The use of chemicals around the world is getting worse. On the one hand, a large part of the food intended for consumption depends on chemical agriculture, that is to say pesticides and fertilizers. The use of many of these chemicals is restricted because they threaten human health or have negative effects on the environment.
This brings us to the question of the safety of agricultural chemicals. This involves understanding what concentrations or doses lead to what impacts and what type of use leads to what type of pollution that can harm humans or the natural environment. This requires extensive testing to understand, among other things, whether the agricultural chemical has a toxic impact not only on users but also on the environment. Take note that pollution occurs not only during the production of chemicals, but also during the life cycle of the product and through waste.
The rice paddies of Asia as a source of global rice supply/rice cultivation are the pride of many Asian societies and play an important role in our cultural heritage. Asia is the source of one-third of the world’s rice supply from irrigated rice fields, representing a great deal of scientific research on food web interactions, insect damage economics, and more. pests and agronomic practices that impact the rice paddy ecosystem. .
Rice paddy wetlands have unique characteristics and their ecosystems are changing rapidly. Many rice-growing practices, as well as the series of stages that rice crops go through, have made rice paddies refuges for a wide range of plant and animal life. During the seed germination and seedling stages, flooded rice fields are the habitat of freshwater fish, amphibians, predatory birds and reptiles. When water is drained during the grain ripening phase, rice fields become attractive to many grain-eating animals, including birds, rats, mice as well as predatory reptiles and mammals. The cultivation and flowering stages promote the growth of weeds and attract a variety of insects, harmful or beneficial to rice crops.
The economic and ecological benefits of rice paddies are at risk of being lost through chemical pollution, saltwater intrusion as a result of climate change and concomitant sea level rise. Even more damaging is the rampant conversion rice fields to other uses such as human settlements, industrial and commercial sites.
Rice paddy legislation
In Asian countries where there are legal provisions relating to rice paddies as constructed wetlands under the 1971 Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, the provisions are usually found in legislation on agriculture, land use, land, water resources, irrigation, agroforestry, fisheries, pesticides/fertilizers, hunting, fishing and wildlife. The reasons for this sectoral approach are more often historical or administrative than scientific or technical.
In the Philippines, agricultural policy has a vital objective – food security – which is addressed in the Modernization of Agriculture and Fisheries Act (RA 8435), the foundation of all agricultural policies. Despite its holistic approach, the law does not deal with the conservation of rice fields or the conservation of biodiversity in rice fields, but it does include provisions that call for reduced use of agrochemicals that are harmful to health and the environment.
The Philippines’ Agenda 21 stresses the need to strengthen germplasm and seed banks for species native to the Philippines and stresses the need to reintroduce the use of pest and disease resistant traditional varieties to reduce reliance on inputs inorganic chemicals in agriculture. When chemical inputs are reduced, genetic diversity flourishes. Thus, the Organic Agriculture Act 2010 recognizes the urgency of shifting to an organic farming model to move away from the excessive use of agrochemical inputs in conventional farming systems.
Japan’s Law for the Promotion of Nature Restoration promotes the revitalization of wetland functions in rice fields by focusing on agricultural wetlands in rice fields. In winter, waterfowl flock to the rice fields and excrete large amounts of manure which is valuable fertilizer for plant growth. The use of chemical pesticides has become unnecessary in these paddy fields where frogs lay eggs in the flooded paddy fields, which keeps the number of tadpoles high and leads to more dragonfly nymphs to feed on tadpoles. Before the onset of summer, frogs, dragonflies and spiders play an active role in suppressing rice pests, allowing farmers to avoid the use of chemical pesticides.
Trends in agrochemical legislation
Among the existing legislation on agricultural chemicals, measures on the control of pesticides, the use of fertilizers and the regulation of other agricultural chemical formulations (insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, etc.) are evident in some Asian countries. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) reports, however, that although most developing countries have adopted registration systems to address issues related to the use of agricultural chemicals, health and environmental problems have not been reduced.
Indonesia, Vietnam, South Korea and Thailand provide examples of pesticide control. All pesticides are banned in Indonesia unless they meet government registration requirements. The Ministry of Agriculture is assisted by an interministerial pesticide committee. Registration is refused for substances with chronic (carcinogenic, mutagenic) or acute toxicity. The Vietnamese government, on the other hand, has set up a pesticide registration committee to cover insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, rodenticides, and three-plant growth regulators. Research on beneficial organisms has been conducted focusing on rice and other major crops.
In South Korea, all pesticides are regulated by the Pesticide Management Law administered by the Rural Development Administration of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. Although users, traders or the government are not required to test pesticides for their effects on non-target anthropoids, work has been done to determine the impact of specific pesticides on natural enemies of agricultural pests. The Ministry of Environment has also introduced an environmental impact rating system for herbicides to be displayed on the label.
In contrast, in Thailand, the pesticide control system is governed by the Hazardous Substances Act. Before a product is marketed, full registration is required, which includes submission of bio-efficacy testing, complete toxicology data, and two years of feeding studies. In Pakistan, the importation, manufacture, formulation, distribution, safe use and advertising of pesticides are regulated by the Agricultural Pesticides Ordinance and Rules, which are based on FAO guidelines. The Pesticides Act of Myanmar provides for registration procedures carried out by the Pesticide Registration Board. About 77 percent of pesticides and 90 percent of insecticides are used on rice.
In China, all pesticides must be registered under the Pesticide Registration Regulations of the Institute for Agrochemicals Control, Ministry of Agriculture. Registration has three stages: field test, temporary registration and permanent registration. Permanent registration is obtained only after the completion of field trials for efficacy and residues and requires a full set of toxicological data. In Laos, despite the active discouragement of their use by the government, chemical pesticides (mainly insecticides) are still sometimes used in irrigated rice fields. Fungicides and herbicides are more rarely used, which explains the high population levels of natural predatory insects in this area. The country has a pesticide law to control the import, manufacture or repackaging of pesticides.
Inadequacy of legislation
The current focus on conserving biodiversity that will hopefully give way to a food production and supply system and save the world from the brink of climate change-induced food scarcity is growing. further reinforced by the importance of rice paddies as a key management sector. However, rice paddy legislation in Asia seems inadequate to help sustain paddy ecosystems.
A review of available laws with a focus on the required compliance procedures in place relating to the use of agricultural chemicals gives the impression that existing laws, rules and regulations might even impede or impede conservation objectives for the sustainable development. Specifically, in the area of pesticide use, the lack of political will, as evidenced by the absence of funds, personnel, technical information, laboratories and infrastructure for the implementation and enforcement of the details of pesticide laws, can make the problem worse. Ignorance is widespread regarding regulatory requirements for pesticide use and how to meet these requirements; compliance management systems and even compliance training for staff. The inability to meet the requirements is mainly due to the lack of technology.
Overall, the range of legal and institutional issues includes the current fragmentation of the issue in legal and institutional frameworks, scattered provisions and inconsistent legislative treatment across various agencies, and a number of different standards and procedures applied. partially. There are few legally backed monitoring requirements, a lack of coordination among government agencies, and insufficient budget and trained personnel in the wise use of rice paddies. In addition, reforms are needed in all pesticide legislation to make them effective rice paddy governance instruments for wetland and biodiversity conservation.


In the Netherlands, land prices are very high if you compare them with large agricultural countries elsewhere in the European Union. This high price is the result of scarcity. Supply is limited while demand is large. This scarcity of land has placed an enormous claim on the assets of agricultural enterprises such dairy and arable farmers. For these sectors, land is of course a necessary production resource.
The percentage of the land in the Netherlands used for agricultural purposes has decreased in the last ten years by nearly 4%. Between 1996 and 2010, agriculture lost more that 86,000 hectares of land. The greatest part of this has been used for building. About 8,200 hectares was used to provide more space for forests and nature. In 2008, the Agriculture Economic Institute of Wageningen University calculated that in the next 30 years Dutch agriculture will lose between 60,000 and 100,000 hectares to house building, new roads and transformations into nature reserves. Agricultural organisations are afraid that the loss will be even greater.
The price for agricultural land varies considerably per region. The location, the potential yield and drainage all play a role in this. But it is particularly the future purpose of the land that determines the price paid. The price of land offered for sale near business and population centres that want to grow is driven up considerably.
That agricultural land will be given a different purpose in the future,
makes it an interesting investment opportunity
The government claims land for house building, industrial areas, infrastructure, water storage and nature development. The price per square metre for building land is much higher than the value per square metre of agricultural land. Because agricultural land can be designated for another use in the future, this makes it an interesting investment opportunity.


