsp. l .;
- boron - 1 g;
- ash - 1 l.
The ingredients are mixed in 10 l of water and poured under the root of the plant. Potassium fertilizers are added in the same way. This contributes to the synthesis of sugar, which is important for wine grapes.
Grapes give a good harvest with medium soil moisture. In hot weather, it is important to water it often.
You can dig small holes near the bushes and pour water into them. On a large plot, it is more convenient to dig a trench and moisten the bushes through it. To keep moisture longer, the earth around the plants is loosened.
Diseases and Pests
Bianca resists many diseases, but sometimes suffers from alternariosis.
The variety also resists phylloxera. This is an insect that harms the foliage of grapes. Due to the high sugar content, wasps and birds love berries.
A disease can ruin an entire crop
Alternariosis is a fungal disease that significantly reduces the amount of yield and can kill a plant if not treated.
Brown spots with a purple border appear on the leaves. Gradually they increase. It is better to deal with this disease by chemical methods. Effective processing of bushes Bordeaux mixture.
Description of the rules for preparing the mixture:
- lime and copper sulfate are bred in different dishes;
- lime is well mixed with water and filtered;
- the solution of vitriol is filtered and little by little combined with lime.
Bushes are treated 5-6 times a season. Berries are eaten no earlier than 20 days after processing. Also use drugs "Trichodermin", "Quadrice", "Rapid Gold" and "Skor".
To protect the bushes from wasps, dishes are placed between the rows with poison and sugar. This serves as a bait. Insect nests are also burned, but this is an ineffective method because it is difficult to find all the hives.
To protect the crop from birds, use firecrackers, ribbons and set scarecrows, but these are temporary and not effective methods of struggle. The best option is to use a mosquito net or any other network with small holes.
Alternariosis can actually be avoided if the organic remains of grapes are removed on time and proper agricultural practices are followed. Preventive spraying with Bordeaux mixture is useful.
It is important to apply mineral fertilizers on time: they increase immunity. Effective and the treatment of plants with fungicides.
The Bianca grape variety is considered a good technical species for growing. It has a pleasant sweet taste, gives a good harvest and is resistant to many diseases and temperature extremes.
This variety is used for the preparation of sweet and semi-sweet wines, as well as cognac. Sometimes it undergoes alternariosis, but the disease can actually be avoided, thanks to prevention.


1 Head Green Cabbage – Certified Organic – Windy Hollow Organics
6 Ears Bi-Color Sweet Corn – Organically Grown – Family Cow Farm
3 Red Tomatoes – Certified Organic – Green Valley Organics
1 Bag Yellow Wax Beans – Certified Organic – Countryside Organics
1 Bunch Fresh Yellow Onions – Certified Organic – Crystal Springs Organics
1 Head Cheddar Cauliflower – Certified Organic – Echo Valley Organics
1 Bunch Yellow Chard – Certified Organic – Maple Lawn Organics
This week I found out that corn is one of the most difficult crops to grow organically. I had no idea, but our corn sure was delicious.
And I have a random corn question…How do you eat your corn? Around the cob, or typewriter style? Eric and I have noticed that people from the South eat around the cob, but everyone from the Northeast eats down the cob. It’s kind of weird and fascinating!


