What the papers say…

The Brussels-based publication ‘European Voice’ reported on the difficult situation farmers face due to the continued decline of produce prices while production costs are increasing. The European Commissioner for Agriculture, Mariann Fischer Boel, described the dairy market situation as “very difficult” and warned that smaller producers in vulnerable areas may be forced out of business unless they receive help.

Spanish banana growers will release ‘benign’ insects to fight sowbug plagues. Canary Islands producers will opt for an integrated pest management approach to eliminate the volume of pesticides used in agriculture and encourage alternative measures, wrote ‘Europa Press’.

‘The Financial Times’ carried a report on the quality of people’s diet in the current recession. The paper notes that contrary to predictions of a return to a healthier, more basic diet, income loss has lead to increased demand for fast food.

The peer-reviewed journal ‘Science’ has published a study on the effects of climate change on food security. It indicates that, by the end of the 21st century, most of the tropics and sub-tropics will experience higher temperatures during growing seasons. It predicts that, as a result of this, food prices will be more variable and yields in certain regions significantly lower.

Chemicals played a role in Stradivarius’ unique sound. Substances used to treat and preserve the wood contribute to enhance the tonal refinement of the instruments. Chemicals such as borax, used to treat violins against common worm infestations, influence an instrument’s sound. This news was reported in the January edition of the scientific journal ‘Public Library of Science ONE’ (PloSONE).