1 edition of Your own allotment found in the catalog.
Having your own allotment is an excellent way to ensure that the fruit and vegetables you and your family eat are fresh, organic and actually have flavour. This book takes you step by step through the process of finding and obtaining your allotment and then offers practical information and tips on starting, and then maintaining your plot. In three parts it covers all you need to know about: applying for an allotment, preparing the soil, organic principles and planning and laying out your plot; the vegetables, fruits, herbs and flowers you can grow, plus useful shrubs and trees; and. maintaining the allotment, including gardening techniques, pest and weed control, crop rotation, composting, harvesting and storage and tips on maintaining productivity throughout the year.
|LC Classifications||SB457.3 .Y68 2008eb|
|The Physical Object|
|Format||[electronic resource] :|
|Pagination||1 online resource.|
|ISBN 10||1848032471, 1281707503|
|ISBN 10||9781848032477, 9781281707505|
How to grow your own fruit and veg. 'For delicious fruit and vegetables that haven't travelled halfway around the world, you can't beat home grown produce from your own allotment or garden. Here's how ro ensure your plot provides the freshest food all year round.'. An allotment is a plot of land that you rent from your local council or a private landowner on which you can grow your own food. Allotments are communal places, so you rent a plot from an allotment site and share utilities such as water and fertiliser with the other plot owners.
Tell us how your allotment has sustained you through the pandemic Jane Dudman and Guardian community team Thu 6 Aug EDT Last modified on Thu 6 Aug EDT. A wonderfully illustrated celebration of the blood, sweat and joy to be had ‘growing your own’ in an allotment – with the in-depth, practical gardening know-how for which Collins is renowned. No longer considered the preserve of old men in sheds, allotment gardening is currently enjoying a Brand: Harpercollins Publishers.
A wonderfully illustrated celebration of the blood, sweat and joy to be had ‘growing your own’ in an allotment – with the in-depth, practical gardening know-how for which Collins is longer considered the preserve of old men in sheds. This wonderfully illustrated book celebrates the blood, sweat and joy to be had in `growing your own' in an allotment. Includes in-depth, practical gardening know-how, stories from allotmenteers and recipes. No longer considered the preserve of old men in sheds, allotment gardening is currently enjoying a renaissance of interest.
Understanding research in education
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collected works of F.H. Bradley.
purposeful pursuit of profits and growth in business
Hans Jacob Honegger
The Welsh economy.
Common Curriculum - equal curriculum ?
Institut international de coopération intellectuelle, 1925-1946.
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Very useful book if you're new to allotment life and growing your own fruit and veg. Loads of helpful information - advice, planting/harvest schedule, how to grow all kinds of produce and treatment of pests and diseases.
There are a lot of books out there on this subject but I found this to be the best one yet/5(46). Having your own allotment is an excellent way to ensure that the fruit and vegetables you and your family eat are fresh, organic and actually have flavour.
This book takes you step by step through the process of finding and obtaining your allotment and then offers practical information and tips on starting, and then maintaining your plot/5. Your Own Allotment [How to Grow Your Own Food Dirty Nails A compilation of weekly columns written for "Blackmore Vale Magazine", which takes you outdoors and on the vegetable plot where seeds are sown, plants nurtured, fruits tended and crops harvested.
Well, the grow-your-own movement comes with a whole heap of benefits: a great form of self-care, good exercise, saves money, and you’re eating more sustainably. A new edition of the bestselling guide to making the most of your allotment, with seasonal advice, essential to-do lists, and more than 60 fruit and vegetable crop fresh, seasonal produce in your allotment or kitchen garden all year round with the bestselling guide from Alan Buckingham.
Allotment Month by Month takes the uncertainty out of your harvest with clear, reliable. Amazon Reviews of Grow Your Own Crops in Pots: “This is a lovely hardback book with colour illustrations and a very easy to read layout. Covering vegetables, fruits, herbs and edible flowers, there is something in there for anyone who wants to turn their hand to gardening using pots.
The Half Hour Allotment. This is the first allotment book I read. It is a fantastic book because it gives everyone a fighting chance. So many people give up in their first year because it is too much or they don’t get the results they hoped for.
This book helps you by showing you how you can do your allotment in only hours per week. Not a coffee table book but a real book for reading and using. All in all a lovely book. Amazon Review. I love John’s writing style, it is friendly and chatty and easy to read. It has all the information you need to get you started on your allotment, from clearing it to getting it into delicious production.
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Download Your Own Allotment full book in PDF, EPUB, and Mobi Format, get it for read on your Kindle device, PC, phones or tablets. Your Own Allotment full free pdf books. Tomatoes take many weeks to mature, and this will allow your plants to take full advantage of sunny summer days to ripen the fruit.
Tomato plants like a rich soil and a consistent watering regime. Depending on the variety, there are cherry and bush tomato varieties (determinate types) that do not require pruning, whilst many types of. The First Edition of "Your Own Allotment" was published in early so this book is bang up to date.
It is aimed % at the new allotment holder or anyone who is considering taking on an allotment. The book is divided into three key sections. Section 1 describes in detail how to go about about getting an allotment. The Allotment Book book. Read 5 reviews from the world's largest community for readers.
A Practical Guide to Creating and Enjoying Your Own Perfect Plot. Write a review. Emma rated it really liked it. A great book for starting out on your allotment tending journey.4/5. Having your own allotment is an excellent way to ensure that the fruit and vegetables you and your family eat are fresh, organic and actually have flavour.
This book takes you step by step through the process of finding and obtaining your allotment and then offers practical information and tips on starting, and then maintaining your s: 5. Join the AJ community on Facebook - are you an 'Allotment Junkie' - crazy about 'Growing Your Own' Please feel free to join our group and contribute to the page with your allotment photos and recipes/images of the goodies grown and cooked up from all your hard effort down the plot - plus any questions you may have, do please post them to the.
This wonderfully illustrated book celebrates the blood, sweat and joy to be had in 'growing your own' in an allotment. Includes in-depth, practical gardening know-how, stories from allotmenteers and recipes.
No longer considered the preserve of old men in sheds, allotment gardening is currently enjoying a renaissance of interest. Reviews: The book shows you how to manage your allotment and enjoy fresh vegetables through the year on just half an hour's work a day with weekends off.
It combines expert advice from Lia Leendertz and the Royal Horticultural Society and time-saving ideas for planning the most effective use of your time and energy, giving you something to eat fresh. Inside The Allotment Pocket Bible you can discover the rising popularity of allotment gardening, as well as how to turn your allotment into a productive venture.
Dip in to great ideas for fruit, vegetable and herb recipes made from your hard-earned produce, learn how you can get kids involved with your allotment projects and make sure you've.
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These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Whatever the size of the garden, this is a book to convert readers to the pleasures of growing and harvesting their own food. DOWNLOAD NOW» Author: Carol Klein. Publisher: Hachette UK ISBN: Category: Gardening Page: View: 'Easy-to-follow practical advice on growing fruit, vegetables, salads and herbs throughout the year no matter how big or small your garden.'.
If your plot is full of equipment, give it a once over to check for any golden nuggets but otherwise, take it to the tip immediately. Get it out of there and release your land for a clean start!
I’ve been unlucky and have 3×3 m of metal junk that couldn’t be burnt on site. I still don’t know how to get rid of it (without a car of my own). Fitness, community and the satisfaction of growing your own produce. These are just some of the benefits of owning a plot at an allotment, according to residents in Wolverhampton.Award-winning allotment blogger Annabelle, of Life @ No, will take to the stage at BBC Gardeners' World Live for the first time, on the all new Gardeners Unplugged stage and the Let's Talk Allotments area.
Here Annabelle shares her experience, along with some expert tips, which would be especially helpful for those of us who are just embarking on a a journey with a new allotment.


Vegetables And Herbs
From the land with love.
Mankind’s most ancient connection is to Mother Earth; this connection is as old as humanity itself. In the book of Genesis, the Lord makes the Garden of Eden for the first human being to feed himself and to surround him with beauty and peace.
The same is true today. Nurturing, fertile and loving Gaia is our paradise. Our ability to grow food is at the heart of our survival and allows us to create our future. Edible landscaping brings us closer to the land and our ancient history by being outdoors, keeping active and having fun. It’s immensely rewarding and easy to start. A few pleasures in life can compare with the satisfaction of growing, harvesting and eating fresh produce from your own garden.
There are countless variations for vegetable and herb gardens reflecting personal interests and needs. Whether you are young or old, have a large garden plot, a tiny balcony or a bright window ledge, it is always a great time to grow your own food.
Many cultures recognize mankind’s ancient connection to Mother Earth. The Book of Genesis is but one example.
“ Then the Lord God formed a man[c] from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being. Now the Lord God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there he put the man he had formed. “ Book of Genesis cap. 2.


Our weekly basket share supplements a family of 3 to 4 people. For smaller households, we offer a bi-weekly share that members receive every other week. Also, you can share the cost by splitting baskets with a friend or coworker.
(May 16th – July 21st)
Available – $150.00 5 weeks (bi-weekly)
Available – $270.00 10 weeks (weekly)
Early Season runs for 10 weeks. It brings greens of all kinds, asparagus, spinach, lettuce, baby greens, kale, chard, Asian greens, green onions, green garlic, and herbs. Later come peas, beets, carrots, radishes, and turnips.
Late Season Basket
(July 26th – September 29th)
Available – $160.00 5 weeks (biweekly)
Available – $290.00 10 weeks (weekly)
Late Season runs for 10 weeks. The produce you will see include tomatoes, sweet corn, melons, zucchini, and summer squash. Also filling the basket are cucumbers, onions, garlic, beets, carrots, potatoes, eggplant, green beans, peppers, cabbage, and luscious Nevada berries. Late summer brings winter squash, pumpkins, and more greens.
Both Seasons Basket
(May 16th – September 29th)
Available – $310.00 10 weeks (bi-weekly)
Available – $560.00 20 weeks (weekly)
Get the best of both seasons. This option allows you to start with spring vegetables like leafy greens, move toward squash and melons, and ending with winter squash and pumpkins.