As seen in The Davis Enterprise.
They found themselves in Bangladesh, Malawi and Kenya.
Taking their research skills overseas, three UC Davis grad students recently returned from villages across the globe. From dealing with soils thick with chemical pesticides to helping market strategies, the students’ work is part of three month-long projects under the Trellis Fund, an arm of UCD’s Horticulture Innovation Lab.
Trellis works on a smaller scale than the lab, selecting students to partner with organizations on the ground for a few months before traveling there for two-to-three-week projects. This year, 14 different students traveled to nine different countries.
Using grants from the U.S. Agency for International Development, each student receive $2,000 for their projects as well as paid travel costs.
After months of preparation, three students journeyed abroad to take a crack at agricultural problems in the developing world. These are their stories.
Bangladesh’s chemical inundation
Brittany Pierce, a plant pathology Ph.D. candidate, wakes up early in the morning at PRIDE’s headquarters and enjoys a breakfast of tropical mangoes and lychee.
By 9:30 a.m., she’s out the door and headed for the village where she’ll speak to half-a-dozen farmers each day as part of the information-gathering phase of her first stay in Jessore, Bangladesh.
Farmers across the region are struggling with a worm that attacks the shoot of their eggplants, a staple crop that comprises many traditional dishes. To combat the worms, farmers spray chemicals by the gallon, sometimes up to three times a day, Pierce observes.
When one chemical doesn’t work, the farmers return to the shopkeeper, purchasing additional chemicals to find one that works. The chemicals rank up in the fields, with three or five chemicals in use at any given time.
And while the chemicals work with some success, it’s hurting the people.
Increased rates of cancer, infertility in women and asthma in children are just some of the ailments found in the village.
“Most of the farmers won’t eat their own veggies because of the chemicals,” Pierce said. Instead, they opt to sell their crops at markets in the surrounding cities.
As a plant pathologist, it’s Pierce’s job to find non-chemical alternatives to help the Bangladeshi farmers. Eventually these will take the form of integrated pest management training, conducted for free by PRIDE, a small NGO in Bangladesh.
“We’re giving them information that’s not coming from a shop keeper that’s trying to sell them something,” Pierce said.
Worms attacking the eggplant weren’t the only problem Pierce ran into. Fungal rot that spread through flood irrigation techniques and moths that would take flight from dried crops only to infest newly planted plants also plagued the farmers.
To combat this, Pierce is developing three different trainings to teach the farmers how to keep viruses and pests at bay. Training becomes even more important when illiteracy and language barriers make it hard to farmers to get information on their crops.
Pierce returns to Bangladesh next week to get the training rolling. She brings her laptop to finish her thesis during her downtime.
Malawi’s eroding hillsides
When Deirdre Griffin left Davis, she found herself on a bicycle once again, pedaling through lush hillsides to get the farms on the outskirts of her host village.
Griffin, a soil biogeochemistry Master’s student, just topped off her third year with a trip to Kundi, Malawi.
Journeying through hilly terrain dotted with red brick homes and thatched roofs, Griffin individually introduced herself to each new farmer she met, according to local customs.
“Mudzuka bungee (Hi, how are you),” she’d say.
“Netsuke bungee (I am well),” the farmer would respond.
Working with the Kusamala Institute of Agriculture and Ecology, Griffin got her hands dirty, delving into her pool of soil science knowledge to help Malawin farmers with their maize and ground nut fields.
Facing erosion, salt build-up and weeds, lower crop yields aren’t just hard on wallets, they’re hard on stomachs.
“It’s challenging for people to think long-term when they need food in the short term,” Griffin said.
And while solutions like adding compost to enrich the fields may seem easy from a distance, when farmers have to travel 45 minutes by bike to get to their farms it can be a challenging addition to their farms, Griffin explained.
Working on curriculum offered by the Institute, Griffin suggested the use of contour lines in the fields that would add tall ridges to better direct the water. She also added input on water infiltration and soil stability lessons, Griffin said.
For Griffin, the two-week stay in Malawi was just the beginning of additional international work she hopes to do in the future.
“It was a good opportunity to get my foot in the door … a taste of what it could be like,” she said.
Working the Kenyan market
Chasing her down a red dirt road, the children cried out, “Mzungu! Mzungu!” to greet Belinda Richardson each time she road into the village.
“Mzungu,” which roughly translates to “European,” was a term of endearment in the village of Lowala, Kenya, where agricultural volunteers were met with a smile, Richardson recalled.
Richardson — an international agricultural development master’s student — spent her two-week stay working for DIG, a field school with centers across the African continent. With facets working in the fields as well as working to help empower women and provide healthy food for HIV positive individuals, the organization found that sometimes it’s hard to get all of the branches under one roof.
That’s where Richardson’s expertise came in.
“I think it was nice to have an outsider be able to look at the continuity of all these programs,” she said. Tasked with helping the field school develop itself more into a business school, Richardson worked to teach market skills to help DIG’s growers prosper.
“It’s not just about growing nutritious food for themselves, but also for selling,” Richardson said.
For example, if a grower has five beds of onions, they’re faced with an excess that they sell on the market. But what doesn’t sell on the market, ends up going to waste, Richardson explained. She worked with different farmers to plan out their crops so they could be more consistent with their buyers.
Yet with only a two-week stay, sometimes it’s hard to pack everything in. Trellis’ short timeline was a unique challenge to work with.
“It really keeps you on your toes,” Richardson said.
Yet when she remembers riding through the fields at sunset, the smell of the cooking fires and dust from the fields accompanying her commute on back of a motorcycle, she can’t help but wish she could go back.
Source: The Davis Enterprise.