Are you currently searching for new a new food trend that’s taking centre stage? Take a look at this startup that has made sustainability possible with their new beverage.
Canvas is the new kid on the block, featuring plant-based milk made from beer wastes. This U.S.-based startup launched a Kickstarter campaign that amassed 479 backers and $47,351, almost double its initial goal of $25,000.
“In the beer brewing process, only the starch from the barley grain goes into making beer,” the company describes. “The leftover fiber and protein is called ‘spent grain’ and millions of tons of it are produced around the world every year. The challenge is, spent grain is highly perishable. So we asked ourselves, ‘What if we could find a way to save the grain and turn it into something beneficial?’
“We’ve been hard at work developing a process and technology to preserve the nutrient dense grain, and we’ve done it.”
Canvas’ new beverage is both nutritious and sustainable. They take leftover barley from breweries to create their delicious drinks, and have come up with a solution to the problem of beer wastes.
The brewing process uses the starch from the grain, but the leftover fiber and plant-based protein, known as “spent grain,” creates a waste issue. Canvas has found a solution with their product and renamed “spent grain” as “saved grain.”
Their dairy-free milk comes in several flavours, including: Original, Cocoa, Cold Brew Latte, Matcha, and Turmeric Chai. All of them are high in fiber and are a complete source of protein.
In addition to Canvas’ barley milk, Ripple Foods has launched a sustainable milk made from peas. With nut milk, pea milk, and barley milk, we’re excited to see what will be next to join the plant-based milk market!


The Washington Grass Inn offers seasonal four-course 100-Mile Dinners honoring our local growers and farmers here in Greene County and surrounding areas. We source as much as possible from within 100-miles of the Washington Grass Inn, including produce from our own garden. Menu selections vary according to season. Below is a sample menu for you to take a peek at.
Pimiento Cheese with Pepper Jelly
on Pecan Cracker
Fresh Radish, Sea Salt on Buttered Crostini
Summer Squash Carpaccio with Fresh Mint & Pine Nuts
Hearty Quail & Smoked Venison Stew
with Bleu Cheese Straws
Grilled Pork Tenderloin Medallions with Herbed Coffee Rub
Fried Green Tomato with Romesco Sauce
Fresh Corn & Wild Rice Pudding with Caramelized Onions
Mini Corn Mufins with Pecan Honey Butter
Fallen Carrot Souffle
with Cinnamon Cream & Sugared Pecans
Call us at 706.467.2520
if you're interested in our seasonal dinner!


Description~ There are many different varieties that change color through different times of the year. The flowers could be bronze when young and then red or orange in the summer. There are white clusters of flowers that happen in the spring and there are edible fruits, when cooked, that grow with these flowers!
Cultivation~ Grow the best in moist but well-drained, organic soil. They would prefer the sun or partial shade.
Thoughts~ It is super interesting that this flower has fruits that join it! I wonder what they taste like! I love that all of these flowers come in different shades of colors! It makes everything more interesting.


营口青润果树专业合作社，于2011年从瑞士以色列南非引进红色之爱无核葡萄等品种，2012年红色之爱苗扩繁成功，营口青润果树专业合作社注册登记，经全国农业专家研讨品尝，该品种比在瑞士表现性状还要好，果个比在瑞士大，果肉颜色更红，口味更好，适合在中国推广栽种，创始人许英武全力推广红肉苹果，营口青润是一家集果树新品种引进与示范、果树种苗繁育与推广、优质果品生产与营销、果树技术服务于一体的规模化专业 合作社。合作社本着“科技为民所用”的原则，立足国际果树新品种的至高点，引进世界Z先进的果树新品种、Z新的技术，致力于农业科技成果的转化和推广，在 研发具有自主知识产权产品的同时，引领果树种植发展方向，为中国果农开创更新更广的发展领域。
Yingkou Qingrun fruit tree professional cooperative introduced red love seedless grapes and other varieties from Switzerland, Israel and South Africa in 2011. In 2012, the expansion of red love seedlings was successful. Yingkou Qingrun fruit tree professional cooperative registered. After the discussion and taste of national agricultural experts, the variety has better performance than that in Switzerland. The fruit is bigger than that in Switzerland. The flesh color is redder and the taste is better. It is suitable for growing in Switzerland China promotes planting, founder Xu Yingwu makes every effort to promote red flesh apple. Yingkou Qingrun is a large-scale professional cooperative integrating the introduction and demonstration of new fruit varieties, the breeding and promotion of fruit seedlings, the production and marketing of high-quality fruit products, and the technical service of fruit trees. Based on the principle of "science and technology for the people" and based on the highest point of new fruit varieties in the world, the cooperative is committed to the transformation and promotion of agricultural scientific and technological achievements by introducing the world's most advanced new fruit varieties and latest technologies. While developing products with independent intellectual property rights, the cooperative is also leading the development direction of fruit planting and creating a new and broader development field for Chinese fruit farmers.
At present, the cooperative has introduced more than 50 new varieties of apple, grape, cherry, Brownie and other tree species from Switzerland, South Africa, Germany, South Korea, Italy and other countries, and has established a breeding base and fruit planting base for new varieties of excellent fruit trees. On the basis of doing well in conventional fruit tree planting, a new planting mode of ornamental fruit tree is developed.
At present, the cooperative takes red love as its main research and development goal, and will successively launch a number of famous and special new varieties of fruit trees such as South Africa's late ripening seedless grapes.
As an agricultural science and technology cooperative with strong development momentum, the cooperative is walking in the forefront of the seed industry with a fast and steady pace, and gradually transiting to a group company. We firmly believe that with the joint efforts of all colleagues, the tomorrow of the cooperative will be better, and it will certainly be able to shine in the rapid development of agriculture! Seedlings supply, welcome to consult.


ANALISIS KOMODITAS UNGGULAN DAN ARAHAN RENCANA PENGEMBANGANNYA DI KOTA PAGAR ALAM,PROVINSI SUMATERA SELATAN
The Development of competitive commodities in a region are expected to improve added value of the commodities, to increase society income and to improve regional economic conditions. This study was conducted (1) to analyse competitive commodities of agriculture in each district, (2) to analyse potential land for competitive commodities development (3) to analyse regional hierarchies (4) to formulate direction of competitive commodities development plan. The competitive commodities were obtained using Location Quotient (LQ) and Shift Share Analysis (SSA). Analysis potential land for competitive commodities development was analysed using land availability and suitability and geographical information system. Regional hierarchy was analysed using schalogram method. Competitive commodities development direction considered based on potential land, regional hierarcy, compactness of land and local government policy. The results showed that competitive commodities in every district were coffee robusta, rice farming and cabbage. The direction development of coffee was given priority in South Dempo district area of 2,824.26 ha. Rice farming was given priority in Central Dempo district area of 1,496.13 ha. Meanwhile, development of cabbage is not available.
The Authors submitting a manuscript do so on the understanding that if accepted for publication, copyright of the article shall be assigned to TATALOKA, Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Faculty of Engineering, Diponegoro University as publisher of the journal.