The Platform for Agriculture and Climate Transformation seeks to advance a full ecosystem of support for climate-smart and regenerative agriculture as a meaningful solution to the climate crisis. The Platform for Agriculture and Climate Transformation will focus on both supporting what leading farmers, ranchers, NGOs, investors, philanthropists, and the private sector are already doing, while also addressing unmet needs that prevent such initiatives from further scaling.
As The Platform for Agriculture and Climate Transformation Executive Director, Joe draws on more than 15 years of leading food and agriculture policy in the U.S. Senate and his work on the past three bipartisan Farm Bills. A graduate of The Ohio State University and Cornell University, Joe is active in the management of his family's fourth-generation farm.
Hanson brings more than eight years of philanthropic experience partnering with nonprofits to create positive environmental change. In her previous role with Crown Family Philanthropies, Hanson managed a multi-million-dollar portfolio with over 50 nonprofits through all phases of the grant cycle. She has deep working relationships across the environmental sector, including with sustainable agriculture and food system funders and nonprofits. Hanson is a proud graduate of Northwestern University and earned her Master’s in Public Policy from the University of Chicago. She lives in her hometown of Chicago with her husband, Karl, and pup, Sven.


Firsthand Experiences from a Natural Neighbor
Gardens prior to new septic installation
Sharon Pearson, a Natural Neighbor participant and longtime supporter of BiodiversityWorks, had a blank canvas for planting after some recent construction. Prior to construction, she had flourishing gardens, and she was looking to return this space to a simiar condtion. She began working with Vineyard Gardens to develop a design that met her aesthetic vision and incorporated suggestions from our Natural Neighbors report. Working with a landscaping company can help alleviate some of the challenges homeowners may face, such as sourcing native plants and providing planting expertise.
Post construction work
To supplement the plants installed by Vineyard Gardens, Sharon purchased our native plant kit consisting of small plugs of butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa), red columbine (Aquilegia canadensis), cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis), pearly everlasting (Anaphalis margaritacea), and purple lovegrass (Eragrostis spectabilis) last fall. So far, these plugs are spending most of their energy developing an expansive root system, which means above the soil it can seem like not much is happening. It can be hard to practice patience in our gardens; people often shy away from smaller plants because they want the immediate “wow” effect of plants in full bloom. However, accommodating these small plants will pay off in the long run and result in greater resiliency to stressors, like drought. Methodically working with Vineyard Gardens allowed Sharon to mix larger statement plants with the smaller plugs from Polly Hill, creating a nice foundation for her gardens.
A Year of Progress
July follow up visit
Recently, we had the pleasure of a follow-up visit with Sharon to see her progress after one growing season. She has transformed the space from a bare patch of sand to a garden in progress. Sharon gave her gardens time to acclimate, reducing water and heat stress by planting in the fall and letting the small plant plugs establish their roots. She also let native seeds persisting in the soil germinate naturally, resulting in freebies like goldenrods and asters that will be eye-catching come fall. The patience she has practiced in the gardens has paid off! She is fostering a landscape that is self-sufficient, requires lower maintenance, and abounds with flowers and beneficial insects.
While meandering through the gardens, we noticed some activity on the pearly everlasting plants from Polly Hill. Upon investigation, we realized that she had a caterpillar of the American Lady butterfly (Vanessa virginiensis) feeding on the leaves. The American Lady is a beautiful lepidopteran common on the Vineyard, and pearly everlasting is one of its most favored larval host species. This plant was still on the cusp of flowering, even with the hungry caterpillars chewing at its leaves.
American Lady Butterfly caterpillar and adult stage
On another plant, we noticed a small aphid infestation. My first reaction to aphids is still one of disproportionate concern followed by an urge to act swiftly. Those feelings were quickly fleeting as we saw a voracious lacewing larva consuming the aphids. Sharon’s gardens are a great example of how you can utilize native plants to create productive spaces and work with a landscaper to help execute a vision. Her gardens are not strictly native, but she melds native plants with introduced species in a manner that aligns with her aesthetic interests, fosters resilient and lower maintenance gardens, and provides essential food and cover for organisms that are integral to a healthy functioning ecosystem.


03 3 / 2013
(As a break from my goofy posts, I am sharing a few blog entries I wrote for a social enterprise forum in November. You can see the full Khemka Forum report which includes the work of other IDEX bloggers here)
For millions of farmers throughout India, agricultural inputs are an essential part of their day-to-day existence. But what happens when these expensive inputs – from seeds to fertilizers to farming equipment – are ineffective? This discussion led by Siddharth Tata, a portfolio manager for the Acumen Fund, examined the potential for extension services throughout the Indian agricultural sector.
According to Tata, “low productivity means low income” in a country that sees agricultural productivity which is sixty times lower than that of higher-income nations. India’s productivity puts it behind the productivity levels of Pakistan and slightly ahead of Kenya in the global effort to feed a growing world population. For many farmers the farming process progresses from inputs to farm production to collections/processing to distribution to retailing. Putting Indian farmers ahead from the start of their planting season is not only a national imperative, but also a huge entrepreneurial opportunity.
(a view of farmland in the valleys around the Ellora Caves)
“The Potato Man” of India – Hemant Gaur of Siddhivinayak Agri – has started working with farmers to improve a potato crop, which has been less than successful in recent years. As an extension service provider, Gaur has found a way to bundle services thereby improving extension service offerings as well as the profitability of this work. Currently, extension service providers offer limited follow-up service due to a very small margin of profit. Gaur as well as his fellow panelists Arijit Dutta of Basix Krish and Gokul Patnaik of Katra Group, sees the potential of an effective extension service tied to improved agricultural outputs.
“My definition of extension work is relationship,” says Patnaik. Farmers must being willing to try new technologies and techniques that may contradict years of farming experience in order to see increased productivity. Patnaik has seen an increase from forty-nine tons per hectare to ninety-six tons per hectare for farmers that were willing to do “the right things at the right time.”
In order to provide these timely services to a larger number of farmers, customers need to be close together in order to share basic information. In rural India farmers can be disconnected from other members of their extension service by a few fields or many kilometers. Building communication and collaboration between farmers is a focus of the Acumen Fund as extension services see an increase in clients in various locations.
The agricultural sector is still open to any number of possibilities as technology, botany, and management skills are continually tested in a changing climate and fluctuating international market. Risk-takers exist in every sector, but farmers redefine this adrenaline pumping character trait. It is risky to race to develop the latest GPS software, but what about the risk in waiting for rain? We need to see farmers as risk taking entrepreneurs if we are going to encourage the next generation to succeed in the agriculture business.


Tulip Garden in Kashmir is Asia's largest tulips garden and there is a likely hood that it can become the worlds second largest largest too.The tulip garden which is in Srinagar is commonly known as Siraj Bagh and is located no the banks of the famous Dal Lake. When viewing the garden you are able to see the large variety of colors of the flowers, and there are over 60 varieties of early, mid and late blooming tulips.
The tourism authorities in the state said they are using the festival to promote the state as a preferred destination. "ot of Indians go to Holland just to see tulips, but now this place is near and more affordable for the domestic tourists. We feel we will get more tourists. We have come to know that about 12,00 tourists and mostly outsiders have come here," said Tanveer Jahan, a secretary of tourism department. The garden at the foothills of Zabarwan overlooking the famed Dal Lake has about 60 varieties of multi-colored tulips. The festival that also showcased, the state's traditional art and culture, was an instant hit with the foreigners. "You cannot find any of these products in other parts of India. I have not seen something like this," said Peter Mathew, a tourist from Chile. Lot of domestic tourists also visited the festival.
"The variety and the colour are very good. The art collection, the shawls and also the climate is very good," said Minakshi, an Indian tourist. 'Siraj Bagh', which has become home to tulips in Kashmir, has a unique and feasible topography that suits different varieties of flowers. It has slopes suited for different varieties of fruit plants and wilderness suitable for wild flora and bushes.
Tulip, which has its origin in Persia (Iran), was introduced in Europe in 17th century, where it had been developed in different varieties. Holland is the largest producer of tulips, which inhabits the mountain areas extending from Europe to Central Asia. The plantation of tulips begins from September, before the start of winter season.
Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden is located at the foothills of the Zabarwan Mountains which are present on the banks of the Dal Lake, Srinagar. This garden is the most spacious one in Srinagar as compared to the other Mughal Gardens which I saw earlier. The major attraction here is the large variety of Tulips found in thousands of numbers. The sight is heavenly during the full bloom season with all shades of the rainbow scattered on the fields of this garden.