Honda has applied its expertise to support people who need trustworthy tools to complete agricultural tasks. The Japanese manufacturer has engineered the selection of green and agricultural products , which make light work of gardening jobs. Both lawn mowers and brush cutters are on sale, and the variety available is suited to many different landscapes.
The UMK435 brush cutter is lightweight and compact, yet powerful. Meanwhile, the lawn mower line-up has a machine for small lawns and larger green spaces. The HRE330 has a cutting width of 13 inches and three different cutting-height stages. It is ideal for trimming small gardens neatly, while the HRJ216 uses a 5.5hp Honda engine and features 11 selectable cutting-height stages.
Every product is easy to use and built to last, while competitive prices guarantee superb value for money. Find your ideal Honda green and agricultural product online today by exploring the product listings found below. We have included specification information to help you make a decision, and more details are available when you contact Al-Futtaim Honda. Enquire with an adviser online, by phone or visit in person.
HF2417 - Ride On Mower
The HF2417 delivers supreme efficiency, comfort and easy starting.
HF2622 - Ride On Mower
The HF2622 is perfect for large lawns for a smooth operation.
HRJ216 - Lawn Mower
The HRJ216 is tough, durable and the ultimate time saver by getting the job done right –and quickly.
HHB25ET - Air blower
With its ultra-quiet Honda 4-stroke engine, the HHB25 makes the uncomfortable vibration and ear-piercing wail of the 2-stroke obsolete. You'll never go back!
HHH25D 60E - Hedge Trimmer
The HHH25D is the perfect tool for keeping your garden neat and tidy.
HHH25D 75E - Hedge Trimmer
The HHH25D has a unique inclinable engine that allows you to use it at any angle.
HHH25S 60E - Hedge Trimmer
The HHH25S Precision trimming is easy with the use of the four-way handles.
WJR 2525 - Sprayer
The WJR is lightweight and compact with a 25l tank.


Grassland responses to environmental change
As a post-doc in Dr. Sarah Hobbie's lab and as part of the Nutrient Network, I collaborated with researchers at the University of Minnesota, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory to examine how 10 years of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilization (in full factorial) have affected plant productivity and soil C storage across nine distinct temperate grasslands spanning the continental United States (see map). In a separate cross-continental study, we also assessed how nutrient supply interacts with grazing to affect leaf litter decomposition patterns.
Our research aims to improve predictions of ecosystem functioning in the face of interacting global changes (e.g., nutrient and C pollution and land use changes) and guide sustainable land management strategies. While elevated nutrient supply often enhances aboveground plant productivity, nutrient effects on belowground plant inputs and soil carbon sequestration are poorly understood -- especially in grasslands, which make up nearly a third of non-agricultural land world-wide and a third of terrestrial primary production!
In two complementary studies, we found that while nutrient fertilization stimulated aboveground plant productivity, belowground plant responses to fertilization were weaker, ranging from positive to negative across sites. Meanwhile, atmospheric N deposition was an important predictor of root allocation and root responses to fertilization (Keller et al. 2022). We similarly found variable nutrient effects on soil C and N pools, again ranging from positive to negative depending on the site. Soil C and N pool sizes varied by more than an order of magnitude across sites and were strongly positively related to aboveground plant biomass (but not root biomass or productivity, see figure). This work was published in Global Change Biology (Keller et al. 2021).
Our field data revealed a strong positive relationship between soil carbon pools and aboveground plant biomass (a) but not root production (b) across nine temperate grassland sites. Adapted from Keller et al. 2021 GCB.
Map of nine temperate grassland study sites where we are examining the effects of nutrient supply on plant and soil properties. Grasslands/herbaceous land cover from National Land Cover Database (2016) shown in green. Sites include: Bunchgrass, OR (BNCH), Cedar Creek LTER, MN (CDR), Cedar Point Biological Station, NE (CDPT), Kong LTER, KS (KZA), Lookout Ridge, OR (LOOK), Sevilleta LTER, NM (SEV), Shortgrass Steppe LTER, CO (SGS), Temple, TX (TMPL), and Trelease Prairie, IL (TREL).
Sevilleta LTER, New Mexico, USA (SEV) experimental field site. Photo credits: Chris Walter


