Indian fisherfolk are being trained as seaweed farmers in an effort to improve their incomes, according to a report in The Hindu. It says that seaweed has a market as a source of raw materials and that “seaweed cultivation would not harm the environment”. Seaweed can be used for food, fertilizer, medicines and other purposes, including biofuel, apparently. Fisherfolk on India’s coast are suffering as a result of indiscriminate exploitation.
Starbucks vs Ethiopia: a draw, for now
BBC News is reporting that coffee giant Starbucks has settled its dispute with the Ethiopian government over trademarks on coffee varieties. There is no direct benefit to growers in Ethiopia but the BBC says “it is hoped the deal will act as a catalyst to raise prices and improve the livelihoods of Ethiopian farmers”. It will take some time for the dust to settle and for the ramifications of the deal to become clear, but for now this looks like a reeasonably good outcome for all concerned.
Marine genetic resources
Aside from the really lame joke — and she really should know better — Kathryn Garforth Mitchell has a good post on a marine genetic resources meeting.
Herbal Viagra?
All you ever wanted to know about maca (Lepidium meyenii)?
Another microlivestock resource
More on microlivestock, from what looks a fascinating site.