I like competitions. I thinks prizes spur people. I also think they need to be widely promulgated. Which is why I’m a little ashamed that I didn’t even know that the World Bank’s annual jamboree for low cost solutions for agricultural development is practically over. There’s good money at stake: 100 finalists are hoping to be one of the lucky 25 who will share a $4 million pot. Winners will be announced tomorrow, Friday, and the World Bank’s web site promises a live webcast from 9.30 to 11.00 EDT. ((Alas, that counts me out of the viewing.)) Meanwhile, there are loads of video interviews with some of the hopeful aspirants, but because they are Mac unfriendly I’m unable to watch and share my opinions. No matter; maybe some of you would care to predict whether Use of Ancient Legume in Novel Food Products is a worthier project than Turning Prisoners into Farmers.
Nibbles: Agribusiness
- The CBD’s Business Newsletter focuses on agrobiodiversity. In other news, the CBD has a business newsletter. Who knew. Thanks, Michael.
French man saves seeds in India
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2pQBfwF0TVQ
I found this in a post at the Permaculture Research Institute, USA. The video is rather good, I reckon, although there were a couple of parts where I disagreed with the subtitling. More worrying, I think, is the sub-text. Do the Indians need a foreigner to teach them to save seeds? To get them access to traditional varieties from all over, that they can then trial in their own systems. Why no mention of the fact that what Stephan Fayon is doing in India, he could not do legally in France? Kokopelli India is an offshoot of Kokopelli Seed Foundation, which is a US vehicle to support the aims of Association Kokopelli in France. Amazingly, Association Kokopelli has had nothing new to say about its euros 35,000 fine for “unfair trading” since the fine was levied. It’s all very odd.
Are these seeds viable?
Picked up Brown Envelope Seeds in one of my feeds. They are based in Ireland, near Skibbereen, a name that will send shudders down the spine of anyone who has read contemporary accounts of the Irish Potato Famine. And they appear to have a range of diverse vegetable varieties that gardeners might be interested in, so I was about to add them to our list of seed sources, when I realized that the home page of the web site has not been updated since February 2008. Can anyone confirm that Brown Envelope Seeds remains active?
Later …
I did the obvious thing, and emailed Madeline McKeever directly. Her reply:
Yes, We are still here. It has just been very busy growing since February and I’m not very good at computers. I have written lots of new pages in my head while out weeding but by the time I get in in the evening it has all evaporated. … I would be delighted to be listed as one of your sources and will link back to you if you like. Thanks for the reminder to do something with the front page.
So, that’s it. At least she’s on top of email, if not the web site. Brown Envelope Seeds joins the exalted company on our sources page. Thanks Madeline.
LEISA Magazine seeks articles on Diverse Farming Systems
From Karen Hampson, Editor, LEISA Magazine.
LEISA Magazine on Low External Input and Sustainable Agriculture has the theme of “Diverse farming systems.” We are seeking articles about initiatives that explicitly recognise the value of diverse landscapes, diverse ways of life, diverse crops and agricultural systems and which stand up against policies and developments that undermine an independent family farmers’ way of life.
We are looking for short articles (800-2400 words) based around experience and learning. All articles received by us have to go through a selection process, so if you prefer you could send us some initial information and we can then discuss which aspects to highlight in an article. We can accept articles written in English, Portuguese, French or Spanish. We provide full editorial support and a fee of 75 euro is available to authors. The full Call for Articles, outlining the theme in more detail, and the Guidelines for Authors, can be found on our website, or by contacting me. Please submit articles to Karen Hampson at k.hampson@ileia.nl by December 1st, 2008.
We have partner organizations in Brazil, Peru, India, China, Indonesia, and West Africa, all publishing regional editions of the magazine in their various languages. I can send sample copies out on request.
I am happy to answer any questions, or discuss ideas for articles.
Please feel free to circulate this around your networks. Â I look forward to hearing from you!
Karen