Amy’s Farm in Ontario
Thursday, April 21st at 10:30 am
Boots, Roots and the Botany Scoop
Young Scientists will explore Life Science in the area of Botany, working in the garden and harvesting seasonal crops. We will be dissecting a flower to see God’s hand in creation and learn about what makes up a plant cell, the many important functions of the cell and make an edible plant cell. Includes a full guided tour with hands on activities of feeding the animals, visiting the petting zoo, milking a cow and grooming a horse.
The cost is $14 per student and $5 per adult.
Please RSVP with payment by April 12th to Bev Gibbon


FOOD & FUEL FOR THE 21ST CENTURY
To address the food and energy requirements of the world in an era when the availability of fossil fuel is decreasing, we need to address the significant challenges of more efficiently converting solar energy into food and fuels. Our challenge is to develop more efficient, sustainable and scalable processes for converting sunlight to food and fuel, without the use of fossil fuels.
FF21 facilitates interdisciplinary collaboration to tackle the significant research objectives regarding the use of photosynthetic organisms for enhanced food production and energy independence that cannot be addressed by any one discipline alone.
We are sorry to report the passing of marine biologist Mark Hildebrand, the leader of one of the United States’ top centers for algal biofuel research.
The world’s first flip-flop that is sustainable, biodegradable and invented by students at UC San Diego!


