Rice, China and climate change

rice-yield.png
The map shows rice yield in China by county for 1996 ((Thanks to Robert Hijmans, IRRI.)). The pattern it shows has changed significantly in the past 20 years, and will probably change more in the next 20. Climate change will drive that to some extent, of course. But not just climate change. Robert Hijmans, a geographer at IRRI, has a nice feature in Rice Today discussing the “relocation of rice production in China.”

Remember Jeremy has an omnibus post about Chinese agrobiodiversity.

Agrobiodiversity 101

This article introduces an ongoing series that will examine the many lesser-known plants and animals that could benefit humanity … if we work to preserve them.

So far, so uncontroversial. The way people play with the “X food supply from Y species” thing intrigues me, as does the “Z edible species” assertion. These numbers have the ring of the catechism about them. But as a summary to the issues, this series may prove worthwhile.

Healthier farmers, better products

That’s the theme and title of the latest issue of LEISA Magazine, which explores “how human health is being improved through good natural resource management and maintenance of ecosystem health.” There are articles on neglected crops, traditional medicinal plants and organic agriculture, among other things — lots of agrobiodiversity related stuff. Thanks again to Danny for the headsup. Great reading.