At its June 26, 2013 meeting the Swiss Federal Council decided to increase the levy on electricity consumption from 0.45 to 0.60 cents per kWh. This looks like a small amount but it is a 33% increase. This tax is used to subsidize so-called green energy, it is one of the most developed state corruptions: Read more

What don’t we read about this! So far belt tightening was of the order; but after the French presidential election and the Greek legislative vote, unleashing growth is becoming the new mantra. But as always, the debates remains limited to what should or should not be said or done. As for actual solutions this remains clear as mud. Read more

Apparently we must reduce CO2 emissions. This requirement has become a higher true and immutable dogma. Also, following the fears felt after Chernobyl and Fukushima, countries are now committed to phasing out nuclear power. This has also become an almost moral imperative . Yet I'm taking on the immeasurable task to put these issues on the table, what heresy! Read more

Switzerland is doing well but faces enormous pressure on its currency, which is significantly overvalued. Here is one proposal worth trying. Read more

Concepts such as ICM, IPM, Sustainable Agriculture, organic and bio… have been filled with various words and ideologies and it has become difficult to use them in a neutral and objective way. Considering the long time lag needed to develop new agronomic technologies it is rather probable that no [green] revolution will be in sight soon. Here is a partial list of current and upcoming challenges. Read more

While the chemical pesticide business has grown up to a $45 billion level, the market for bio-control agents is stagnating at a low [unknown] level. In this paper factors affecting the development of the biopesticide business are analysed and some conclusions are drawn. Read more

Over the next forty years humankind will face the huge challenge to be well fed in a sustainable way. Agriculture must continue to increase its productivity and, as no new cultivated area will be available, this will need to be made by intensification. Read more

Growth measurement is relative. Emerging countries enjoy large relative growth rates. But rich countries still create a lot of growth, even if the rate looks small. Read more