If you are ready to apply for PPP Forgiveness, please visit our website with the latest guidance and application instructions here.
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From the beginning, Machias Savings Bank has been dedicated to affordable farm financing—150 years of helping our friends and neighbors buy land, build barns, purchase equipment, plant new crops, and bring their products to new markets.
We know not all commercial banks are willing to get down in the dirt and figure out effective farm financing. Machias Savings Bank can—and does. From blueberry barrens to potato fields to dairy sheds to sugar shacks, our personal business bankers are always willing to get a little mud on their boots to make good things happen for Maine farmers.
In fact, many of our Maine agricultural loan officers and staff, including our current and former CEOs, grew up working on farms or farm part-time themselves.
“I’m a sixth-generation Maine potato farmer and my boy is the seventh,” Chris Fitzpatrick, Executive Vice President of Business Banking in our Houlton branch, says proudly. “Hailing from a small rural community is a real advantage when you are writing farming loans. I’m not a banker learning about farming. I’m a farmer who learned how to bank. And loans for farming will always feel close to home.”
Our lending officers are also highly experienced bankers with deep knowledge of the resources available for Maine farmers. “I worked in Farm Credit at the FCA before moving over to Machias,” says Kenneth Stewart, AVP Banker at our Presque Isle branch. “We work closely with the Maine Department of Agriculture and the federal government to make sure Maine farmers can access all of the grant programs and specialized loans they need to succeed.”
We speak your language. We love the farming life. And we have developed a wide range of loans for farming that can be customized for your growing cycle, crops, and business goals.
While most Maine farms are family-owned across generations, Machias Savings Bank does provide loans for farming to help new farmers break ground. “It isn’t easy to start farming from scratch,” Chris acknowledges. “For most, you are born into it or you buy into it. This isn’t a hobby. Farming is a capital-intensive, highly cyclical business.”
First time farmer’s loans and farm start-up loans can give new farmers a head start, however, and these loans can be key to keeping working farms independent as the overall population of Maine farmers ages. “The average age of a Maine farmer is now over 60,” explains Kenneth Stewart. “There is a generational shift happening in Maine agriculture and farm funding can be a great way to keep farms functioning as farmers retire.”
We don’t just write business loans. We help build businesses. Your personal banker can connect you with a wide range of business development resources designed just for farmers.
For loggers moving into new stands of timber or farmers hoping to expand their fields, land loans in Maine are great ways to encourage growth. And overall, Maine farms are expanding.
“When I was a kid, a 400- to 500-acre potato farm was a huge enterprise. Today, that farm would be considered small,” Chris Fitzpatrick reflects. “Helping farmers take advantage of economies of scale can put them on firmer footing.”
Kenneth Stewart agrees. “Most people don’t know that under the right conditions, Maine Rural Development Loans and other USDA loan products can be used to buy land,” he explains. “When it comes to loans for expanding operations, we can really give farmers the lay of the land.”
Keeping Maine lands in the hands of working farms can sustain some of our most rural counties and communities. Talk to our business bankers about expanding your farming enterprise into new pastures.
As farmers scale up operations or struggle to fill their seasonal workforce, agricultural equipment loans become increasingly common. “Farming equipment can cost a lot of money,” Chris Fitzpatrick explains. “And cash flow is a challenge for any business. Equipment loans can help farmers spread out their costs. We encourage farmers to consider quality used farming equipment, particularly on components that won’t see a lot of use over the course of a year, and we offer flexible repayment plans that allow for interest-only payments while you are waiting for the harvest—and the money—to come in.”
“Labor shortages on Maine farms are as regular as rain,” Kenneth Stewart agrees. “We are seeing a lot of Maine farmers invest in equipment that cuts down on their need for short-term or seasonal hiring. This can be a forward-thinking move for Maine farms and our equipment loans and machinery loans make it possible.”
Sit down with a Machias Savings Bank business banker, share the challenges your business faces, and let us show you how business equipment loans can help.
Not all farming financing needs to be done through traditional term loans. Many Maine farmers rely on revolving credit lines for affordable and fast access to cash—to purchase seeds and fertilizer, to pay seasonal laborers, and more—during slower times of the growing cycle.
“Blueberry farmers harvest their crop, put it in cold storage, and still have months to wait before they will hear the price that crop will bring on the market. Bridging the cash flow gap that is built into their business model takes some creativity,” Chris Fitzpatrick says. “A robust and flexible business line of credit can be a farmer’s best friend.”
Like many Machias Savings Bank agricultural loan products, business lines of credit for Maine farms offer low agricultural loan interest rates and highly customizable repayment options that won’t break your business plan.
A business line of credit can be approved fast so you have the financing you need in hand. Talk to your personal business banker about setting one up today.
We are a Maine bank focused solely on Maine businesses, and we know agriculture and farming. From the dirt.
Business Banking that moves Maine forward.Should we be part of your story?
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As a customer of Machias Savings Bank, the focus is on you. We will enhance your banking relationship by working with you to discover your banking needs. We will be there when you need us.
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Gardening in Motueka
Motueka is blessed with natural gifts of soil, water and climate, so gardening - of vegetables as well as ornamentals - is a popular activity for many. This section of the website provides information that will help new and seasoned gardeners alike, and a forum for questions and answers and articles of interest.
If you have any suggestions about material you would like to see on these gardening pages, or have something you would like to contribute here, please tell us about it here. Please include your contact details.


City and Guilds Level 1 Horticulture
The horticulture qualification is the City and Guilds 7573-11 Level 1 Award or Certificate in Practical Horticulture Skills, which consists of practical modules in traditional gardening skills such as digging and seed sowing as well as modules in machinery such as lawn mowers.
The curriculum intent:
Within this qualification, we aim to teach gardening and horticultural as a life skill as well as part of the qualification. The qualification will support pupils in building general confidence, independence and initiative within a practical environment. Pupils will be encouraged to develop resilience, appreciate the different seasons, nature and handling soil and plants with the view that this is beneficial to mental health. We intend the horticulture course to provide a rich opportunity for outdoor learning which will enable pupils to learn about use of the land, about a variety of plants and shrubs, and about the maintenance of gardens and grounds.
Our curriculum delivery:
This qualification will be delivered over two years and can be extended to four years if pupils wish to carry on with their studies Post 16. Horticulture lessons are mainly practical and are held within the school grounds and purpose built greenhouse, growing beds and indoor horticulture planting room . Pupils will be encouraged to practice activities independently and activities will be adjusted to individuals needs to support pupil achievement. Assessment is by means of simple practical gardening tasks that demonstrate competence – these must be completed independently and to the required standard, although pupils may attempt them as many times as they like.
Benefits to pupils (Impact)
Pupils will gain the confidence to ‘have a go’ and know that the experience of gardening and horticulture can enrich their lives and provide employment opportunities. Pupils will have gained a level 1 qualification and will have learnt a range of skills and knowledge which will support them to progress to further learning if they wish.


