“The real problem is that too many people are playing politics with agriculture, and poor people are suffering – agronomists should stick to the facts!” Organic agriculture, agroecology, Conservation Agriculture,…
Why we should argue about agronomy
Grub’s up: great infographic on the future of eating insects
A handy infographic (see below) by Alexandra Sexton outlines some of the case for insects as part of human and animal diets – as well as the key uncertainties and…
GM report: Some nice recommendations, shame about the spin
The UK Parliamentary Select Committee on Science and Technology has today released its long-awaited report on ‘Advanced genetic techniques for crop improvement: regulation, risk and precaution’. The ESRC STEPS Centre…
Stairways to the sky: sustainability & rice in the Philippines
The rice terraces of central Luzon’s Cordillera mountain range in the Philippines climb up the steep valley-sides like bleachers designed for an audience of giants. This remarkable human-made landscape was…
Soil and politics
What do you think of when you think about soil? There are radically different ways to answer the question. For some scientists, it’s a subject of investigation – what do…
Space, markets and employment: 3 films from Zimbabwe
A new series of films explores the links between land reform and economic activity in Zimbabwe, focusing on three commodities: tobacco, beef and horticulture. The films are produced for the…
The precautionary principle must be retained, unless we are willing to be reckless with our common future
Guest blog by Rupert Read I recently submitted evidence to the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee inquiry on GM food and the Precautionary Principle. Unfortunately, as you’ll see…
GM Food and the precautionary principle
“Precaution does not necessarily mean a ban. It simply urges that time and space be found to get things right.” Professor Andy Stirling, writing in the Guardian Overview The UK House…
Journal of Peasant Studies new special issue: critical perspectives on Food Sovereignty
A new special issue on ‘Critical perspectives on food sovereignty’ from the Journal of Peasant Studies has been released, with free articles available for a limited period. The guest editors…
GM Nation or GM Planet? How to involve citizens in decisions about transgenic crops
The UK’s GM Nation? public debate – conducted over a decade ago, tried to include the voices of citizens in decision-making over transgenic crops. With recent decisions by China and…