Musings on sustainable food systems, agriculture vs. agroecology, and more!
Hey everybody! Happy almost-weekend! Do you have any plans yet on Saturday? If not, why not join up with foodies in your area for a TEDx Viewing Party? Or – alternatively – go to their website and watch the livestream! Why, you ask? Well, it’s a whole day of the most inspiring speakers in the sustainable … Continue reading To Watch: TEDxManhattan 2015
What a ridiculous question. Of course you can. In fact, many of you might be snacking in front of your computer even as you are reading this. But as I stood in the local supermarket, scanning the prices and frantically converting them to my own currency, I have to admit that this question crossed my … Continue reading Can You Afford To Eat?
¡Pura Vida! is a really common greeting or comment here in Costa Rica. It literally means “pure life” and stands for the relaxed approach Ticos take to their day-to-day. And today, with temperatures in the high twenties and sunshine all day, it was easy to see why! Alas, I had to work, but still, I … Continue reading What I Am Reading… Pura Vida Edition!
Hey hey! Just checking in after my first day of work – it’s going to be an exciting time for sure! I am sure to learn loads about climate change and sustainable development policies, and share it all with you – as well as some of my thoughts on my last placement! For now, though, … Continue reading World War II – Was It All About The Food?
The last weeks before Christmas, which should be the time to slow down and reflect on the past year, tend to be ever more stressful and frenetic, filled with efforts to just get. everything. done. This is no different in Brussels and in my little corner of the internet. Here, at least, are some interesting insights … Continue reading Bits and Pieces
Having gotten my vaccinations today, it dawned on me that it is a bare two months before I’ll be headed toward Central America and expected to work on a project related to climate change and agriculture – all in Spanish! Gulp! I mean, I have brushed up my grammar, but my vocabulary concerning fertilizer methods … Continue reading FAO – Teach Me Something!
When working in international politics, you realize that efforts to improve (or, I daresay, save) the world revolve around buzzwords. Clearcut visions and concepts are required to form alliances, formulate action plans and (most importantly!) pledge political and financial support. In agriculture, it seems we have passed ‘green’ (too reminiscent of the green revolution and its … Continue reading Organic Farming and Climate-Smart Agriculture – A Complicated Relationship
Hey hey, just popping in after two suuuper interesting conference days – of which I will soon share the contents! Until then, and because my eyes are getting all droopy after a long day, let me share the following with you: 1. A video about how (sustainable) mango is made: [vimeo http://vimeo.com/69144449 width=”660″ height=”386″] 2. … Continue reading Of Mangoes and Chocolate…
What “organics” is, how it should be defined, and how it should be regulated is a hot topic right now from Brussels to Berlin. The reason? The European Commission has proposed a new legislative framework, and was met with broad opposition from organic farmers, politicians, and industry reps. The debate has been especially strong in … Continue reading Who Gets To Decide What Is "Organic"?
Is it already the end of the week? Where does the time go? How was your week? And what happened in the world regarding food policy? Let’s see: Tom Philpott highlights in this article that Mid-West farms are getting ready to lose a ton of money because the three main crops (soybeans, corn and wheat) … Continue reading Fun Links Friday IV