Who we are
Bill Weber’s Greenhouse & Farm Market is a local family-owned and operated business offering a wide variety of plants and produce. We have extensive experience- the Weber name has been associated with growing in this area for over 125 years!
We are located at 290 Old French Road in West Seneca (Gardenville), New York. Our season usually lasts from mid-April through late September. Regular hours are posted in the sidebar of this page.
We look forward to helping our customers with questions like what to grow, or how to fertilize. If we do not have the answer, we will get it for you!
Thanks again for considering us. If you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to give us a call.
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING A LOCAL GROWER!
Hours of Operation
Sunday 9am - 5pm
Monday 9am - 6pm
Tuesday 9am - 6pm
Wednesday 9am - 6pm
Thursday 9am - 6pm
Friday 9am - 6pm
Saturday 8am - 6pm
(Longer hours during Spring, weather permitting.)
Bill Weber’s Greenhouse and Farm Market
290 French Road / West Seneca, NY / USA / 14224
Tel 716-822-8811 / Fax 716-822-8810
**You are welcome to give us a call with any questions!**


What are the benefits of developing organic agriculture for farmers?
Release time ：
Chemical pesticides have always been the magic weapon of increasing production and increment in modern agriculture. According to research data,
Chemical pesticides have always been the magic weapon of increasing production and increment in modern agriculture. According to research data, China's annual chemical pesticide use area is not less than 280 million hectares, and the amount of application reaches 500000 to 600000 tons, of which about 80% of chemical pesticides directly enter the environment.
Indeed, chemical pesticides sprayed in traditional agriculture will gradually diffuse into the atmosphere, soil and water after entering the environment, causing pollution to our ecological environment. It will also gather in different organisms along with the transmission of the food chain, which will eventually lead to problems in the human body.
In agricultural production, these pesticides need to be sprayed into the farmland by farmers through tools or machines. Therefore, farmers are in close contact with pesticides when spraying.
If they do not wear professional protective equipment, it is easy for farmers to inhale the sprayed chemical pesticides. These pesticides are more harmful than food with pesticide residues.
To develop organic agriculture is to plant crops without using chemical fertilizers, chemical pesticides and pesticides.
For example, for pest control and weeding, farmers who grow organic crops will avoid using synthetic pesticides and chemical herbicides, but use physical and biological methods to prevent and control mold, insects and diseases that damage crops.
This can effectively avoid the use of chemical pesticides, help farmers exposed to a large number of pesticides, and reduce the time of contact with pesticides. Once farmers' exposure to pesticides is reduced, their intake will be reduced, and farmers' bodies will not be damaged by pesticides.
Therefore, compared with conventional agriculture, the development of organic agriculture can better protect the health of farmers' friends.
More and more people are unwilling to be farmers. Why?
As we all know, what farmers do is "face the loess and back the sky". They work with the land every day. The work they do is not only hard and tired, but also earn little. In big cities, as long as you are down-to-earth and willing to work, you can easily earn more than doing farm work, so now young people are more and more unwilling to stay in their hometown and guard the three-acre land.
Moreover, farmers produce all necessities of life, and prices will be strictly controlled and will not rise too much or too fast. Therefore, it is difficult for farmers' income to increase significantly.
Organic agriculture, as an agriculture that pays more attention to ecological health and food safety, produces organic agricultural products in a healthy, green and environmentally friendly way with high safety and quality. Today, the food safety problem is so serious that the selling price of such organic agricultural products will naturally be several times higher than that of ordinary agricultural products.
In addition, organic agricultural products, with their high safety and quality, have won the favor of many consumers, triggered a huge consumption trend of organic food, and attracted more and more people to buy.
Therefore, if the farmers who produce ordinary agricultural products and the farmers who produce organic agricultural products can obtain higher income by selling agricultural products, it is natural that the farmers who produce organic agricultural products can obtain higher income.
Therefore, to develop organic agriculture and produce healthy and safe organic agricultural products is also to help farmers improve their income and obtain more disposable funds.
For consumers, when purchasing food, they will pay special attention to pesticide residues and try to avoid food with pesticide residues. However, some studies have proved that the people with the greatest risk of pesticide exposure are not the people who eat, but the people who plant.
Indeed, farmers who grow crops have closer contact with pesticides.
According to the statistics of the World Health Organization, there are about 3 million people suffering from acute pesticide poisoning every year, including 250000 deaths. In addition to those who commit suicide by using pesticides, most of these people occur among workers who produce pesticides and farmers who spray pesticides.
"The disease and pest control technology of Metarhizium anisopliae 421 rice and fishery integrated planting and breeding mode" was selected as the major new technology in China's agricultural and rural areas in 2021
Recently, the 2021 China Agriculture and Rural Science and Technology Development Summit Forum and China Modern Agriculture Development Forum were held in Beijing. The conference released the selection results of "2021 Major New Technologies
The first batch | Julixin's products were listed in the 2022 Catalogue of Chinese Medicinal Herbs and Pests Green Prevention and Control Products
The National Innovation Alliance for Standardization and Quality Assessment of Traditional Chinese Medicines and the Strategic Alliance for Technological Innovation in Bio-pesticides and Biological Control Industry jointly formulated the Measures for the Verification of Green Pesticide Control Products of Traditional Chinese Medicines to boost the production of high-quality brand medicinal materials in China, and on October 16, 2021, The 2022 Catalogue of Green Prevention and Control Products for Pests of Traditional Chinese Medicine was officially released at the "Ninth Joint Construction and Sharing Exchange Conference of Traditional Chinese Medicine Base" held in Nanning, Guangxi.
Another prize in 2021! Metarhizium anisopliae 421 won the Innovation Contribution Award of China Pesticide Industry Association
On the morning of October 11, the awarding ceremony of the "14th China Pesticide Industry Association Pesticide Innovation Contribution Award" was held at the theme conference of the "21st National Pesticide Exchange Conference".
On September 25, the "On-site Observation Meeting on the Demonstration of Green Pesticide Application Achievements in the Chaohu Basin First-class Protected Area", jointly hosted by the Anhui Provincial Plant Protection and Inspection Station


Incredibly strong, easy to grow and inherently organic, hemp is by a wide margin the most truly sustainable material we work with. Hemp cultivation requires no pesticides or insecticides, and only a quarter the water required of cotton. Even better, it detoxifies and regenerates the soil it’s grown in, as well as removing CO2 from the atmosphere at an impressive rate.
As a fabric hemp has similar properties to merino, being antimicrobial (low odour retention, which means it stays fresher for longer), and both insulating and breathable. It also softens with age, and is one of the most durable natural fibres on earth.
The organic cotton used throughout our sneakers is grown with the intention of minimising the impact of its creation on both farmer and environment. Organic cotton is cultivated without insecticides, pesticides, synthetic fertilisers, or GMO seeds.
Natural Latex Rubber
All our outsoles and foxing sidewalls are made from natural latex rubber from the hevea brasiliensis tree, vulcanised in a pressurised kiln at 120º to fuse the sole to the upper.
Flexible yet durable, natural rubber is a naturally sustainable product that’s ultimately biodegradable at the end of its life.
Natural cork is the bark taken from the quercus suber, more commonly named the cork oak. Sustainably harvested with no damage to the tree it grows upon, natural cork is inherently anti-microbial (hypoallergenic & resistant to bacteria) and hydrophobic (repels water) making it the perfect material to stand between your feet and the ground.
Our insole foam is made from an environmentally friendly formulation containing both a renewable sourced castor bean oil in place of the traditional petroleum derived foam, and incorporates a percentage of recycled rubber.
Our shoe boxes and courier bags are made from 100% post consumer paper waste and printed from plant based inks.


Hello again my dear reader,
I’m writing to update you on the state of our vegetable patch. Things are progressing well. We opened some more space and planted green bell peppers, yellow peppers and thai basil. The total list is now:
- jalapeño peppers
- tomatoes (about 12 plants in total)
- musk melon
Below is a photo from this morning.
As you can see, we built a lattice of sticks and wire for the beans to hold onto. We don’t really know if it’s going to work but it seemed worth the effort. We will have to wait and see. Annoyingly, the weather has turned colder again. I hope it doesn’t kill the plants. More updates soon.


Technology Business Incubator of NAARM, Hyderabad, Telangana 500030.
Incubation program which is aimed to attract startups or individuals who are in the ideation/early stage/PoC/Prototype from agriculture and allied areas. Aspiring to grow their innovative ideas, avail support and get incubated at a-IDEA.
Focus Areas: Sustainable Inputs, Precision or Smart Farming, Innovative Food Technology, Supply Chain Technology, Post-Harvest Technology, Farm Mechanization, Farm Fresh Retail, Agri-Biotech, Urban/Vertical Farming, Animal Husbandry, Fisheries, Agri-Fintech, ICT &IoT in Agriculture, Soil, Water & Weather Tech.
1. Mentoring (Business & Technical)
2. Networking (Access to Investors, FPOs, Farmers, Industry Connects, KVKs)
3. Physical Space
4. Capacity building
5. Business support services
6. Advisory support
7. Lab facilities
Well-equipped laboratories & office space along with strong association and access to 65 ICAR-Institutes, Scientists, Researchers/Mentors, 722 KVKs, 63 State Universities, 15 Research Institutes.
Incubation: KRISHIBOOT page will open having accurate link


Red Cross community gardens fend off hunger in the Sahel
Oroukia Boulo, beneficiary/participant of Burkinabe Red Cross food security project, supported by the Spanish Red Cross, Yagha province. IFRC
In Niaptana, Burkina Faso, the Burkinabe Red Cross Society has set up two women’s groups with community gardens. The vegetables they grow there are a lifeline for families struggling with severe hunger. Reached after a long journey through the arid Sahel, the remote community’s garden is an oasis of colour, with its lush vegetables and women in colourful clothing hauling water from the well.
Oroukia Boulo, 54, and her husband have seven children. In normal years, their harvest fills three granaries, enough to feed their family throughout the long dry season. This year, they couldn’t fill one. The vegetables Boulo grows through the Red Cross project pulls her family back from the brink of starvation.
“This year the food situation is difficult for many people but because I’m on this project I can afford some expenses for my family, so we don’t feel it as bad as some others,” Boulo says.
She says many women in the village now want to join the group because they see how beneficial it is. “If the garden was not good you would not see people here, but look how many we are and all working hard, because it works. If I’m able in the future, I would like to increase production and set up a business selling my produce," says Boulo.
The Burkinabe Red Cross Society has given Boulo, and others like her, seeds and training in vegetable production. These vegetables are used by the farmers and also sold to neighbouring villages. This increases the farmers’ incomes and makes nutritious, affordable food available in the region.
Hortense Somba, food security program manager at the Burkinabe Red Cross Society, says food security has been a focus for the past eight years, with the support of the Spanish Red Cross. "Right now people across the Sahel region are facing severe hunger, but in the communities we’re supporting with vegetable gardens you can really see the difference it is making," says Somba
To support Red Cross operations in food insecure regions of the Sahel, please donate to the West Africa Food Crisis fund.