My property is notorious for growing one of the finest gardens on our block. We have the best soil for gardening that I’ve ever experienced. My previous house had hardly any room to grow plants; we had too many neighbors walking through our yard all the time to grow anything at my previous residence. This house is in a neighborhood with other people, but the property is fenced off to keep the yard and garden private. In addition, the soil in my yard seems to have a high nutrient content. The soil is dark, and plants grow well in it, so I haven’t been using fertilizer in my gardens this past season.
We’re already seeing some of the tomato plants take shape in the vegetable garden in our yard. My neighbor was telling me that his plants usually don’t come up until the end of May, but ours are already showing signs of life. They are only little sprouts, but I am surprised they are growing at all because we planted the seeds right in the ground. The packet of seeds recommends starting the growing process off indoors until the seed sprouts into a tiny plant, but our soil must have aided the process substantially.
My neighbor was telling me about some of the different types of agricultural processes that farmers recommend for gardens in our area. I’m looking into hydroseeding seattle wa my next gardening project. I was even thinking about investing more money in whatever types of gardening apparatus they recommend. Listening to professionals seems like a good idea when it comes to gardening because I don’t have much experience apart from what I’ve tried on my own. The professionals will be able to tell me what type of soil is right for which plants, and they’ll be able to recommend different cures for plants that show signs of distress.
One common sign of distress I notice in the plants in my landscape is they show patterns of light yellow splotches. This could be due to a low level of nitrogen or phosphorus in the soils. This is pretty easy to fix, but I’d rather talk to a professional before I try to remedy the situation on my own. If I try to remedy the situation on my own, I could end up spending a fortune in chemicals and soils without actually fixing the problem.
My neighbor also recommended trying to build a greenhouse if we keep working with plants. Apparently, greenhouses have proven successful for plants in our area for the entire year. It would be really wonderful to have my favorite vegetables growing inside a greenhouse throughout the year, but I’ve never tried making anything like that before. I need to bring in a professional who knows what they’re doing because it seems like such a difficult procedure to set up. However, it’s something that is worth setting up because the benefit of having vegetables all year long would be extremely convenient.


Beardsley’s Cider Mill & Orchard
The Beardsley family has called this farm home since 1849. It has had a number of uses over the years that range from a dairy farm to the raising of turkeys. Several of the apple trees you’ll see when you visit this historic spot were planted way back in the 1920s!
Beardsley’s Cider Mill & Orchard makes use of more than 10,000 dwarf apple trees. These dwarf trees make it easier for folks to pick as many apples as they can, without having to climb up those cumbersome ladders. The smaller apple trees also make it easier to fit in other varieties of fruit within the orchard. For instance, there are 400 nectarine, peach, and plum trees at Beardsley’s.
Here are a few of the different types of apples you can pick:
• Crimson Topaz
• Red Delicious
Over in the Cider Mill, they offer freshly made cider and farm-baked pies such as apple, apple-crumb, peach, pumpkin, pecan, and coconut cream. You’ll also discover cider donuts, cookies, farm-baked fruit breads, and scones.
Go to Facebook
to check out the scenic views that Beardsley’s Cider Mill & Orchard provides.


Trees absorb and remove greenhouse gases in our atmosphere and also provide much needed food and shelter for our ecosystem. Planting trees help slow down global warming by removing megatons of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. Trees also create fresh oxygen that we depend on!
By planting trees, we are contributing to more than just the environment. Trees create educational opportunities for children. Empower women. Increase the income of poor farmers. Revitalize and improve soil quality. Help families feed themselves. Help end the battle between farms and forest.
With your help, and our partnership, we can help contribute to a reduction in global warming and provide income, education, and even save lives by planting two trees with every order.
Learn more about our non-profit partnership here.


Finished making and planting the new strawberry bed next to the shed. We don’t seem to be able to grow strawberries in the polycrub, they grow well but the fruit tastes a bit mouldy which tends to spoil the enjoyment. So have made a raised bed next to the shed, south West facing and with a bit of shelter from the polycrub and planted the strawberries. We’ll see how they get on.
Also tidied up in the polycrub, planted some rosemary, manured the fruit trees.


To stop the recent downturn in French agriculture, get ready for digital and ecological changes, and address the pressing problems brought up by the ire of farmers in recent months. This is the weighty mission of the agricultural orientation bill, which has been delayed many times and has been finally presented to the Council of Ministers on April 3. On April 9, 2022, French President Emmanuel Macron announced the bill as the “great agricultural law” of his five-year term. The challenges ahead are considerable.
Over a third of farmers will be retiring within the next ten years. Succession is complex and costly, and vocations are not so numerous. French farms need to modernize and regain their competitiveness at a time when competition from Russia and Ukraine is intensifying and free-trade agreements are multiplying. At the same time, climate change calls for major adaptations.
Leave, maternity: replacing farmers is gaining ground.
The text, which “is not intended to settle everything,” according to the Minister of Agriculture, Marc Fesneau, was extensively revised and enriched at the request of the profession during the weeks of demonstrations preceding the Salon de l’Agriculture. Although the roadblocks were lifted at the FNSEA’s request at the end of February, farmers’ anger is still with us.
Meetings with the Prime Minister, Gabriel Attal, have continued apace, most recently on the eve of the FNSEA congress on March 25. And according to our information, the draft bill continued to be modified right up to the final hours of its preparation. The fundamental chapters are still dedicated to setting up, training and transmission, but the government has added the enormous challenge of agricultural sovereignty as a strategic priority. It “will have to inform public policy in the future”, warns the explanatory memorandum.
Agricultural sovereignty is defined as “France’s capacity to contribute, through sustainable biomass production, to food sovereignty and the decarbonization of the economy”. The text provides for the government to submit an annual report on the subject to Parliament.
For the Minister of Agriculture, food sovereignty has reached a threshold—around 400,000 farms—below which it can no longer be assumed. “We need more of them,” he says. The question of farm diversification will arise. Beyond the number of farmers, competitiveness—with greater simplification, easier access to water, etc.—is key to ensuring this sovereignty.
Support, training, assessments…
Among other measures designed to encourage the next generation of farmers, the government is proposing better support for young people setting up in farming and “a significant increase in the level of professional qualifications, via the creation of an agricultural bachelor’s degree” corresponding to a bac+3. It provides for lifelong training for farmers in ecological, economic and digital transition. A system will also be introduced for the ongoing assessment of farms and their resilience to climate change, as well as the cost of investments needed to improve this resilience.
France’s food sovereignty is under pressure
The FNSEA’s recommended tax changes to encourage farm transfers and increase competitiveness are not in the LOA; instead, they ought to be included in the 2025 Finance Act. The government has also conceded to a huge administrative and normative simplification project to be carried out at European, national and departmental levels. According to Marc Fesneau’s entourage, Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire will submit “a bill” on the subject, which will go beyond agriculture alone. The stated aim is to “create a framework of trust in which farmers can carry out their work free from the accumulation of standards”.
Responding to the emergency
Five articles have been added to the preliminary draft of the LOA to respond to the urgency of the situation. One of them sharply reduces regulations on hedges, which are subject to an abundance of standards. Two new articles have been added to decisions concerning basins, with the aim of reducing the time required for litigation and giving more decision-making power to the départements.
Penal sanctions for breaches of the Environmental Code may be converted into administrative sanctions, and this is a opening to the farmers’ demands.
Another law resulting from the French government’s dirigisme
The problem is that the law wants to achieve goals that may not coincide. Extremist environmentalists will not stop with their demands and may influence the presidential government.
Then there is the great illusion: to think that we can curb the decline with one or two laws, not with a profound reform of values, is something consistent comn with French dirigisme, but inconsistent with the reality of facts and history.
France will understand this only when it is too late