The past couple days/last week has been really rough, which is why this post is coming out today instead of yesterday. But! I’ve been writing a lot recently about farming and the environment and to continue that trend, I thought I’d write about a new book I got a couple weeks ago! (The details in the photos in this post are hard to make out – I apologize for that!)
Julia Rothman‘s Farm Anatomy: the Curious Parts and Pieces of Country Life is really well done in my opinion. The book is filled with illustrations showing all different parts of farm life, like the many parts of cow, pigs, and chickens, how to spin and dye your own yard, the best kind of bugs for your garden. There are many different recipes, like dandelion wine, shepherd’s pie, and carrot cake. She writes about the different breeds of cows, chickens, ducks, and sheep and what each breed is good for.
Rothman’s illustrations are amazing and most of the type was either handwritten or based on her own handwriting. She diagrams so many different things, like the different parts of vegetables or animals, and explains the different ways to care for different animals. A good portion of the pages are her illustrations, making the book easy to flip through. There are definitions for numerous terms and the tracks for potential predators.Plus, there are tips on gardening (like the first and last frost of the year), how much water each animal needs in a year, and how to can vegetables.
The book is divided up into sections, allowing easy progression from one topic to another and goes breaking ground all the way to spinning your own yard. While many of the things Rothman writes about in this book aren’t all that relevant for my life in an urban setting but it’s still really cool to be learning about all of it. And Rothman writes and illustrates in such a way that allows for everything to be really interesting. Plus, the recipes and how to can/preserve vegetables will be very useful after my mom and I harvest our garden in our front yard!
Overall, I really love this book! It fits so nicely with what I’ve been really interested lately and is so so beautifully done.


Hannah’s Hill Vineyard is located just 45 minutes from Tucson. Surrounded by grass lands near mile marker 40 off of State Highway 82. With a newly opened tasting room, make sure to make Hannah’s Hill a part of your next Sonoita wine journey!
Grapes at Hannah’s Hill Vineyards are grown and produced in Arizona within a day’s drive of your dinner table. They are sold to you directly by the people who produced them.
In the vineyard, they practice a philosophy of holistic management and minimal input of organic or low – toxicity herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers minimizes disruption to the flora and fauna.


Phenolic contents of barley and malt extracts and their corresponding antioxidant activities were investigated using a chromatographic online antioxidant detection system. Ethyl acetate extracts of barley and malt were separated using reverse phase HPLC and compounds eluting from the column were submitted to two UV–visible detections: one for the phenolic compounds; and the other for the reduced form of the radical cation 2,2′-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS•+) after the compounds were allowed to react online with it. Prodelphinidin B3 and procyanidin B3 were identified as two major contributors in the antioxidant activity of barley, in addition to catechin. Malting had a dramatic impact on these three compounds by resulting in a sharp decrease in their detected amounts and the associated antioxidant activities. Two other antioxidants, ferulic and sinapic acids, showed a better ability to withstand not only malting but also brewing steps. As for the overall phenolic content and antioxidant capacity, the study showed that malting allowed a better release and/or extraction of phenolic compounds, while the first brewing step caused the most significant damage by drastically decreasing the total polyphenols and their activity. Hopping however did not significantly affect neither the phenolic content nor the antioxidant activity.