A place steeped in history
Over 160 years of family history
The Rustic Maze is located between Young and Grenfell, on our property ‘Lower Coolegong’. The property was originally settled in the 1850’s before the township of Young’s first surveyor’s peg was knocked into the ground. It continues to be held by the descendants of the original settlers, the Maroney family. The history of this area and its properties is very interesting and I am happy to share a story or two with you.
‘Lower Coolegong’ currently operates primarily as a cropping farm (canola & wheat), although we do run a mob of Dorper sheep. Over the years we have been active in fencing off all the creek and flow lines, regenerating these areas to establish wildlife corridors.
Since moving out to the farm 16 years ago we have been working hard at redesigning and establishing the garden, though Mother Nature hasn’t always been on our side. The ever expanding garden now includes the maze, mosaic garden & café. My dream has finally come to fruition! We are also restoring our C1910 historic home – a very slow but rewarding process!
The current garden area is approximately 5ha, and it is always growing, much to my husband Jodie’s disbelief. Even as I write this designs for a new garden area to link to the shearing shed (our new Wedding Venue) are in the pipeline. So exciting!
The garden and maze are my passion and I am looking forward to sharing them with you.


We produce our olive oil, grown solely in Cervano and made with love by our family since 1818.
Nothing is put on the trees, only sun and the healthy air of lake Garda, we are very proud to have the real Mediterranean taste.
From our trees we extract 3 different kinds of oil:
Gargnà: the name comes from Gargnano, the village below Cervano, it is a particular and very rare type of oil because the full harvest is only once every 4 years, the taste is fruity and light with olfactory notes of artichoke and almond, this olive oil is produced immediately after the harvest to preserve the fragrance, which is very delicate.
Casaliva: the typical autochthonous variety from Lake Garda, intense golden yellow with shades of green, clear, bitter and spicy with hints of green cloves, decidedly intense olive oil.
Minìol: the origin of the name come from “Minimum oleum” because the berry is smaller, difficult to collect and the oil product is very rare,and has a very light taste


After weeks and what seems like months waiting (remember the tree guy?) I'm starting to see the first veggies!
That is sooooo cool! The squash is a mystery vegetable: during the winter I just throw my veggie cuttings directly in the garden and I have surprises the next summer! I think it's an acorn.
Even if I start my plants from seed, I always cheat and buy a couple of tomato plants, this is a pink one. I didn't want to buy any this year because I had a lot of tomato seedlings. Unfortunatly I broke 2 when I transplanted them, the stem just snapped (Bummer!).
I'm also starting to haevest ground cherries. I have a secret ground cherry fantasy. I want to have enough so I can make jam...Not going to happen this year!
I am by no means a really serious gardner, I do this for fun and if I can get veggies out of it, then I'm sooo proud of myself. But for now I try to weed a little bit everyday...I can't do it all at one I will go BONKERS!
'til next time....:)


Concerning Japanese regulation (Positive List System) of agricultural chemicals for green coffee beans（Brief Summary）
Provisional Translation by All Japan Coffee Association
Concerning Japanese regulation (Positive List System) of agricultural chemicals for green coffee beans (Brief Summary) (Notified on Nov. 29, 2005；Enforced on May 29．2006)
Green Coffee Beans containing agricultural chemicals over the uniform limit or the maximum residue limits cannot be imported, distributed, or processed in Japan.
1. Agricultural chemicals to which the regulation is applied
All the following agricultural chemicals (except exempted substances)
Fungicides, insecticides, and other chemicals used for control of fungi, nematodes, mites, insects, rodents, or other animals and plants or viruses which are injurious to crops (including trees and agricultural and forestry products) and growth accelerators and germination depressors and other chemicals used for promotion or depression of physiological functions of the crops. (Agricultural Chemicals Regulation Law, Article 1-2, Paragraph 1.)
Substances defined by the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare as having no potential to cause damage to human health. See ANNEX 1.
2. Residue of agricultural chemicals remaining in foods
The amount (0.01 ppm) established by the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare as not posing any adverse health effects. The uniform limit is applied to all the agricultural chemicals for which a maximum residue limits are not established.
Maximum residue limits
- Substances used as ingredients of agricultural chemicals whose limits are specified as "not detected" in foods. See ANNEX 2.
- Maximum residue limits for green coffee beans. See ANNEX 3.
3. Judgment of compliance with the standard limits
Compliance should be determined by calculating a test value to one more digit than required and rounding it off to the nearest digit and by comparing the obtained value with the corresponding standard limit.
4. Import Tolerance System
A request can be made from outside Japan to the Japanese government to establish or amend maximum residue limits in Japan for agricultural chemicals whose use is newly approved for green coffee beans that might be exported to Japan. (PFSB/DFS Notification No. 0205001, Feb. 5, 2004)
[For your information]
Handling of processed foods (roasted beans, instant coffee, extract, etc.)
In principle, processed foods made of materials that meet maximum residue limits can be distributed. Compliance will be examined when any chemical remaining in processed food exceeds the uniform limit of 0.01 ppm.


Win Tone Machinery is the largest corn and grain processing equipment manufacturer in China. We can provide you with corn processing equipment, beans/grain processing equipment, edible oil processing equipment, wheat flour mill, rice mill and starch processing plant and comprehensive business solutions in these industries.
You can also contact us via firstname.lastname@example.org
Our Official Webiste: www.wintone-machinery.com
VR of our factory: http://184.108.40.206:10000/


SEPTEMBER 2014 FRUIT TREE CARE AND GARDENING NEWSLETTER
Western Nevada College is sponsoring a workshop on Building Healthy Soils in Carson City on Sept 22, 9am to 3:30 pm including a tour of Holly Family Farms in Dayton. For more details, go to:
I’ll see you there.
Grow Your Own Nevada is presenting Discover the Secrets to High Desert Gardening at the Reno Cooperative Extension office from Sept 9 -25, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 to 8 pm. For all the info, go to:
www.growyourownnevada.com and look under News and Events and/or Classes and Services.
The National Heirloom Exhibition of fruits, nuts, vegetables, and farm animals is being held in Santa Rosa, CA, September 9,10, and 11. I went last year with Pawl Hollis and Randy Robison and we were all awed by the vast array of varieties of everything edible. The pyramid of gourds is amazing until you see the pyramid of melons! Worth the trip and price of admission just to stroll around and look. For more info, go to: http://www.theheirloomexpo.com.
For those of you who would like to taste many different varieties of apples and other fruits, you might want to plan a trip over the hill to Placerville or Sebastopol. The Sebastopol area has several orchards and roadside stands with Gravensteins (the area specialty) and several other varieties of apples. The Sebastopol crop ripens early but should still have apples now; try www.kozlowskifarms.com for more info. The town also hosts a cider maker www.acecider.com.
In September and October, join the crowd (hordes on weekends) at Apple Hill near Placerville. Numerous orchards have pies, cider (fresh juice), lunches, and many varieties of apples. The larger places stand out, but try some of the smaller growers on the back roads. If you’re able to get away on a weekday, you will avoid the crowds, but Apple Hill is a worthwhile trip even on a Saturday or Sunday. For more info, go to www.applehill.com.
Check your soil moisture; cooler temperatures mean less evaporation and transpiration, so adjust watering time/volume accordingly. For those readers who have lawns, fertilize in mid September to help grass promote root growth for the winter. The best way to limit future codling moth damage is to remove fallen, damaged apples a soon as possible after they fall. So, rake up those fallen apples a couple of times a week and dispose of or compost them.
This year, I have a fair sampling of apples in PV and the two apple trees in Reno are loaded. My 5 yr old President and Empress plums in Reno have good crops of about 3 dozen plums on each. Raspberries in PV are loaded this year. Tomatoes are finally ripening. Everything else, fair to good.
Hope you are enjoying the cooler weather and are enjoying a good harvest.
Michael revised 9/7/2014


Due to circumstances which greatly affect SunSmile Farms, we have decided to cancel the CSA and Debit Partnership for the 2012 season.
We have not had irrigation water since August 2011 because of a leak in the pipe under the Rough and Ready Highway. It has not yet been determined who is responsible for repairing this water pipe and, as such, a repair has not yet been scheduled. The repair and maintenance of a 185 gpm water supply is not an easy endeavor. As a result of the water supply problem, we are unable to proceed with our planting as anticipated. We are hopeful that we will be able to do a later planting, but our season will be a late start at best. Our Fall crops of garlic, onions and potatoes have done very well with the rains and we are able to sustain the irrigation with our domestic water.
In addition to the water dilemma, the Spring frosts hit our peach crop hard. Unfortunately, some things in farming are out of our control.
We would like to thank you for your support of the farm. Your support and encouragement is very much appreciated. We will keep you posted as things develop in the future.
Our Farmstand will be open July through October.
Farmstand Hours are:
Tuesday – Friday 10 am to 6 pm
Saturday 9 am to 5 pm
Sunday 9 am to 4 pm