I had used PFAF's website before when first reading about permaculture a year or two ago, when there were a collection of very handy general info pages, for instance on why we should be tending to use perennial plants, and some information on the forest layering system on a helpful page about forest gardening. There were some links to useful perennial food crops such as chestnut, walnut, brambles, et cetera, but otherwise the information wasn't very easy to navigate.
I noticed a while back when I looked it up again that the site was down for maintenance, and now that it is back up again, it's quite an amazing change. You should really go check it out sometime (if I didn't already make that clear :), and I think they could do with some support too, since it looks like they forked out a bit to have some people with a lot of talent fix their website up. Now there's a very effective database search function on the site that can let you search by any combination of your needs, such as plant uses, environmental conditions, or simply keywords.
For example, one of the plants that Ken showcased in the aforementioned video was a member of the genus Elaeagnus, sometimes called Oleaster, which had some amazing properties I was looking for all in one plant, and some I wasn't even looking for. It's a nitrogen-fixing perennial shrub that resists a cold windy maritime climate well, so I could plant it up north between our trees to support their growth, just as Acacia is recommended in warmer climes. Not only does it grow quite fast, a great novelty feature of the species that it seems Ken had there, Elaeagnus Pungens, is that it produces an edible fruit in springtime, usually around April, of which both the outer flesh and the oily seed (once hulled) make very useful foods.
|I managed to get hold of a couple of such species, and as Ken said, if you can tell me any other fruit that you can get out of your garden in April, I'd like to know about it.|
Now while I know that Gorse can grow a very strong windbreak hedge, and those who have tried it tell me that you can make a very tasty wine from its flowers, I am reluctant to plant any, both for its ability to grow out of control, and due to a grudge formed against the plant during section and platoon attack exercises over the countryside a few years ago, when I learned exactly how nice it is to wade through the stuff. If I can find another place that someone will allow me to start replanting trees, I may use it as a support species and a hedge to keep winds and sheep out then, but won't be letting it take over some common food-growing ground any time soon.
On a related note, George Monbiot recently posted a very good article to the Permaculture Research Institute, on the problem of land mismanagement and deforestation that has been occuring in Scotland under careless wealthy landlords since the time of the Highland Clearances. It's my hope that we can get enough support in Scotland to start replanting the Caledonian Forest on a large scale, before any more biodiversity is lost.
As for my efforts to reverse the trend of vanishing boreal forest, I went back up north very briefly at the end of February to check on how the patch was doing and see what I could plant.
The first thing I noticed, which I was expecting to some extent due to some stormy weather in the weeks while I was away, was that several of the trees were leaning away from the prevailing wind. It's a common sight to see the few very sparse trees on the north end of Sutherland doing this as a growth habit when they have been beaten by strong winds over their lifetime, but what's not so nice is when a young newly-planted tree has rotated not in its trunk, but at the roots when it wasn't very well anchored.
|The very-leaning one on top-left is the plum.|
|It was easy enough to right that plum where it was slightly loose and tread the earth back down for a start.|
The little Katy eating-apple tree only seemed to be managing because it was propped up slightly by a nearby tyre, which my friend had helpfully used to weigh down the cardboard box that the bare-rooted trees came in, as simple mulch to rot the grass down underneath.
|I gave the tyre a gentle boot to set her upright again.|
|While this needed to be cut back, the other, smaller branches that I planted did just fine.|
|Bramble cuttings in background near fencepost, Hawthorn in foreground.|
Inspired by the antics of Bill Mollison in yet another old permaculture documentary, I shoved a few hazelnuts into the ground between the brambles, to see if I can add yet more variety to this windbreak.
As for stopping the trees that didn't have tyres near them from blowing away, the bottom of the wider section of the mini swale that I dug gave me plenty of rocks to weigh the soil around their roots down with.
|Hole from a big'un that I just pulled out.|
|...and that rock supporting a willow.|
|'Howgate Wonder' cooking apple tree with some rock support at the back.|
After unpacking those Elaeagnus shrubs, I took cuttings from the top of each one the next day, so that I could propagate them a little bit and since being tall isn't a great advantage in these winds.
|Three or four weeks with cardboard on top didn't completely rot the grass there, but it made a big difference.|
The movement of cardboard for mulch was part of a plan I was forming while making up a new and more accurate sketch for the plot over those couple of days. It now also includes a rough plan to divide the ground up into a series of paths and keyhole beds, so as to maximise the surface area available for planting and harvesting crops, without having to tread over food to reach the middle of a patch, and a site to potentially test a turbine on a crest of the hill is marked.
|There may be a small spot of hypocrisy here, as I suspect I might have confused the two Elaeagnus species that I got and planted them the opposite way round to what I wrote in this updated map, not that it matters much.|
|'Rosemary' is a bit hard to read in the middle with the flash; but other pictures had some of the outside diagrams fuzzy, so I might just try and replace this photo with a scan.|
For the crop arrangement I stuck a few globe artichoke seeds on the windward end of the patch, a few chives around the eating-apple tree to help that, followed by some onions to repel the pests of a row of carrots and sprouting broccoli beyond that, then a patch of lavender in the hardest-to-reach bit that ought to attract some predatory insects, with some more chives behind to help the rowan tree. Where I expected some of the seeds to need deep roots, I jabbed a set of holes through the half-layer of cardboard with a pitchfork and put loose compost into them before sowing seeds. Afterwards I spread some raked grass over the patch to try and keep the soil down under the sun and wind.
|I could only be bothered to stake down my little bottle-shelters on the most windward sowings of carrot and broccoli though, having not prepared a lot of stakes and finding them a bit small.|
As a little extra protection against the harsh wind and the nibbling rabbits that have plagued this land since the Romans brought them over, I then staked some spare chicken-wire around a few of the trees, which will also give an added benefit of catching wind-blown debris for mulch, while giving nasturtiums something to climb on.
Let me know if I cut out too much detail or rambled on too much, it sure seemed like less work before I tried to write about it!


Grow Bag is a market leader in the coir industry. With its characteristics, it is expected to have strong future development potential and high consumer demand. So, what exactly is a grow bag? Why should you use a grow bag, and how should you use it? Let’s find out in this article with Global Grow Bag!
Grow Bags, also known as plant bags, are wrapped in a PE plastic bag and contain a mixture of coco peat, coco fiber, and coco chips. It’s formed into a slab with growing and drainage holes. Most plants, especially climbing trees like tomatoes, cantaloupes, cucumbers, and strawberries, can be grown in grow bags. The grow Bag for plants is very convenient and simple to use; place it in suitable areas and water it thoroughly before placing plants from the nursery tray.
What exactly Are Grow Bags?
Furthermore, you can improve performance by adding fertilizers or nutrients as needed.
The benefits of gardening in grow bags are undeniable, whether you want to grow nutritious fruits and vegetables or add vibrant color with annual flowers.
Grow bags, which have become increasingly popular in recent years, are an invaluable asset for those gardening in small or less-than-ideal spaces. Grow bags, in addition to their versatility, provide gardeners with a quick and easy way to establish lush, healthy landscapes.
Benefits of Grow Bags
Fabric pots can be found in both professional and home gardeners’ gardens. Grow bags are popular for a variety of reasons, including their ease of use and accessibility. Though there are many different types, it is best to choose bags made of breathable and strong fabrics. These bags provide durability while also contributing to overall plant health.
Some benefits of Grow Bags are as follows.
Convenient, simple to use and transport
It can be used both outside and inside.
A variety of sizes, blends, and ratios to meet the needs of customers.
Standard specifications and high-quality aid in increasing yields.
Uses of Grow Bags
It can be used almost anywhere. Many gardeners start using grow bags to expand their home garden space. Indeed, one of the most significant benefits of grow bags is the ability to grow plants in previously unusable spaces, such as rented yards or small apartment balconies.
It can be used in areas with poor soil. Growers with heavy soils may specifically select these bags as a method of growing more successful crops of root vegetables such as carrots and potatoes. If your soil is not up to par, a grow bag can help. Plants can be grown in looser, healthier soil, like a raised bed or container.
Simple to use. Because of the ease with which grow bags can be assembled, they are a viable and cost-effective option for many people. Even inexperienced gardeners can create impressive vegetable gardens and displays filled with annual flowering plants without having to remove grass or prepare beds with tools.
Bags are permeable. Other advantages of gardening in grow bags concern factors that can have a direct impact on the health of the plants grown. High-quality fabric grows bags allow for excellent drainage, reducing overwatering problems. Problems that are common in other containers, such as root rot, are not a cause for concern when using grow bags.
Healthier root growth is produced by plants. One of the primary benefits of grow bags is improved overall root health. As the plant roots establish themselves in the Bag, their sensitivity to heat and moisture initiates the process of “air pruning.” Simply put, this process allows the plant to develop a stronger root system.
Widely used in large-scale farms serving high-tech agriculture or in small/medium gardens with polytunnels and greenhouses. Suitable for growing a wide range of plants, particularly climbing trees, such as tomatoes, cantaloupes, strawberries, cucumbers, broccoli, lettuce, and so on.
Why Should You Buy Grow Bags from Global?
OMRI and ISO certification
24-hour customer service
Drawbacks of Grow Bags Gardening
No one can really argue that using grow bags is all bad, but before you go out and buy them, it is an innovative idea to be aware of some of the drawbacks. This will allow you to make a more informed decision. Concerns about the environment Grow bags on the market are not all eco-friendly because they are not all biodegradable. Many are made of non-biodegradable poly plastics. When the grow bags need to be discarded and replaced, this becomes a problem.
Durability. Grow bags for plants are not as durable as hard-bodied containers.
The consensus appears to be that fabric pots last 2-3 growing seasons, with some claiming that they can last up to 4-6 seasons. This will, of course, vary depending on the environmental conditions to which the bags are subjected and the overall quality of the Bag you purchase.
Gardening in grow bags has numerous advantages, whether you want to grow nutritious fruits and vegetables or add vibrant colors with annual flowers. Grow bags, which have grown in popularity in recent years, are an invaluable tool for those gardening in small or less-than-ideal spaces.


