Too Big to be Challenged? Consolidation in the Global Agrochemical World

I’ve been thinking a lot about power lately. Market power, to be precise. The coffee industry has always been relatively concentrated, but currently it is undergoing a period of consolidation that is reverberating across the sector. And it’s not alone: one of the most surprising news stories in recent weeks has been the announced $66 billion … Continue reading Too Big to be Challenged? Consolidation in the Global Agrochemical World

Economic Collapse: Tracing Where Venezuela Went Wrong

It seems the international media really started noticing the Venezuelan economic meltdown when the Coca-Cola factory shut its doors because it ran out of sugar. The national beer provider Empresas Polar soon followed, citing barley shortages. So, now Venezuelans are running out of coke, beer, and pretty much any basic commodity. Online videos show people running … Continue reading Economic Collapse: Tracing Where Venezuela Went Wrong

The Forgotten War Crime: Starvation in Syria

“Let me be clear: The use of starvation as a weapon of war is a war crime. All sides — including the Syrian government, which has the primary responsibility to protect Syrians — are committing this and other atrocious acts prohibited under international humanitarian law.” This stark statement by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon on January … Continue reading The Forgotten War Crime: Starvation in Syria

TEEB AgFood: Calculating the Real Price of Food

“In the face of a rapidly overheating climate, collapsing fisheries, degraded soil, depleted water resources, vanishing species, and other challenges directly related to agriculture, we can no longer afford to pursue a flawed accounting system.” What is the real cost of food? Does the price we pay reflect the environmental impacts, the public health implications, … Continue reading TEEB AgFood: Calculating the Real Price of Food

Russia's Import Roulette

“In a highly publicized move, Russia is destroying tons of food that was illegally imported from Western countries. […] As The Guardian reports, the order from President Vladimir Putin includes a requirement that the food “must be destroyed in front of witnesses, and the act should be captured on video, to preclude corruption.” NPR The destruction … Continue reading Russia's Import Roulette

Food In the Sustainable Development Goals: Great Ideas, But What About Demand?

The finalized text for the Sustainable Development Goals was published on August 1st. I was curious to see what it had to say on sustainable food and agricultural systems. I summarize my thoughts below for a quick impression; thereafter you can find a blow-by-blow list of all instances where the SDGs mention food or agriculture … Continue reading Food In the Sustainable Development Goals: Great Ideas, But What About Demand?