The key to getting your child super excited about gardening is choosing fruits and vegetables that are easy for them to grow. You want them to have a successful experience gardening, and it helps when the produce they are growing is relatively foolproof. I have planted many different types of fruits and vegetables with my son over the year and have found 7 items that are tried and true when it comes to gardening with children. Several of these plants can be grown inside (in a sunny window or patio), if you're a city dweller. Read on to learn the 7 easiest fruits and vegetables to grow this spring with your children -- and get planting!
I think that the catch-phrase “easy peasy” came about because peas are just so easy to grow. They can be started inside using homemade recycled newspaper pots, organic compost and seeds – making for an amazing spring afternoon activity. Just remember that the seeds are poisonous, so don’t let your child put them in their mouths, and wash their hands after handling. Peas are a lot of fun to grow because you can grow them up a trellis and they flower, which means your little ones can pick the pretty little flowers and bring them inside to enjoy on the dining room table.
The best part about peas is that they will continue to grow all summer long – allowing for a few months of gardening fun with your children.
Sunflowers are fun to grow because they can reach heights up to 15 feet tall. The very size of these flowers will spark your child’s imagination and they won’t be able to get over how tall they really grow. They come in a variety of colors and sizes – and there are even dwarf versions that you could grow in a small space garden or super sunny window. Sunflowers do need full sunlight – which makes them easy to plant in your yard. You won’t have to worry about finding a spot that isn’t too sunny!
The best part, when all is said and done, the sunflower seeds can be eaten, or if you would like to leave them in the yard, they will attract a variety of birds to your yard to feast on the seeds.
Who doesn’t love strawberries? They are like nature’s sweet candy! Strawberries are perfect for children, because harvesting them is like a treasure hunt and your children will want to come out to the garden every day to peek underneath the leaves. Strawberries that you grow at home are sweeter than the ones that you will find at the grocery store too. Strawberries can be grown in any part of your yard and can take up either a small or large space depending on what you have available.
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Job openings: A postdoc position is available immediately in our group. We seek candidates in the areas of memristive devices, wideband gap semiconductors, and wearable electronics and sensors. Experience with circuit design is preferred. See more.
8/7/2023: A new project ($2M; 4 years) was funded by NSF to develop green fertilizer, aiming to mitigate the challenges posed upon climate change-threatened farming and ranching communities.
5/4/2023: AgTech sensor startup EnGeniousAg wins $1 million award from the National Science Foundation.
12/12/2022: A new project ($1.8M federal funds) was selected by DOE for funding. Led by Ajay Nair, the project studies various approaches to food crop production and beekeeping at solar farms.
11/22/2022: Congrats to Seth for a successful PhD dissertation defense. Congrats, Dr. Heerschap!
10/10/2022: A new grant ($1.2M) was awarded by USDA-NIFA to develop new sensors for monitoring greenhouse gas emissions.
8/16/2022: A new grant ($276k) was awarded by USDA-ARS to develop sensors for animal disease diagnostics.
7/21/2022: Congrats to Hussam on passing his PhD dissertation defense, Dr. Ibrahim!
1/7/2022: In the news: Liang Dong named director of Microelectronics Research Center.
11/17/2021: Congrats to Le! Le Wei received his PhD degree. Congratulations to Dr. Wei!
10/29/2021: Congrats to Qinming Zhang who received Young Researcher Poster Award at uTAS 2021. The title of the paper is "On-chip analysis of swine respiratory viruses using magnetic nanoparticle-enhanced photonic crystal biosensor."
10/13/2021: Dr. Dong and Dr. Whitham at received two years of funding from Iowa Soybean Research Center to develop sensors for soybean research.
8/14/2021: A team led by Dr. Dong received a $1.75M award from NSF CNS program.
8/1/2021: $20M federal grant launches AI Institute for Resilient Agriculture (AIIRA) for better crops, agricultural production. The project is funded by NSF and USDA-NIFA. Dr. Dong is part of the AIIRA and provides expertise in ag sensors.
6/24/2021: Sung-Min Kang successfully defended his MS thesis. Congrats!
4/28/2021: Yuncong successfully defended his PhD thesis. Congrats Dr. Chen!
Read more ...
Contact: Dr. Liang Dong
2201A Coover Hall, Ames, IA 50011
Lab: 1048/1046/1045/1042 Coover Hall, Iowa State Univ., Ames, IA 50011


For Anant, protection of the natural environment is crucial, since it contributes to social and economic development while promoting the use of renewable energies.
- Residual water treatment, for watering gardens and green areas.
- Inverse Osmosis System, to purify water for domestic use, which will be sent to faucets and showers.
- Gathering of rainwater for bathrooms.
- Thermal sealing, hermetic doors, and windows, as well as specially treated glass.
- Classification of residues. Compost preparation from organic residues, to be utilized as fertilizer.
- LED low-consumption lighting.
- Fan & Coil air conditioning, equipped with an energy-saving system.


CCFM provides services that help farmers sell and market
their produce directly to consumers. We also provide similar services to artisans, crafters and food vendors.
We specialize in setting up Farmers' Markets, for the benefit of small Californian certified farmers, local government agencies and the neighborhoods where the markets are run.
CCFM's data bank of farmers and growers exceeds over
3000 producers and over 45,000 consumers.
If you are interested in setting up a Farmers' Market
in your community, please contact Jennifer McColm,
our President, at 818-591-8286.
What makes our certified
- Quaint European style and ambience in a fresh open-air environment.
- Assurance of the Highest Quality Standards in Certified Farmers and their products.
- Community Oriented Supported.
- Cooking Demonstrations by local restaurants.
- "Garden School" Sponsorships & Grants.
- Providing customers year 'round with a selection of
fresh, seasonal produce straight from the Farms that are top quality among Certified Farmers Markets.


Succulent gardens are known for their exotic beauty and rare form. Succulents are one of the most diverse yet easiest types of gardens for anyone to maintain. They do well as indoor houseplants and require little care to grow into mature and thriving plants. From online blogs to home decor magazines, succulents are the “it” plant to use when it comes to sprucing up your house. Curious to know more about this gardening movement? Read on to get started.
What is a succulent garden?
Succulent gardens are one of the biggest gardening trends in recent history. People of all ages can enjoy the simplicity of starting these unique and quirky gardens full of desert plants. Succulent gardens only need to be watered once a week. Succulents grow best in warm weather climates, such as the desert. According to the Division of Agriculture at the University of Arkansas, deserts, which don’t get more than 10 inches of rain year, make up a third of the world’s land. Succulents can thrive in warm weather conditions and severe drought because they are able to store water (also referred to as sap) in their thick and waxy leaves. In fact, the word “succulent” is derived from the Latin word “sucus,” which means juice or sap.
Succulents are impressive plants that hail from Africa, Central America, the European Alps, South America and South Africa, according to the University of California. The waxy coating on the leaves helps to deflect the sun, allowing the plant to stay cool and store as much water as possible. Succulents are also great plants to propagate. It’s as easy as snipping off a leaf, letting it sit in the sun for several hours and then replanting the leaf to watch it grow.
They come in a variety of eye-catching textures, uncommon shapes and vibrant colors like red, blue, purple and more. Not only are these warm-weather plants diverse in appearance, but succulents belong to more than 60 different types of plant families. Some of the most popular kinds of succulents include:
- The fishbone cactus
- The propeller plant
- The zebra plant
Environment Needed for a Succulent Garden
Hot, desert-like weather conditions are best for a successful succulent garden. These plants live for the heat. One of the best things about succulents is their diversity. While it is true that succulents love hot climates, it is possible to grow the plants in cooler climates as long as it is done indoors. Succulents need partial to full sun on a daily basis, so they are best suited for states like Florida, California and the southwestern portion of the U.S.
The best indoor spot for a succulent is in a small planter or pot that is placed on a sunny windowsill. Make sure the windowsill gets plenty of sunshine because succulents need the warmth to grow. The ideal temperature for succulents during the day is between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The coldest temperatures that succulents can withstand is between 50 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
Generally, succulents only need to be watered once a week and should be given a thorough soaking — not just a sprinkle. During the springtime, succulents need to be watered on a more frequent basis and less frequently in the summer and even less so when they go into hibernation during the winter months. If you are not sure whether your succulent needs water, check the soil to see if it is dry. If it is crumbly to the touch and it’s been a week, go ahead and give it water. Certain varieties of succulents like cacti need less water than leaf succulents.
Succulent plants need equal parts of regular potting soil and sand to properly drain. Clay soil is not the preferred soil for succulents. However, are some modifications you can make to the clay soil in order to prime it for planting succulents. Mix sand into the clay soil so that the foundation is an equal split between the two. The sand should be mixed as far down as 12 inches into the ground. In both instances, sand provides stability to the soil.
Learn the Tools and Materials Needed to Start a Succulent Garden
Before you can start your succulent garden, you will need to purchase the proper tools and materials necessary to make your unique garden grow. Succulents can be planted in small pots, planters, glass terrariums, raised-bed gardens and directly in the ground. No matter where you plant your succulents, the materials and tools needed mostly remain the same.
If you are planting indoor succulents, you will need a few small pots or a large planter that can sit on a sunny windowsill or near a well-lit window. If you are buying pots for outdoor use, consider larger pots that are 12 inches in diameter and can accommodate up to six succulents for a small garden.
When it comes to what kind of succulents to grow, not all types are meant to be grown indoors. If you are planting succulents in small pots for a windowsill, visit your local nursery to purchase these small types of succulents. The best succulents to grow indoors are the burrito sedum, star window plant, lace aloe, panda plant, copper spoons and more. Some of the best succulents to grow outdoors are aeonium, agave, aloe, crassula and dudleya.
You will also need traditional garden soil and sand for the foundation. If you are planting your succulents outside, you will need a shovel and gardening gloves to prepare the soil as well as a rake to smooth it all out. Gravel, moss and other rocks are optional features that can be placed on top of the soil once the succulents have been planted. These extras can give your succulent garden a polished look.
While succulents don’t require water on a daily basis, they still need a drink every now and then. Use a watering can or garden hose to keep your plants moist.
Related Article: Understanding Feng Shui for Your Home


With AATIF (Africa Agriculture & Trade Investment Fund), our job was to travel across Kenya to document the various farming practices. We traveled everywhere from the highlands of Mt. Kenya to coastal farms exploring, learning and visually documenting the work that goes into keeping this country fed. Our work with them was incredibly educational and reframed our way of thinking about food production in general. Farmers are the backbone of societies and we learned about their ups, their downs and everything in between. Our main takeaway from this project was how the evolution of farming is changing the face of food production through technology. We encountered some of the most incredible systems and machinery that have revolutionized the entire industry and what’s better is that these practices are becoming even more environmentally sustainable.


Our project provides simplified methods to test soil health for smallholder farmers, research for development, and citizen science.
Toolkit Validation Paper Published!
Doctoral student and team member Blessing Magonziwa has published a validation paper using the soil health tool kit data from Kenya and Peru in the journal Geoderma (Nyamasoka-Magonziwa et al., 2020). Click HERE to download this open access paper from the journal website.
Tests currently described here (more on the way):
Soil quality and ecosystem services underpin smallholder production systems for food forage all over the world. In most smallholder contexts, land size per household has shrunk and farming intensity has increased in recent decades, thus raising concerns about the capacity of soil to keep pace with decreased fallow lengths and increased tillage frequency. Tools like the ones we have adapted here can add to farmers’ learning about their soils and motivate a variety of approaches that can maintain and regenerate soils.
We work with various organisations in Eastern , Western and Southern Africa Communities of Practice (CoPs) as well as the the Andean Region CoP funded by The McKnight foundation’s Collaborative Crop Research Program or CCRP http://ccrp.org/
Posters with tool kit overview, project activities and recent progress:
English poster (from the McKnight CCRP East Africa Community of Practice Meeting, May 2018)
Spanish poster (from the McKnight CCRP Andean Community of Practice Meeting, July 2018)


Garden Restoration Program
The Culinary Institute Lenôtre is currently working towards our Garden Restoration Program. The garden will provide our aspiring chef students a hands-on fundamental lesson in growing and maintaining their own vegetables, fruits, herbs and flowers. It is our hope to give chef students a good foundation for the growing concept of farm to table cuisine
Today, we have flowers and herbs that are used by our students in Le Bistro. In addition in September, carrots, beets, broccoli, cabbages, green leaves that will make our garden even lusher.