3 good reasons to cook in season
1. A varied and balanced diet
Eating in season allows you to vary your meals, and therefore your micronutrient intake throughout the year. At the same time, you can also vary flavors. A good trick is to make sure you always have 2 to 3 different colors in your meal by combining the fruit and vegetables available. Your eyes, taste buds and health will all be amazed!
Eating in season is also good for the environment: the less distance a product travels, the less it pollutes the seas or the air through which it passes. The longer a fruit ripens under the sun, whether in the open air or in a greenhouse, the less fossil fuel or nuclear energy it consumes and the less treatment it requires. 1
2. Ideal nutritional benefits
Nature knows what it is doing – it gives us what our body needs at the right time!
In winter, the sun disappears and the temperature drops. To cope with this, our body and immune system have specific needs, including more energy. This is good because the season offers mineral-rich vegetables, citrus fruits full of vitamin C and even richer animal products.
In summer on the other hand, the hottest days can cause dehydration and the sun’s rays can be aggressive to your skin. Again, the season offers what you need: fruit and vegetables with a high water content such as melons, lettuce, cucumbers or nectarines. Additionally, summer fruits such as cherries and strawberries have acknowledged antioxidant properties.
To optimize your intake, consume the skin of food because this is where antioxidants and fibres are concentrated. But be careful, pesticides
To optimize your intake, consume the skins of fruit and vegetables because this is where antioxidants and fibers are concentrated. However, out of season, pesticides may be used in the production of certain fruits and vegetables. Remember to wash your products in order to eliminate pesticide residues as much as possible. You can also buy organic products to limit their presence.
3. Unrivalled flavors
Fruit and vegetables are far more flavorsome when they ripen in the sun rather than under artificial light. They also taste a lot better than products that ripen during transportation or after they are taken out of supermarket refrigerators. The further they have to come, the earlier they will be picked, i.e. too early, and they will not taste as you might have hoped; tomatoes in winter are a good example. This is especially true when you “must” adhere to certain food rules. Taste is essential and food should not encourage you to add salt, for example.
Seasonality of food
All in all, cooking in season provides you with good, healthy and varied food, so you will keep healthy and never get bored of your meals!


India has stopped onion exports till March to meet domestic demand. This has adversely affected the country’s onion market. Daily necessities have to be bought at almost twice the price. Meanwhile, due to India’s decision, onion-carrying cargo trucks have been stuck in the land ports of the Bangladesh-India border. As a result, importers and exporters are also affected. These onions have already started rotting on the truck due to the lack of permit.
At least 100 cargo trucks are waiting at the Bangladesh-India border with the orders of the importers of Bangladesh who had ordered onion before the export ban. The amount of onion waiting is more than 3 thousand tons. As soon as the trucks with these onions arrived at the border, the central government suddenly decided to stop the export. As a result, the trucks got stuck at the border. These onions have already started rotting and smelling bad. The online edition of India’s influential newspaper The Telegraph reported this information.
Truckloads of onions have started to stink in parts of West Bengal on the Indo-Bangladesh border. On the other hand, its price is increasing in Bangladesh. These trucks are stuck in the land port due to the sudden decision of the central government of India to stop exports. Exporters and freighters are also facing losses. Due to India’s decision, the price of onion in Bangladesh has increased from Tk 80 to Tk 200.
Source: Daily Ittefaq


AmericaвЂ™s farmers have actually borne the brunt of AsiaвЂ™s retaliation into the trade war that President Donald Trump established in 2018. China may be the biggest customer of several U.S. agricultural services and products, such as for instance soybeans, grain sorghum, cotton and cattle hides, which made the products an evident target for retaliatory tariffs.
Asia additionally hoped inflicting financial expenses on U.S. farmers вЂ“ who voted overwhelmingly for Trump in 2016 вЂ“ would in turn pressure that is put the president to get rid of their trade war. Although farmers have forfeit huge amounts of bucks in exports, AsiaвЂ™s strategy hasnвЂ™t developed the effect that is intended.
Iowa State scientists Shuyang Qu, Wendong Zhang, Minghao Li, Lulu Rodriguez, Guang Han, Erin Cork, and James Gbeda carried out a study of soybean and corn farmers. (more…)


Last year, I introduced Little B to the concept of gardening. Together, we planted a herb garden which included mint, rosemary, cilantro, dill and basil. Since we had so much fun doing this together, I decided to make gardening with the kids an annual event.
Only this year, we got Daddy involved!
Finally having a weekend with nice weather enabled us to get our herb garden going for Summer. Daddy and the girls filled our pots with compost dirt and a bit of potting soil. Considering the girls love to dig and get their hands dirty, they were completely in their element preparing the pots for seeding.
Even the teenager got involved with the gardening. She was in charge of helping the girls water the pots after the seeding was complete. As for the clean-up, well … Mommy was granted the honour of that job!
It’s amazing how interested and involved children get when they’re given opportunities to learn through doing and especially things they see grown-ups do. Since this day, the girls get up each morning and want to water the pots before heading out to daycare and school. They have not yet forgotten to take care of the garden they so happily and diligently helped put together.
These are the moments I will always remember ….


