These articles are available to subscribers only SUBSCRIBE NOW  
Existing subscribers contact PAN UK for your username and password

Editorial

European farmers plough ahead?
Despite the chronic failure of EU policy makers to endorse the concept of pesticide use reduction, a silent revolution in low pesticide farming is creeping across the continent. Elliott Cannell, of PAN Europe examines a new report showcasing six of the region’s most successful pesticide use reduction initiatives and finds Europe’s farmers stealing a march on its politicians.

Farmer field schools reap long-term rewards
TIt is almost 20 years since the first farmer field schools were held across Asia to combat the devastating brown rice hopper pest. Since then they have matured to become an adaptable educational tool that can be used in all continents and on many crops, helping farmers to address the shortcomings of agricultural modernisation. Henk van den Berg and Janice Jiggins report on the coming-of-age of the farmer field school.

Working together – farmer field schools in Hungary?
Over the last 15 years a new pest has been threatening maize production across Europe. To tackle this problem participatory training of farmers has been introduced in the region. Judit Papp Komáromi, István Terpó and Miklós Tokaji report on an approach that is strengthening farming knowledge and alliances.

Learning lessons from African supply chains
Over the past decade the demands of European consumers have spawned initiatives to increase standards of food sold in Europe. Several EU and bilateral donors and private sector initiatives are now tackling the question of how best to support smallholder participation in supply chains exporting to Europe. However, none has focused specifically on pesticides and pest management, or on the interplay between export and domestic markets. PAN UK’s Food and Fairness project aims to fill this gap. Stephanie Williamson reports on a recent workshop.

Food security or food democracy?
As food production faces greater challenges, single issue NGOs need to work together to ensure that food policy moves towards greater food democracy – safe, justly produced, sustainable food for all. Tim Lang, Professor of Food Policy at City University, London gave the 2007 PAN UK Rachel Carson Memorial Lecture.

Can organic agriculture feed the world?
Despite the growing momentum of the organic movement the naysayers still challenge its ability to feed the world’s expanding population. Ivette Perfecto and Catherine Badgley stop them dead in their with well-researched information on yields and productivity..

Endocrine disrupting pesticides – more precaution needed
Decades after the first rumours that pesticides could alter hormones regulate our metabolism a consensus about their remains elusive. Rebecca McKinlay brings us up-to-date science and politics of this controversial topic and urges to regulate these chemicals with greater precaution.

Book reviews - New from PAN UK