Demetriades Family extra virgin olive oil with chilli (spicy) in glass spray bottle 50ml
Demetriades Family extra virgin olive oil with chilli (spicy) in glass spray bottle.
AOP Aix-en-Provence – Extra Virgin – Fruité vert
Made with fruit from an olive grove in the Chalet Vallon locality, with chalky soil, on the southwest-facing uplands and hillsides. A blend of two varieties of green (unripe) olives: Anglandau (40%) and Salonenque (60%). This fruity, spicy oil will add a kick to Mediterranean cuisine.


The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is one of the international organizations that is active in the field of agricultural development. FAO is one of the specialized agencies of the United Nations, which leads global efforts to eradicate hunger. This organization is a neutral international forum; in which all countries, both developed and developing, are present and plan and make policies to improve agriculture, forestry, fisheries and achieve proper nutrition (especially in poor and developing countries). In addition, FAO is considered a suitable scientific and information reference in the mentioned fields. The specialized organizations of the United Nations operate with the aim of helping to improve living standards around the world and in specific sectors. Such specialized organizations provide their activities to United Nations member states by providing financial resources and equipment, scientific studies and specialized assistance in special fields. Be with us at Foodexiran to learn more about the activities of this specialized organization.
192 countries are members of FAO
FAO is the first specialized organization of the United Nations that was established after the Second World War. Currently, 192 countries in the world are members of this organization. The headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations was in Rome, the capital of Italy. In 1951, the FAO headquarters was moved from Washington to Rome. FAO was founded in 1945 by 44 member countries of the United Nations. It is interesting to know that 75% of the world’s food is provided by NGOs.
FAO, improving living standards and improving nutrition
From the FAO center and through a global network of about 90 offices, this organization helps developing countries to expand and modernize agriculture, forestry, fisheries and provide adequate food for all. The goal of this organization is to raise the standard of living and improve the nutrition of the people of the world, the proper distribution of food in different regions of the world, and the creation of food security. fighting malnutrition by providing necessary information to different countries; Another goal of FAO is to increase agricultural productivity and the level of nutrition in the world.
FAO, serving 183 countries
FAO serves its members, including the European Union and 183 countries, and in doing so works with thousands of partners around the world, from civil society organizations such as farmers’ groups and humanitarian organizations to other UN agencies, development banks and the private sector.
When did Iran’s membership in FAO begin?
Iran has been a member of this organization since 1953. The experts of this organization collected and evaluated a significant part of Iran’s genetic reserves of wheat, barley and oats in the years 1332 to 1350 under the title of research and investigation, but then they were taken out of Iran and transferred to Britain, Canada and other foreign countries. Iran joined the United Nations in 1945 as one of the 50 founding members. Today, Iran is an active member of the United Nations. The United Nations has actively cooperated with Iran since 1950 and established one of the first United Nations information centers in Tehran in 1950. The UNICEF office was opened the following year. After that, other UN agencies soon established their offices. Iran is a middle-income country, but it has a high rank in the human development index, and over the past three decades, its human development index has improved significantly. Iran is the sixth largest country in the world in terms of accepting refugees, and it provides them with basic medical services and free education, just like Iranian citizens. The cooperation between the parties was strengthened with the reopening of the country office of this organization in Iran in 1992, and over the years, FAO has provided its technical and political assistance in promoting the sustainable development of the country’s agricultural and rural sectors.
The ideals of sustainable development in Iran
The Sustainable Development Goals, in partnership with FAO, are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the planet’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the ideals that the United Nations is working on in Iran: the absence of poverty, zero hunger, health and well-being, quality education, gender equality, clean water and sanitary facilities, clean and accessible energy, dignified jobs and growth. Economy, industry, innovation and infrastructure, reducing inequalities, sustainable cities and societies, responsible production and consumption, action for the climate, life underwater, life on land, peace, justice and capable institutions and partnerships to achieve ideals.
Historical background of FAO
1943 – In this year, 44 governments in Virginia, United States, committed themselves to the establishment of a permanent organization in the field of food and agriculture.
1945 – The first FAO meeting in Canada established FAO as a specialized agency of the United Nations.
1951 – The headquarters of FAO moved from Washington to Rome.
1981 – The first World Food Day was celebrated in more than 150 countries on October 16.
1986 – Agrostat, the world’s largest source of agricultural statistics and information, now called Faustat, began operating. In order to strengthen organizations active in the field of prevention and control and eradication of diseases and pests as much as possible, the emergency prevention system of cross-border plant and animal diseases and pests was established. In order to decentralize operations, streamline regulations and reduce costs, FAO has embarked on a significant restructuring since its inception. From the United Nations, for the first time, FAO was given the exclusive right to allow producers to produce coconut water in bottles under conditions that do not change its taste and nutritional properties. This practice is a potential boon for developing countries.
The main objectives of FAO
The four main objectives of FAO are: To assist developing countries by providing technical facilities. Helping governments to determine policy and consulting in planning. Gathering, reviewing and disseminating information. Acting as a place for exchange of views and gathering of poor and rich nations with equal conditions.
Management and Finance of FAO
FAO is governed by the Assembly of Member States, which is held every two years to review the functioning of the organization and approve the budget and program for the next two years. The summit elected a 49-member council from among the member states, which acts as the temporary board of directors of the organization. These members work on a rotating basis in a three-year period. This meeting also elects the director general to head the organization.
FAO, consisting of 8 departments
FAO consists of eight departments, which are: administrative and financial affairs, agriculture, economic and social affairs, fisheries, forestry, information and public affairs, sustainable development and technical cooperation. More than 3,700 staff work in FAO (1,400 professional staff and 2,300 public service staff), which, in addition to the central office, manages five regional offices, five local offices, five liaison offices and more than 78 country organizations.
In what field is the FAO budget spent?
The budget of the organization is spent in two main areas: the permanent program and the regional program. The permanent program is related to internal activities, including: supporting practical work, guiding countries in the field of policy and planning and a wide range of development projects, its budget is provided through member countries and according to the prescribed level announced by the summit. The regional program that realizes FAO’s development goals provides major assistance for joint projects between national governments and other organizations.
FAO reforms in the 21st century
Since 1944, FAO has undergone the most significant restructuring since its inception in order to decentralize operations, make regulations more efficient and reduce costs. In this way, 50 million dollars of savings have been realized per year. The highlights of these reforms are: more use of experts from developing countries and countries in transition. Extensive communication with the private sector and non-governmental organizations. More electronic access to FAO documents and databases.
The report “FAO Reforms in the New Millennium” outlines FAO’s actions to decentralize its organization and focus its activities on key priorities. In 1999, the summit approved the “Strategic Framework for the Advancement of FAO Programs until 2015”, which was expanded during the extensive exchange of opinions between the member countries and other investors of FAO and provides a powerful framework for the future programs and plans of this organization.
FAO has three pillars.
The conference is the highest organ of FAO, which meets every two years. Principal and observer members can each have one representative in the conference, but only principal members have the right to vote. If necessary, the conference can invite any international organization whose activity is related to the tasks of FAO to participate in the conference sessions. The representative of this organization does not have the right to vote.
The Council, with 49 members, is considered the executive pillar of the FAO organization. Council members are elected by the conference for 3 years. The council exercises the powers delegated by the conference. Council members are divided into 7 regional groups; Each group has a fixed number of seats.
The Director-General, Director-General of FAO, heads the Secretariat and is appointed by the Conference for a 6-year term. The Director General of FAO, if approved by the conference, can establish regional and regional offices.
Duties of FAO
Encouraging investment in agriculture, animal husbandry, improvement of aquatic resources and aquaculture.
Facilitating the transfer of technologies and expansion of agricultural research in developing countries.
Struggle to preserve natural resources and against animal diseases.
Helping countries to be prepared to deal with food crises and, if necessary, providing them with the necessary assistance. These assistances are provided in the light of this organization’s timely notification and warning.
This organization, which is the main rural development agency of the United Nations, provides the World Food Program in cooperation with the United Nations, as well as special programs to prevent food crises and to improve the production and distribution of cereals. It also provides technical assistance to the countries that want help in all competent fields. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations collects and analyzes information. It consults with governments on policy and planning and is an international forum to discuss food and agriculture issues.
The most important activities of FAO
The most important part of FAO’s activities is in agriculture and in crop production, which includes about 24% of the cost of FAO’s field action program per year. FAO helps developing countries to increase agricultural production through methods such as improved seeds and fertilizer use, soil conservation and afforestation, better water resources management techniques, improved storage facilities, and improved processing and financial markets. FAO places special emphasis on the cultivation of somewhat obsolete traditional food crops such as cassava, sweet potato, and the condition of farms. Apart from agriculture, which is the main activity of FAO, this organization also has major activities in the fields of animal husbandry, environment, fisheries, forestry, nutrition, recovery and processing. We recommend you to read the World Food Day article.
FAO, Special Program on Food Security
In 1994, FAO launched a special program for food security designed to help low-income countries facing food shortages. The purpose of this program was to accelerate the increase in food production and productivity, which should be implemented first through the widespread use of advanced production technologies by farmers, emphasizing areas with high potential. In March of the same year, 83 countries were classified as low-income countries facing food insecurity, of which 42 were in Africa. Do you think food security is one of the basic human needs?
The last word
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a United Nations agency focused on overcoming world hunger. FAO helps developing countries modernize and improve agricultural, forestry and fisheries practices and ensure good nutrition. Capacity building is the process of developing and strengthening the skills, instincts, abilities, processes, and resources that organizations and communities need to survive, adapt, and thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the biggest contributors to FAO?
The United States is one of the largest contributors to FAO’s budget, a key partner and resource that supports FAO’s work in the food and agriculture sector.
Which countries give the most financial aid to FAO?
US #1 and Myanmar #2. Myanmar’s overall score of 58% makes it the second most charitable country in the world. Despite being a relatively low-middle income country, Myanmar gave the highest percentage of public donations to charities at 81%.
What is the FAO definition of hunger?
FAO believes that a person suffers from hunger if his calorie intake is less than the required amount, which is called the minimum energy requirement of the diet.


|Color||Brown, Dark Black, Dark Brown|
|Country of Origin||India|
|Packaging Size||10kg, 25kg (Customization Available)|
|Drying Process||Natural, Sun Dry|
|Grade/Quality||All grades/quality available|
Forget Africa, get Cacao Beans from India! Cacao is mainly grown in Indian states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra and Karnataka. India’s cacao season occurs twice: Once from September through January, and again from April through June. The Cocoa cultivation in India was started in 1970's, when cocoa was introduced in the South by CPCRI ( Central Plantation Crops Research Institute in Kasargod, Kerala -Cacao research facility by supported by government).