To ensure that fruit retains its consistency, ingredients, colour and flavour for as long as possible, it is stored in cold rooms at constantly low temperatures and high humidity. In addition to this, the composition of the storage atmosphere also has a significant influence on storage ability. Normal air consists of about 78 % nitrogen, 21 % oxygen, and small amounts of carbon dioxide (0.04 %) and various inert gases. In CA storage, the oxygen content in the storage room is reduced to a constantly low oxygen level by adding nitrogen, while at the same time the CO2 content is increased. This slows down the natural ripening process and maintains the quality of the fruit for a longer period of time.
The ideal composition of the atmosphere in CA storage depends on the particular fruit or vegetable type. Typical storage conditions are mostly in the following ranges:
- < 2% O2
- 0.5-5 °C
- 0-5% CO2
- up to 98% RH


What Is Desertification?
Desertification is the process by which land turns into a desert. In other words, desertification is when land degrades over time and becomes more arid, causing the land to be less fertile and productive.
Desertification threatens human subsistence, as it makes natural resources including food and water much more difficult to obtain. This article will review desertification in Ethiopia, including where it’s happening in Ethiopia, why it’s happening, how it’s impacting the country, and potential solutions.
Learn more: What Is Desertification?
Table of Contents
Fast Facts about Desertification in Ethiopia
- 71.5% of land coverage in Ethiopia is affected by desertification (Hawando 2000).
- Approximately 2 billion metric tons of available arable soil are degraded every year in Ethiopia (Food and Agriculture Organization).
- Ineffective land management, increasing population, overgrazing, deforestation, and climate change are the main drivers of desertification in Ethiopia (Food and Agriculture Organization).
Where Is Desertification Happening in Ethiopia?
Desertification occurs in drylands, which are areas that get less rain than is evaporated or consumed by plants through part of a year or the entire year. Drylands have very limited water and soil moisture.
Ethiopia is experiencing desertification mainly because of man-made factors, but the country’s vulnerability to desertification is greatly amplified by the country’s drought-prone climate in some of its regions.
The map below shows the agro-ecological zones in Ethiopia. As can be seen on the map, a large part of the country’s land area is considered dry, which makes these regions vulnerable to land degradation and desertification (shown in shades of orange).
Read more about desertification in Africa: Desertification in Africa
Why Is Desertification Happening in Ethiopia?
Desertification is caused by multiple factors, including natural causes and human activities. In Ethiopia, desertification is primarily driven by climate change amplified by the overuse of natural resources and population growth.
Extreme weather events like drought are a major driver of desertification and are becoming more intense and more frequent as a result of climate change (UNFCCC 2020). Drought is one of the greatest challenges in Ethiopia that contributes significantly to land degradation and desertification. In 2022, Ethiopia is experiencing its worst drought in 40 years, which directly affects the food availability and livelihoods of 7 million people in the country (World Bank Org. 2022).
The climate in Ethiopia is expected to become warmer, with an increase in temperature from approximately 1.4 °C to 2.9 °C in 2050. These increased temperatures will increase desertification, which in turn will likely reduce economic growth, and may reverse the economic progress created in previous years (Simane et al 2017).
Ineffective Land Management & Resource Use
Ethiopia accommodates the largest population of livestock in all of Africa, with approximately 65 million cattle, 40 million sheep, and 51 million goats (Central Statistics Agency 2020). As a result, Ethiopian lands are vulnerable to overgrazing. This exposes the soil to extreme heat, which can accelerate evaporation and result in more desertified land.
Furthermore, biofuels such as dung, wood, and other agricultural residues are the primary fuel source in Ethiopia, accounting for 90% of the country’s overall energy supply. This high demand for biofuels has become one of the main drivers of land degradation and desertification in Ethiopia (Benti et al 2021). When the demand for dung as a fuel source increases, so does the population of grazing animals that produce dung, leading to overgrazing. The high demand for woods as fuel source, on the other hand, encourages deforestation, which can lead to land degradation due to the absence of nutrients and services that trees provide to keep the soil healthy and fertile.
Population Growth and Urbanization
Ethiopia is the second most populated country in Africa, with a population of 114,963,588 in 2022. As the population grows in the next decades, Ethiopia’s population might reach 300 million by 2050, which will result in an increase in demand for food, energy, and natural resources (Solomon et al 2016). This could contribute significantly to land degradation and desertification in the country if not produced in a sustainable manner.
Increasing land cultivation in Ethiopia to meet the rising demand of the country’s growing population leads to deforestation and a decline in ground vegetation cover, which contributes significantly to land degradation and desertification (Solomon et al 2016).
The graph below shows Ethiopia’s population increase from the 1800s to 2020. Today’s rapid population growth will likely contribute to the country’s rising desertification.
Impacts of Desertification
Desertification is already having severe impacts in Ethiopia and will continue to cause harm both to human economies and subsistence styles, and the environment.
Reduced Food Security
Approximately 2 billion metric tons of available arable soil degrades every year in Ethiopia (Food and Agriculture Organization). This annual massive loss of arable land lowers crop yields, which promotes food insecurity, especially in rural communities (Gebreselassie et al 2015).
Increased Health Problems
Desertification may lead to an increased risk of water and food-borne diseases. This is partially due to a lack of clean water (Mirzabaev et al. 2019).
Reduced food security in Ethiopia due to the decrease of arable land in rural areas also contributes to malnutrition; in fact, 27% of women and 38% of children in Ethiopia suffer from malnutrition and stunted growth as a result of intense drought, which promotes land degradation and desertification, reducing the availability of nutritious food for the communities.
Restricted Economic Development
Approximately 67% of Ethiopia’s population depends on agriculture for a living. As desertification increases, it becomes more difficult for farmers and ranchers to make a living growing food or supporting livestock. This will also affect the country’s economy since agriculture accounts for 40% of its total GDP.
Solutions to Desertification in Ethiopia
Many solutions have been developed and some have been implemented to try and address desertification in Ethiopia. This article discusses a few solutions, but a wide variety of community-based approaches are needed to address the problem of desertification.
The Ethiopian government created the Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) in 2010 to build a long-term national solution intended to shift farming in Ethiopia to sustainable and regenerative agriculture practices, farming practices that help protect soil health and the environment as a whole.
One of ATA’s programs that directly addresses desertification is the Soil Health and Fertility Project. This project covers the implementation of Ethiopian Soil Information System (EthioSIS). This system identifies soil conditions and soil fertility rates from different agricultural areas across the country through laboratory soil testing analysis. Using this information, EthioSIS provides accurate fertilizer use recommendations, depending on soil condition and fertility rate. in order to regenerate soil health. The government also uses information from EthioSIS in order to implement necessary policies to rehabilitate soil desertified areas.
Non-government entities in Ethiopia also participate in the use of regenerative agriculture in the country. For example, in 2013, Nespresso launched a coffee sourcing program in Ethiopia to encourage coffee farmers to practice regenerative agriculture. Today, up to 37,000 farmers have benefited from Nespresso’s farming academy, which teaches sustainable and regenerative farming techniques that help farmers increase their crop yields and restore soil health to avoid desertification and respond to its impacts.
Government Involvement & Solutions
In 2016, the Food and Government Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in collaboration with the Ethiopian government launched its Action Against Desertification program. The program initiated the Great Green Wall project, which intends to rejuvenate Ethiopia’s forests and restore the soil health of its 22 million hectares of desertified land by 2030 through the planting of trees.
Learn more about how desertification is impacting people around the world:


