Blog

Challenges ahead for Agriculture

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

Why biopesticides did not develop to a significant business?

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

Direct Democracy and its Stabilizing Effects

Political opinions being what they are, the art of living in a democracy is to define and follow common rules of the game despite ideological differences, often irreconcilable. Democracy is direct when citizens are consulted not only to elect their representatives to parliament, their government leaders, and their judges, but also when the popular opinion can express itself in referendum votes. Read more

Sustainable AND intensive agriculture

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 and Growth

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

To respect absolutely the private sphere.

The respect of the private sphere is getting eroded on a daily basis. A deleterious atmosphere is created in which any information kept private is suspected to be so for dark reasons: tax evasion, cheating and other crimes, sins or deviant behaviors. The private sphere must be respected absolutely. Read more

What form of democracy?

Democracy is a form of government where rule of law must prevail, equal voting right are guaranteed, and separation of power is established. Democracy can take many forms... Read more

Is there still a difference between left and right in politics?

With the development of the welfare state, many demands to protect and care for the less favoured could be fulfilled, if not all of them. In modern times and post-industrial societies, left and right are debating more on how to proceed than on what society should be built. But there are fundamental differences that are of ideological nature and barely reconcilable. Read more