The announcement was made in a Note to Correspondents, launched by the UN Secretary-Basic’s spokesperson’s workplace on Saturday, which emphasised that the Initiative permits for the “facilitation of the secure navigation for the exports of grain and associated foodstuffs and fertilizers, together with ammonia, from designated Ukrainian seaports.”
Following the invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces in February 2022, the Initiative has been one of many few areas by which the Russian and Ukrainian governments have been capable of attain settlement. It took place in response to the sharp enhance in costs for meals and fertilizers all over the world: Russia and Ukraine are the principle suppliers of those merchandise to world markets, and their potential to export was considerably curtailed as soon as hostilities started.
For the reason that signing of the Initiative in July 2022, some 25 million metric tons of grains and foodstuffs have been moved to 45 international locations, and the initiative has been credited with serving to to calm international meals costs, which reached vertiginous highs in March 2022. Following the implementation of the Initiative, costs started to fall and, a yr later, had dropped some 18 per cent.
The deal was mediated by the UN and the Authorities of Türkiye, which was thanked within the assertion for its diplomatic and operational assist: as a part of the settlement, a Joint Coordination Centre (JCC) was established in Istanbul, to watch the implementation of the Initiative.
The Observe to Correspondents reaffirmed the UN’s robust dedication to each agreements, and described the Black Sea Grain Initiative, alongside the Memorandum of Understanding on selling Russian meals merchandise and fertilizers to the world markets, as “important for international meals safety, particularly for growing international locations.”


Local SNP MSP Bruce Crawford and local Councillor Evelyn Tweed have slammed Westminster for breaking its promises to Stirling’s farmers just weeks after the end of the Brexit transition period, after the UK Tory government announced plans to consult on the introduction of gene-editing.
Commercial planting of GM crops is currently banned in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland following decisions in 2015 – but without EU protection, the Tories are now threatening to overrule the devolved administrations and drive down Scotland’s high-quality food standards.
Despite the ban, the Tory Power Grab Bill allows ministers to override Scottish Ministers in certain areas, including in farming and food standards.
The proposal to introduce pesticide neonicotinoid is a promise which has been explicitly broken after Michael Gove committed not to U-turn on it. The pesticide is used for sugar beet, but is harmful to bees.
Bruce Crawford MSP said:
‘The harsh realities of the Tories’ Power Grab Bill are coming home to roost now, with Boris Johnson’s government threatening to impose GM crops on Scotland – despite a ban.
‘Our local food and drink sector is world-renowned for being of the highest quality, so these plans to introduce GM crops will come as a devastating blow to the industry that is already struggling to deal with the impact of Brexit.’
Local Councillor Evelyn Tweed said:
‘Thanks to the Tories, the UK’s global reputation may well be damaged beyond repair, but we want to maintain Scotland’s clean, green reputation when it comes to food and drink standards.
‘If the Tories won’t listen to the warnings from Scottish farmers right here in Stirling, and across Scotland, then it is clear the only way to protect Scotland’s interests is as an independent, European nation.’
Broken promise on neonicotinoid: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/jan/09/pesticide-believed-kill-bees-authorised-use-england-eu-farmers
UK Government announcement on consultation: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/gene-editing-creates-potential-to-protect-the-nations-environment-pollinators-and-wildlife


Agriculture is an essential sector in Albania. One of the earliest agricultural lands in Europe has been found in southeastern Albania.
The former governments allocated substantial resources to the development of agriculture. Large-scale programs of land reclamation, soil improvement, and irrigation, as well as increased use of fertilizers, all contributed to a significant expansion of agricultural production. Later, agriculture has registered annual growth during the latest periods.
About half of the economically active population is employed in agriculture. Only one-fourth of the total land area is arable, yet the country meets nearly all its food needs from domestic production. Albania occupies a world leading position for olive oil production. The main crops are wheat, corn, sugar beets, and watermelons. Apples, plums, grapes, walnuts, and chestnuts are also grown. Citrus fruits are cultivated on the southern coast, as are figs and olives wherever there is sufficient irrigation. Major livestock are sheep, goats, cattle, and pigs so, meat and dairy products are available, and Albania is also famous for traditional medicine, aromatic plants and honey.
Forests cover about one-third of Albania. The country has lost much of its forest area, however, due to clearance for agriculture, pasture, and fuel wood. In the mid-1990s the Albanian government joined with Italy and the World Bank to implement a forestry project, which included the strengthening of Albania’s environmental institutions and the introduction of sustainable forestry methods.
The Albanian fishing industry has great potential; however, due to a lack of professional fishermen and the use of antiquated equipment, it has not been fully developed. The catch in the Ionian Sea includes carp, trout, sea bream, mussels, and crustaceans. The country’s main fishing ports are at Sarandë, Vlorë, Shëngjin, and Durrës, the last of which is the country’s largest and most important. Port facilities have also been developed on inland lakes. Family-run trout farms have increased in importance, as have shrimp farms. Anchovies imported from other Mediterranean countries are canned for export.
Greek Golden Visa: New Investment Thresholds Announced
4 of 5 Caribbean CBI programs sign a cooperation agreement.
The European Union (EU) offers a wealth of opportunities for investors and individuals seeking a better life.
Important Update for Grenada Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Program! on March 25 , 2024.
Investment Migration Agency Grenada the new name of the CBI unit office.


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- 720 Watt LED Grow Light | 400 to 700nm Full Spectrum | 1763 umol/s PPF | 2.48 umol/J PAR Efficacy | 120-277V
- 760 Watt LED Grow Light | 400 to 700nm Full Spectrum | 1976 umol/s PPF | 2.60 umol/J PAR Efficacy | 120-277V
- 960 Watt LED Grow Light | 400 to 700nm Full Spectrum | 2750 umol/s PPF | 2.7 umol/J PAR Efficacy | 100-277V
- LED Grow Light Controller | Controls up to 100 LED Grow LightsSKU:MLLG-WD-GR1-CONTROLLER
Operating Temperature: 0-95F Voltage: 100-240V Output VDC: 5-11.5 vdc Inputs: 2 RJ14 Ports Max Connection Length: 100 meters Max Unit Connection: 100 Fixtures Dimensions: 4.33 in X 2.48 in X 1.20 in Weight: 2 lbs Warranty: 5 years
What is Commercial Greenhouse Lighting?Commercial Greenhouse Lighting is a specialized form of lighting solutions designed to support plant growth in commercial greenhouses. These lighting systems are engineered to provide the optimal light spectrum for plant photosynthesis, growth, and yield. They offer supplemental greenhouse lighting and are especially useful in regions with limited natural sunlight or for extending the available light for plants daily.
Adding Commercial Greenhouse Lighting Essential for Commercial GrowersCommercial Greenhouse Lighting is becoming increasingly popular for several reasons:
- Extended Growing Season / Growing Day: These greenhouse lights allow for year-round growing conditions. It doesn’t matter what the weather conditions are.
- Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings: LED lights for greenhouses are energy-efficient when compared to HID light sources. They will effectively reduce operational and maintenance costs.
- Customizable Spectrum / Full Spectrum: LED Grow Lights allow for spectrum customization to match specific needs. We offer full-spectrum Greenhouse LED Grow Lights that mimic natural sunlight.
Types of Lights Used in Commercial GreenhousesThe most common types of lights used in commercial greenhouses are:
- High-Intensity Discharge (HID) Lights: The most common are High-Pressure Sodium lights. Due to their short life and high energy consumption, these are being phased out and replaced with newer LED options.
- Fluorescent Lights: Still used for seedlings and low-light plants.
- LED Lights for Greenhouse: The most energy-efficient and customizable. Custom spectrum of full spectrum options, these lights have proven effective alternatives to HID and fluorescent options.
How Do LED Lights for Greenhouses Work?LED lights for greenhouses are designed to emit specific wavelengths of light. This light is used by the plants for photosynthesis and growth. Our lights provide a full spectrum of light including red and blue spectrums that provide the plants what they need through their stages of development.
Why Light Spectrums are Important in Commercial Greenhouse LightingDifferent colors or wavelengths of light influence various plant processes:
- Red Light: Promotes flowering and fruiting.
- Blue Light: Encourages vegetative growth like leaf development.
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Best LED Lights for GreenhousesThe best LED lights for greenhouses are those that offer:
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Factors to Consider when Choosing Commercial Greenhouse Lighting
- Light Intensity: The amount of light required per square foot.
- Energy-Efficient Lighting Fixtures: LED lights are generally more energy-efficient.
- Cost: Initial setup cost and long-term operational costs.
- Understanding Spectrum: Knowing what spectrum your plants need and selecting the one that best suits your plantings.