The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will maintain the Spring 2023 Built-in Pest Administration Convention on Feb. 23 in Dallas.
The coaching can be from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. on the Water and Land Sources Constructing of the Texas A&M AgriLife Analysis and Extension Middle at Dallas, 17360 Coit Street.
The price is $85 if registered by Feb. 17 at 5 p.m. at https://tx.ag/Feb23IPM. After that date or on the door, the associated fee is $100. A barbeque lunch is included. Name 979-845-2604 for questions concerning registration.
Texas Division of Agriculture persevering with schooling models can be found for each agricultural and structural applicators. Three basic, one built-in pest administration and one legal guidelines and laws models can be provided. Contributors should enter their appropriate TDA license quantity at registration and attend the total day to obtain credit score.
“We invite all licensed applicators to affix us for our annual spring pest administration coaching – a full day of pesticide applicator persevering with schooling from AgriLife Extension specialists,” mentioned Bryant McDowell, AgriLife Extension built-in pest administration specialist, Dallas, and occasion organizer. “This actually is the premier pesticide convention obtainable in North Texas, and we stay up for bringing our members the newest information and improvements from our trade.”
There can even be trade distributors onsite and members could have time to go to with them. Distributors should reserve a desk. Contact Sharon Harris at 979-952-9201 or [email protected].
Built-in pest administration matters, audio system
Contributors will obtain updates on pesticide legal guidelines, pest biology and identification, and pest administration methods. The matters and audio system are as follows:
- Built-in Pest Administration and Texas Ant Pests, Robert Puckett, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension entomologist, Bryan-Faculty Station.
- Pests of the East Texas Decorative Business, Rafia Khan, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension entomologist, Overton.
- Managing Your Out of doors Setting Utilizing IPM, Janet Hurley, AgriLife Extension built-in pest administration specialist, Dallas.
- Legal guidelines and Rules, Don Renchie, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension program chief and coordinator for the pesticide security schooling program, Bryan-Faculty Station.
- Built-in Pest Administration in Lawns and Turfgrasses – Weed Management, Laura Miller, AgriLife Extension horticulture agent, Tarrant County.


When I was young, wildflowers were in decline. Meadows still fell to the plough, and hedgerows and field margins were lost in the drive towards greater agricultural mechanisation and higher crop yields. As a consequence, I grew up thinking of meadow flowers as something of a rarity.
The loss of wildflower meadows was greater than simply a lack of colour in the countryside, though. The multiple shades of red, yellow, pink, purple and blue represent a broad variety of plants which, in turn, support a more diverse population of insects. This diversity translates itself right through the food chain, with each level supporting a wider range of creatures, all the way up to the top.
Such diversity might not in itself seem important, but nice as it may be to see more wildlife in our countryside the real boon is that it’s indicative of a strong ecosystem, and that benefits the planet – and us.
Take bees as an example. The honey they produce is something of a miracle food, which besides being a natural sweetener also has a range of health benefits. It can help lower cholesterol and reduce heart disease, is naturally antiseptic, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, it aids digestion and boosts the immune system, and can help heal wounds.
But bees are also prodigious pollinators. Incredibly, it takes around 2 million flower visits to produce one 500g/1lb jar of honey and bees will fly the equivalent of the circumference of the earth to produce a single teaspoonful. Without their constant search from flower to flower for nectar, many of the fruits and vegetables we eat, and the plants we grow in our gardens, would simply fail to reproduce. All of which is quite amazing when you stop to think about it.
Circumstances have changed in recent decades and walking the fields over the past week or two it has been a cheerful sight to see so many wildflowers in bloom. Where once they were cut down, ploughed under or sprayed with toxic chemicals, today they are positively encouraged now their role is better understood. So, not only do they provide a blaze of colour in our rural landscape, they are indicators of a healthy countryside, too.
That’s what I call a win-win situation.


100% Grass-Fed and Finished, Naturally Raised Beef
Elk Creek, California
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Divide Ranch is nestled in the foothills of western Glenn County of Northern California. We are truly a family owned and operated ranch, working together to not only manage the many sides of ranching, but cherish and preserve the agricultural heritage.


Gardening hacks if you love gardening, try these garden hacks, of course, it will change the way of your gardening. We all always want to do something new, and many people want to change naturally, these clever Garden hacks are useful for smart gardening. Gardening is a very large part of it and it takes a lot of time. Try these smart gardening hacks, Cinnamon powder, Use citrus peels for seedling, Don’t worry about the watering can or sprinklers, Plants watered when you are going out, Use Coffee grounds and keep pests away, Vinegar in the garden, Epsom Salt organic Gardner, Coffee Ground as pesticides, Use eggshells to prevent slugs and snails, Self-watering planters, Use coffee filters in flower pots, Reuse the broken pots in the garden, Use diapers, Use cooking water to fertilize the plants.
Today many ways of gardening have developed, some containers on the terrace as a hanging planter, some people use a raised bed. Here Nature Bring is telling you about some garden hacks.
1.Cinnamon powder to prevent diseases
Cinnamon contains anti-fungal properties, and the aroma that has it doubles its effect. The disease called ‘Damping Off’ destroys seeding. These are a gray-white furry fungus, which are forms on the stem of seeding, where it meets the starting mix. This happens because it gets the proper condition. That is why it is advisable to use clear plastic domes because it creates a perfect humid disease environment. Find out more.
2. Use citrus peels for seedling
After use citrus does not throw the peel, you can use it for seeding. For this, just make a suitable hole for drainage in the bottom of the peel. Then fill the peel with potting soil and add two seeds and water. As soon as the plant develops, the peel will nourish and compost directly as the plant grow. Learn more about this garden hacks my roman apartment.
3. Don’t worry about the watering can or sprinklers
We all know that plants love sprinkled water. And when you do not have sprinklers or watering can, there is no need to worry use this clever garden hacks. You can keep your plants happy while using your old oil cans. Separate the lid of your old plastic oilcan. You can make holes for a more substantial flow by using a small needle and a large needle, for this you heat the needle and holes in the lid with regular gape. You can make a thick and thin hole according to your need. See the tutorial for more information.
4. Plants watered when you are going out
If you are going out of the house for a few days and are worried about how to water the plants in the house? Actually, there is no way of watering indoor plants, but if you want, you can keep some paper towels and a glass of water to alive them, use these clever garden hacks.. See life hacker for more information.
5. Use Coffee grounds and keep pests away
Use coffee grounds and keep pests away, if dry coffee is spread all around the plant on the ground, then slugs and snails run away from it, though it does not end, gets bothered. You can use the coffee liquid as an organic spray on the leaves. A lot of coffee in coffee ground survives after use. If you add the coffee powder in the water overnight, then a tea-colored liquid gets ready. You can use this liquid as a spray. It also contains antimicrobial with nutrients. It removes insects and caterpillars. Can use the coffee ground to keep ants, snails, slugs, and many other pests away. There are many more uses of coffee grounds for this you see our post. If dry coffee is spread all around the plant in the ground, then slugs and snails run away from it, though it does not end, but gets bothered. Read more in Nature Bring.
6. Vinegar in the garden
People use vinegar to enhance the flavor in the kitchen is used for different recipes, but physique you know vinegar is not only in the kitchen but also in Garden this amazing. How important is the use of vinegar in your garden, and how to use it? Here are you implementing how-to-use vinegar in nature garden?
7. Epsom Salt organic Gardner
Epsom Salts (Magnesium Sulfate) Mix in compost in a certain proportion. You can mix Epsom salt once in a month with prepared soil mixture. A gallon of water mixed with one tablespoon Epsom salts and sprayed directly on the leaves. You will see in a few days than the other plants in spray plants react quickly. Epsom salts will be easy to find in the drug store and grocery. Epsom Salts Organic Gardner proved to be a good friend.
8. Use eggshells to prevent slugs and snails
If slugs and snails are bothering in your garden, then keep these little insects to coarsely-crumbled eggshells all around the plant to eat. The sharp edges of the shells will stop these insects, most of the snails and slugs will easily go out in search of easily available food. See more Natural living ideas.


