Co-operatives show the new face of rural China

Burly and dressed in an ill-fitting western suit, 50-year-old Chen Yangui is the epitome of the modern farmer with Chinese characteristics. His business card features a photo of himself, a second photo of soybeans, and a website with an address that translates as “Soybeans and Potatoes Dot Com.” Chen’s “Country Fellow Co-operative” has mobilized a

At least land won’t evaporate

There are few winners in a market meltdown like the one we’re experiencing, although we hear rumours that hardware stores are doing a booming trade in shovels. It seems folks figure digging a hole in the backyard and burying their savings is now a safer bet than mutual funds. That’s about the only consolation we


FAO urges world to rethink biofuel use

Growing demand for biofuels will boost prices of agricultural commodities in the next 10 years. The western world needs to rethink its rush to biofuels, which has done more harm pushing up food prices than it has good by reducing greenhouse gases, a United Nations report said Oct. 7. The UN Food and Agr icul