This is the third release of Floréal. With each release newly grafted trees begin to bear fruit and the selection of apples grows more complex. This is cloudier than previous releases and is far more powerful, concentrated and perfumed.
The project is a collaboration with the Jacobson family who farm a Biodynamic orchard at the base of Mt. Hood. The property lies at 2000 feet, 11 miles from the summit of Mt Hood and has been a farm since the turn of the century. The 60 acre orchard is irrigated with glacial water and the soils are loam composed of volcanic glass fragments. Almost 100 varieties of apples, pears, crabapples and quince are grown here, with the majority of apples heirloom or cider varieties. The ciders made are a blend of up to 35 varieties, among them Ashmead's Kernal, Wickson, Hudson’s Golden Gem, Ribston Pippin, Cox’s Orange Pippin, Dabinette, Frequin Rouge, etc. The apples are aged for a month after picking, milled and macerated for a week and pressed in a basket press traditionally lined with straw. The cider ferments and ages in barrel for a year. We bottle with fermenting juice from the next vintage to initiate the secondary fermentation in bottle. Apples are the only ingredient. Sans soufrée. 180 cases produced.


Shincha harvest at Kadota’s organic tea garden in Miyazaki takes place quite early, since the prefecture Miyazaki is located in the south if Japan, on the island Kyushu. Compared to the harvest of Keita and Mankichi Watanabe in the little island Yakushima, it is a little later, because Yakushima is loacated even more in the south. And also compared to the organic tea garden of Haruyo und Shigeru Morimoto, the shincha harvest at Kadota’s organic tea garden is also a short time later usually, because Kadota’s tea garden, from where his shincha leaves are picked, is located on a little hill, called „Arasaki“.
The tea garden of Kadota is very small and really old machines are used. This is why they do many things by hand. To produce old-school kamairicha is a lot of work. This is one reason, why today only less than 1% of all Japanese tea gardens produce kamairicha.
Therefore, kamairicha is a very rare tea in Japan, and organic kamairicha can be called „super rare“. To receive and organic kamairicha shincha is therefore a real treausure, because kamairicha shincha is nearly not produced at all.
For the shincha, Kadota uses a very soft final heating. Still, because it is a kamairicha, which means a tea produced in an machine that is basically and iron pan (first production step), it has some (very very tender) roasty notes. Thus, compared to usual kamairicha from other kamairicha producers, the Kamairicha from Kadota has very few of these notes. Especially the kamairicha shincha is more charactezed by a freshness and sweetness, while it gets it tender roundness from the very sofisticated kamairi production by Kadota.
A real treausure!


What Is It Like to Be... a Plant
Monica Gagliano is an evolutionary ecologist. Her main research is broadly focusing on key aspects of the ecological processes by which organisms are able to gather information on the variable conditions of their surrounding environment in order to thrive. In collaboration with various disciplines across the Sciences and the Humanities, her research aims at expanding our perception of animals, plants and more generally Nature. In the process of learning how to do this, she has pioneered the brand-new research field of plant bioacoustics and extended the concept of cognition to plants, re-igniting the discourse on plant subjectivity, sentience and ethical standing.
The 3 questions he would like to discuss with you in this webinar are:
1. What is like to be a plant ‘person’?
2. Are plants intelligent?
3. How do subjective human-plant experiences help us do better science?
Plant physiologist Ties Ausma (UG) will join the discussion
Monica Gagliano is a Research Associate Professor in evolutionary ecology at Southern Cross University where she directs of the Biological Intelligence (BI) Lab funded by the Templeton World Charity Foundation. She has pioneered the brand-new research field of plant bioacoustics, for the first time experimentally demonstrating that plants emit their own ‘voices’ and detect and respond to the sounds of their environments. Her work has extended the concept of cognition (including perception, learning processes, memory) in plants. By demonstrating experimentally that learning is not the exclusive province of animals, she has re-ignited the discourse on plant subjectivity and ethical and legal standing. She is the author of Thus Spoke the Plant (North Atlantic Books, 2018) and co-editor of The Mind Of Plants (Synergetic Press, forthcoming).