Readers of my wife’s food blog will know that she’s passionate about agricultural policy. She and I have imagined ways that some wasteful farm bill spending could be better invested in small farms which would create new entrepreneurial farming jobs and produce healthful food that might actually get consumed locally (as opposed to paying agri-business farmers to raise more surplus export crops, so much of which literally gets left to rot every year).
So I was pleased to get an email today from the terrific folks at the Center for Enterprise Development suggesting that there is at least one innovative new idea in farm policy that’s being seriously discussed in congress this year, and I suspect this is not the only one.
A new Individual Development Account (IDA) pilot program for beginning farmers and ranchers could become law as part of the Farm Bill reauthorization.
The Beginning Farmer and Rancher Opportunity Act of 2007 (S. 1412) would provide $5 million for financial education provided to savers by nonprofits and matching funds for individual savings. Savers would receive a 3:1 match, up to $9,000, towards the purchase of farming or ranching equipment, supplies, training, livestock, land, building, or other necessary items. The U.S. Department of Agriculture would be required to fund programs in at least 15 states. The maximum grant size would be $300,000 and requires a 25% local match. Program functions, including account management and financial education could be supported by 20% of the federal grant award, interest on the matching funds, or the entire local match.
The Beginning Farmer and Rancher Opportunity Act of 2007 was introduced by Senators Tom Harkin (D-IA), Charles Grassley (R-IA), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), and Max Baucus (D-MT) and includes public policies like IDAs that will enable future farmers and ranchers to successfully enter into farming and ranching.
Not that $5 million represents a huge re-direction of overall agricultural policy, but it’s a promising start. The emphasis on beginning farmers and ranchers is encouraging, as that population is more likely to produce for the growing local food market and help diversify our agricultural base. And the linking of IDAs (a favorite approach of mine ) with agricultural policy is an interesting way to bring asset-building policy into other settings.
It’s an experiment worth trying, and I hope it gets passed.


Institutions, Natural Resources and Economic Growth in the Modern Age, the Case of Dogana delle Pecore in the Kingdom of Naples (XV-XVIII Centuries).
The trade of wheat and wool has been one of the economic pillars of the Kingdom of Naples during Modern Age. Since Romans times the production of these commodities in the continental part of the Kingdom has been regulated by the trashumance system that coordinated the flow of sheep on Puglias Tavoliere lands. We would highlight the role exercised by the institutions as development agents. In particular, the paper would demonstrate that the new institutions introduced by the king Alfonso I of Aragon were the main driver not only of trashumance but of the entire economic framework of the kingdom. A simple analytical model based on the complementary dynamics of pasturing and wheat production shows the results of the functioning of the new system. The results challenges the negative interpretation of the trashumance led on by the Neapolitan Reformers (illuministi) at the end of XVIII Century and widely absorbed by historians in the XX Century.
agriculture, institution, development
E-ISSN 2038-1379 - 2009-2023 University of Perugia


Over the past three days, I have devoted hours and hours, and sweat and sore muscles and motivation and committment, not to mention $20 of soil additives and my most precious gardening commodity, ~ 8 cu. ft. of finished compost, to creating four raised beds. They are "Square Foot Style," 4x4'. I can't remember who it was on the TP board who gave me the umpteenth recommendation for Mel Bartholomew's book "Square Foot Gardening," but I finally went out and bought it. I decided that with our busy busy intense summers, this approach was the answer. Every year I ambitiously till and plant three or four 4'x18' beds of vegetables. And I cut corners on soil preparation, because I'm short on sand and compost and I'm too cheap to buy stuff to dump in. And I end up with dried out beds of evil weeds and dwarf ("alpinized") vegetables of pathetic yield.
So this year I decided to be sensible. Inspired by the Square-foot book, I would plant only a small area, preparing it obsessively and tending it diligently for maximum efficiency. I went out in the woods with the kids and found the edge-cuts of cedar logs that dh had milled last summer. I hand-sawed them to length, and the kids and I hauled them up to the driveway. We loaded the truck and hauled them back to the house/garden area. We got the drill and the T-square and together we braced, drilled and screwed some raised beds together out of this waste wood.
We drove out to a sandy creek and loaded four bins with sand. I bought a big bale of sphagnum peat. I opened up my bags of organic fertilizer. Our soil has virtually no Nitrogen and no Potassium, so a couple of years ago I bought a bag of greensand (for K) and blood meal (for N). Yeah, the bloodmeal was before I was totally vegetarian. Blood meal is a reasonable use for animal products that would otherwise go to waste, right?
I mixed my sand, peat, greensand, bloodmeal, precious compost and soil together lovingly. I fondled it. I cherished it. I wheelbarrowed it to the brand-new raised beds. I dumped it in. I smoothed it into the beds. I went and retrieved five wheelbarrow-loads of wood chips from the pile the hydro guys had left us last summer after falling and chipping trees from underneath power lines. I dumped the chips in the pathways between the raised beds. Everything looked so tidy! Fiona and Sophie chose one bed each as 'theirs'. We congratulated ourselves on a good day's work and went inside to dream of vegetables. Two beds were done, two more were almost done.
Our evil dog jumped the garden fence and dug up our raised beds. I can only think that the bloodmeal attracted her. She is a digger extroardinaire. Soil got sprayed everywhere, thoroughly mixed in with the wood chips on the paths. The fence had been pushed down in a couple of locations by bears last fall and was only about 2 1/2 feet high where it had got torn away from the gate-post. I just hadn't quite got around to repairing it. "Before we plant..." I had resolved.
Tonight Fiona (4) suggested "I will cut up Freya with a knife until she is in two pieces and then we can eat her meat and burn her and then we will attach her to a jet with a bungee and the jet will go to Africa and so will she." I felt somewhat better.


It was the most beautiful sunny day one could ever imagine, and we got almost nothing done at the rice field because the dang machine doesn’t work properly. If I had just gone out from the start planning to do it all by hand, and spent the same amount of time on harvesting as I have collecting the machine, fiddling with it, swearing at it, talking about it to other people, I would be done with the rice by now. But no, I had to go and make it worse by borrowing a second machine (which incidentally seems to ru perfectly) and so am now hoping that today will be day to finish it all up.
Yesterday I was only able to do a few rows as the machine stalled every row, then every half row, and by the end it was stalling every few feet. I gave up and harvested the final mochi field by hand in less than an hour.
We also managed to borrow all the haze drying racks we will need. That was a relief. We were on our way to the hardware store to buy some steel rods, which will be used to build a shed behind the house, but luckily ran into the smily neighbor who makes it easy for us to ask favors of. I knew he had a bunch of bamboo sticks he doesn’t use, but thought he might have thrown it away after the earthquake. Luckily he didn’t.


This year we finally got to the point where it made sense for us to start getting our poultry feed delivered in bulk 3 tons at a time. For the past five years we have been getting our feed made up a ton at a time. There were problem with that method. I had to go pick it up which takes time and gas. There were lots of plastic feed sacks involved (100 per month last year) that could not be returned or recyled. Having a pallet full of chicken feed in bags was beginning to draw in vermin, And expense. I had been looking around for a while for a used feed bin, but they always seem a little expensive, or in bad shape, and hard to move. Plus they need to be installed on some sort of concrete foundation. Then I remembered seeing a gravity wagon that someone had built a roof on and realized that this was probably the best solution to the problem.
So I went to a farm sale about 2 weeks ago that had 2 gravity wagons in it. I got beat at the sale, but after the bidding a man came up to me and told me he had one that he would take $700 bucks for. Now it has a roof on it. The roof just props up for filling. It is a flat roof, but since we don't have a level spot on the farm no matter where you park it it always has a pitch. Yesterday the first batch of feed was delivered. The best part about it is that after is is filled I can pull it out to the pasture where most of the chickens and turkeys are. This way I don't have to haul bags of feed out there every day


A threat to food sovereignty anywhere, is a threat to food justice everywhere.
‘GMO Reports’ is a list of over 150 pages of reports, fact sheets, issue briefs and studies about GMOs, sustainable agriculture, agroecology, pesticides, herbicides and more
“Nations must stand up against Monsanto and other chemical companies who continue to destroy the biosphere. What affects one affects us all.”
Future generations will not forgive us if we do not stop the GM takeover now. - Dr. Mae-Wan Ho