I have a small plant genetics lab at Ferris State University where my undergraduate students and I have studied the functions of plant genes using the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. Research is currently suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Using molecular and physiological assays, my students have studied genes involved in diverse biological processes, including leaf development, flowering time, and drought resistance. A list of my student's research presentations can be seen below. Students in my lab have gone on to medical, optometry, and doctoral programs.
Student research presentations
1. Paige Kramer, Amanda Kruse, and Christopher DeFraia. “An Arabidopsis Mutant with Drought Hypersensitivity” West Michigan Regional Undergraduate Science Research Conference. Grand Rapids, MI. (2017)
2. Paige Kramer, Amanda Kruse, and Christopher DeFraia. “An Arabidopsis Mutant with Drought Hypersensitivity” Ferris State University Student Research Fellowship Symposium. Big Rapids, MI. (2016)
3. Amanda Kruse and Christopher DeFraia. “Characterization of Leaf Development Genes in Arabidopsis thaliana” Ferris State University Student Research Fellowship Symposium. Big Rapids, MI. (2015)
Past Research and Training
I am primarily a molecular geneticist who specializes in studying gene expression, with some proficiency in microscopy, and with biochemical and physiological assays. Over the years I've received excellent training in the labs of some wonderful mentors, and worked with many talented undergraduates. At Rutgers I worked in Lily Young's lab studying genes involved in the respiratory metabolism of the toxic element arsenic. During my graduate studies at the University of Florida I characterized genes involved in plant disease resistance with Zhonglin Mou. The bulk of my postdoctoral work was done with Keith Slotkin in the area of epigenetics, and I spent some time in Dr. Iris Meier's lab studying nuclear envelope proteins.
1. Martinez G, Wolff P, Wang Z, Moreno-Romero J, Santos-González J, Conze LL, DeFraia C, Slotkin RK, Köhler C. Paternal easiRNAs regulate parental genome dosage in Arabidopsis. Nat Genet. Feb;50(2):193-198. (2018).
2. DeFraia, C, & Slotkin, R. K. (2014). Analysis of retrotransposon activity in plants. Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, NJ), 1112, 195–210.
3. DeFraia C*, Wang Y*, and Mou Z. (2013). The histone acetyltransferase activity of Elongator subunit 3 is essential for its role in plant immunity. BMC Plant Biology. 13:102. (2013). *Indicates equal contribution.
4. Nuthikattu S, McCue AD, Panda K, Fultz D, DeFraia C, Thomas EN, Slotkin RK. The initiation of epigenetic silencing of active transposable elements is triggered by RDR6 and 21-22 nucleotide small interfering RNAs. Plant Physiol. May;162(1):116-31. (2013).
5. DeFraia, C and Mou, Z. The role of the Elongator complex in plants. Plant Signal Behav 6 (2). (2011).
6. DeFraia C, Zhang X, and Mou Z. Elongator subunit 2 is an accelerator of immune responses in Arabidopsis thaliana. Plant J. 64 (3):511–523. (2010).
7. Xiong Y, DeFraia C, Williams D, Zhang X, and Mou Z. Deficiency in a cytosolic ribose-5-phosphate isomerase causes chloroplast dysfunction, late flowering and premature cell death in Arabidopsis. Physiol Plant 137: 249–263. (2009).
8. Xiong Y, DeFraia C, Williams D, Zhang X, Mou Z. Characterization of Arabidopsis 6-phosphogluconolactonase T-DNA insertion mutants reveals an essential role for the oxidative section of the plastidic pentose phosphate pathway in plant growth and development. Plant Cell Physiol 50 (7): 1277–1291. (2009).
9. DeFraia C, Schmelz E, and Mou Z. A rapid biosensor-based method for quantification of free and glucose-conjugated salicylic acid. Plant Methods 4, 28. (2008).
10. Zhang X, Xiong Y, DeFraia C, Schmelz E, and Mou Z. The Arabidopsis MAP Kinase Kinase 7: A crosstalk point between auxin signaling and defense responses? Plant Signal Behav 3, 272-274. (2008).
11. Zhang X, Dai Y, Xiong Y, DeFraia C, Li J, Dong X, and Mou Z. Overexpression of Arabidopsis MAP Kinase Kinase 7 leads to activation of plant basal and systemic acquired resistance. Plant Journal 52, 1066-1079. (2007).
12. Perez-Jimenez J, DeFraia C, Young L. Arsenate respiratory reductase gene (arrA) for Desulfosporosinus sp. strain Y5. Biochem Biophys Res Commun Dec 16:(2):825-9 (2005).


KAG supports FH Münster
Placing seeds precisely
With parts from the specialist: Mechanical engineers at FH Münster receive support from the industry
Münster/Steinfurt (28. August 2020). When a sowing machine is used in the field, it should be as efficient as possible – and, for example, recognise where which amount of seed is needed to give each plant the best possible standing space. Steffen Wermers, from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, calls this “coordinate-based work”. Together with his colleagues Bernhard Vogelsang, Prof. Manfred Große-Gehling and graduate engineer Marcus Mangelmann, the scientific employee of the Laboratory for Agricultural Machinery Technology on the Steinfurt campus is currently working on making this precise work possible with so-called precision seeders and the corresponding software. The four-member team obtains the necessary components and device interfaces for this from experts in the industry.
“GRIMME Landmaschinenfabrik provided us with the power units”, explains Vogelsang, pointing to the red and yellow device for spreading beet seed. The machines are equipped with drives from KAG (Kählig Antriebstechnik GmbH), which now supports the department with hardware and software interfaces during commissioning. “We are pleased about the help of the two companies and the good cooperation”, says Prof. Große-Gehling.
In the long term, the team would like to develop its own software to be able to control the power units on a coordinate basis. “A long-term goal is to combine coordinate-based seeding with precision mechanical hoeing,” Wermers says. This allows weeds in the field to be removed before crops germinate. “These would be possible topics for student work”, adds Große-Gehling.
(Photo: FH Münster/Frederik Tebbe; Text: Press Office FH Münster)


Peat is often seen as the gardener’s best friend. Bags of peat fly off the DIY store and garden centre shelves every Spring. From tomato plants to seedlings, the plastic packs of peat make a perfect place to “grow your own”. However, peat extraction is having a dramatic impact on the places where it removed and packed ready for onward sale to the green fingered enthusiast. The peat bog is initially drained killing local wildlife and disrupting the water table. Once dried it is “mined” and packed in plastic bags. Without plastic bags the peat goes rotten. What is good for your garden is a disaster for parts of the UK, Ireland, Canada and Finland.
So what does the eco-friendly gardener do?
Well, fair trade pioneer Traidcraft has come up with an alternative – the Fair Trade Coir Compost Block. These blocks are made from coconut husk fibres, or coir, a sustainable by-product of the coconut industry in Sri Lanka. Coir used to be dumped in huge slag heaps around what is called the ‘coconut triangle’ region, north of Colombo. Now the coir is made into easy-to-use compost blocks that are not only eco-friendly but help provide employment opportunities for people in Sri Lanka too.
Each fair trade coir compost block sold by Traidcraft helps provide valuable income for the workers at manufacturer Ceylon Garden Coir. The fair trade premium from the coir compost goes to a local women’s weaving group, which receives training and support to weave with natural fibres, meaning that local families and communities benefit too.
Traidcraft’s Fair Trade Coir Compost Block is:
- An eco-friendly alternative to peat-based garden compost.
- Fantastic for water retention – good for potting and for improving soil.
- Economical – one block makes nine litres of fabulous garden compost.
- Perfect for wormeries.
- Light and compact – just place the block in a large bucket and add water.


Fires play an important role in The Haweaters just as they have on Manitoulin Island throughout much of its history.
At several points in the island's past, large swaths of landscape have fallen victim to flames and at the time officials were contemplating opening up Manitoulin for settlement by European homesteaders in the 1860s, reports were floating around that pointed to evidence that extensive historical burns had caused large expanses of land, including much of Tehkummah (where The Haweaters is set), to be badly damaged.
Some of the fires had likely been due to natural causes such as lightning strikes in dry weather. Others were attributed to slash and burn techniques used to clear vegetation quickly for the planting of crops. Still others appear to have been set accidentally through mishaps or negligence. Numerous fires erupted during dry seasons in the 1850s and swept through the thick cedar swamps that dot the island, leaving the land devoid of plants. Homesteaders, who were legally obligated to clear five acres of land for every hundred they wished to gain the patent on, would have seen the lack of vegetation as a positive. However some of those fires had burned so hot they destroyed the soil's structure, leaving the land unfit for agricultural crops.
When the government opened up vast tracts of land for settlement, officials somehow failed to mention the extent of the damage caused by recent and historical fires to potential purchasers. And while there has been some suggestion the surveyors themselves did not understand how badly the soil had been damaged and that this damage could be permanent, there is some evidence that officials did understand and chose to ignore the problem.
Many of those early settlers bought hundreds of acres of cleared or partially cleared land thinking they had hit the jackpot. The less land they had to clear, the quicker they could get the crops they needed to survive in the ground and the sooner they would qualify for the patents on their property. They either did not notice the burnt stumps in the long grass or they did not understand what those stumps could potentially mean. And so many homesteaders found out the hard way that much of the soil on that cleared land had been destroyed.
That didn't mean those tracts of land couldn't be resurrected. In many cases they could, but the badly damaged soil would have been difficult to cultivate, dried out within days of a rainfall, and incapable of supporting the grains that would sustain the settlers and provide them with modest incomes. In the early years, those homesteaders unlucky enough to have been saddled with these burned-out soils would've had to plant them with nitrogen-fixing peas then plow them under in order to increase nitrogen levels and build up organic bulk. After several years of this, they could then grow a wide range of staple grains such as wheat and oats.
I don't mention the fires anywhere in The Haweaters, but I do saddle the Bryan family with soil so poor they have difficulty growing a decent crop, which would have ensured that their first years on the island were achingly harsh, which by all accounts they were.