In this show, the Scotsman and Drew drink some Pumpkin beers and talk about some of the local spots in Modesto to get some great beer. Never had a pumpkin beer you liked? Then you want to check out this show, as Drew begins to change his mind about how tasty a well-done pumpkin beer can be. In addition to all of this, a great beer calendar with a fantastic event on November 6th, where the guys will get the chance to interview David Walker of Firestone Walker at 10 EAST!
Here in the Central Valley of California, the corn is being harvested, silage and tomato trucks infest the roads, the weather is getting cooler, and the hay bales are showing up at fruit stands all over the countryside. It must be fall. Around A.E.’s household, the season is better known as pumpkin beer season, and what better way to celebrate it than to share the good news of some good brews I’ve sampled recently (and not-so-recently). Here are 3 pumpkin ales that I liked and are worth sipping. Still to come is Southern Tier’s Pumking and Buffalo Bill’s Pumpkin Ale. Enjoy! Continue reading


Apexagri, By.O’s subsidiary, comes with French President Macron in Nigeria
Apexagri was part of the French President Macron official delegation in Nigeria, and signed its first mission there in this occasion. It becomes the 5th African country in which we are operating projects aiming to build performing agricultural business! We will support a private initiative of agricultural development that aims to be exemplary for Nigeria.
The conferences held during the visit of President Macron, as well as many business meetings, highlighted the potential of this country, the huge value of its youth and the major economic and social issues this country is facing. In the context of the doubling of its population by the end of the century, the development of efficient and sustainable agriculture is a key challenge for the country. It is also a way to create value and give work to the millions of young people who want to take their chance and move forward.
The message of Tony Elumelu, Nigerian economist, joins that of Mr Macron “don’t wait for the authorization of nobody, if you have a project, go ahead!”


Greenhouse plastic is generally responsible for preserving a hothouse impact within a greenhouse. Greenhouse plastic creates a ideal and warm growing environment that allows different types of plants to cultivate perfectly.
Greenhouse plastic is clearly designed to resist wear and tear unlike conventional building and construction plastic that can not filter ultraviolet rays from the sun. Greenhouse plastic is durable due to its knitted design that enables it to be cut and sized to satisfy the needed length for a structure without tearing, tearing or ripping. The material can quickly be framed around any greenhouse opening like a vent, door or windows.
Greenhouse plastic is the preferred covering of many garden lovers compared to other kinds of greenhouse covering. At the same time expenses are greatly lowered when greenhouse plastic is used given that it lightweight and does not require durable structural framing. The diffusion of light into a structure constructed of greenhouse plastic is as excellent as that of a glass greenhouse.
Types of Greenhouse Plastic
Greenhouse plastic films are normally made from three types of plastics specifically, PVC or polyvinyl pe, polyethylene or chloride and copolymers. There are other types of plastic utilized these three are most extensively utilized amongst all.
Polyethylene greenhouse plastic is offered in 2 types, the energy grade and the business grade greenhouse plastic. Energy grade polyethylene greenhouse plastic is cost local hardware shops and typically stays in great condition for virtually a year. Commercial grade polyethylene greenhouse plastic last longer that utility grade PE up to eighteen months and is treated with ultraviolet inhibitors that filter out ultraviolet rays.
Copolymers are more long lasting and last as much as 3 years. Ingenious ingredients introduced into greenhouse plastic enable it to simulate the exact same results of a glass greenhouse at substantially reduced costs. Polyvinyl chloride is more costly compared to polyethylene however this type of greenhouse plastic can last as much as five years. However PVC greenhouse plastic requires routine cleaning to prevent dust accumulation from the air. It is likewise offered in smaller sized sheets of 4 feet by 6 feet wide.
How to Attach Greenhouse check here Plastic to Frame
When the frame has actually been developed it is time to put on the greenhouse plastic movie to confine the entire structure. Before laying the greenhouse plastic covering on the frame it is essential to mask the joints of the frames with numerous rounds of tape or a rubber product to avoid it from piercing the covering.
The greenhouse plastic film can be secured in place using a staple weapon. A more stiff building utilizing 1" by 2" wood strips and wood screws can likewise be used to protect the greenhouse plastic film in place. The wood strips are connected to the frame so that the greenhouse plastic film does not come in direct contact with the frame.
A popular method used by nurseries is a double-walled construction for much better insulation within the structure that amounts to substantial energy savings. 2 sheets of plastic are layered and framed leaving a small quantity of space in between about five to eight inches wide. Air is introduced into the framed plastics that produce a dead air zone, which can efficiently insulate the whole greenhouse. Different tapes like poly patching tape and batten tape can be used to protect greenhouse plastic into location.
Poly patching tape is built from UV secured acrylic along with the adhesive to safeguard the greenhouse plastic from deteriorating on contact with it. This kind of tape can be utilized to spot holes and rips that may take place to the plastic film. Its outstanding holding strength and wide tape make a suitable for securing the plastic movie to the frame of the greenhouse. On the other hand batten tape can be fastened the plastic film using staples or tacks to the greenhouse structure. It is also made from heavy gauge vinyl that is likewise UV safeguarded.


America’s banker visits it’s grocer in the coming week. When China Vice President Xi Jinping tours the U.S. his itinerary includes expected stops in Washington, DC and California. But he’s also scheduled to stop in Iowa. Usually that’s flyover country.
Xi is expected to be the next leader of China. His country’s appetite for American IOUs is key for keeping interest rates low. China owns more than $1 trillion of U.S. government debts guaranteed by taxpayers making it America’s biggest foreign banker.
But America is China’s grocer. Feeding more than one billion people takes an enormous amount of resources and infrastructure. And that means big business for American agriculture.
The amount of home grown corn, soybeans, wheat and other crops shipped to China is up 77 percent compared to last year. China needs American grains to continue feeding it’s economic growth. That’s one reason why the likely new leader of China has Iowa on his travel schedule. Iowa sells hundreds of millions of dollars of corn to China each year. That money supports jobs from farm fields to manufacturing to shipping ports. It means profits for those investors.
A secure supply of food is necessary to sustain the Chinese economic miracle. It’s also important to help steady prices. Like U.S. shoppers, Chinese consumers are sensitive to inflation, especially when it shows up in the kitchen cabinet.
China needs American food, like America needs Chinese bond buyers. Our mutual appetites will feed each other’s prosperity.


Calamansi is found everywhere in the Philippines! From neighborhood homes and gardens, to the palengke and large supermarkets.
Calamansi is a hybrid (or result of a cross-pollination) of a kumquat and a mandarin orange 1. Hybridization is how many of the fruits and vegetables we enjoy today came to be 2. Calamansi is actually one of many different kinds of citrus trees now native to the Philippines 3.
Calamansi and all other citrus fruit trees were discovered to be from one specific place: the foothills of the Himalayan mountains 1. Eventually citrus trees found their way around the world thanks to the humans who love them. Calamansi and its citrus cousins eventually found their way to the Philippines.
Calamansi is used in everything. It is used as a condiment mixed with patis, sili, suka, and/or toyo. It is also used for desserts, marinades for various dishes, and flavoring for different kinds of pansit. Calamansi can be refreshing on a warm day as a cold beverage, or on a cool morning in Baguio or Bukidnon as a hot tea. It is used in juices, jams, concentrates, purees, candies, and more.
People aren’t the only ones who LOVE calamansi. A species of butterfly now common in the Philippines does too: the Lime Swallowtail!
It lays its eggs on the leaves of citrus trees, like calamansi 4. Its young caterpillars then eat the calamansi leaves before they pupate and turn into butterflies! Oddly, the caterpillars look like bird or tuko (house gecko) poo! 4
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- G. Wu, et al, 2018. Genomics of the origin and evolution of Citrus. Nature, International journal of science.
- T. Lewis, 2018. “Here’s What Fruits And Vegetables Looked Like Before We Domesticated Them.” Sciencealert.com. Last accessed June 12, 2019.
- P. Wester, 1915. Citrus fruits in the Philippines. The Philippine Agricultural Review. www.gutenberg.org/files/35816/35816-h/35816-h.htm
- A. Talavera et al. Philippine Lepidoptera. https://philippinelepidopt.wixsite.com/butterflies/copy-of-papilionidae-swallowtails (Last accessed June 1, 2019).