What's new

Our Deputy Director Paul Wolvekamp joins in the discussion on food security. Together with Aad Kessler and Coen Ritsema he wrote an article in 'the Broker', in which he argues that the current (Dutch) policy is detrimental to small-scale agriculture worldwide. That's a shame, because, according to the authors, small-scale agriculture can contribute greatly to global food security in the future. Wolvekamp: "Small-scale farming produces at least half of the global food supply, offers most of the employment in rural areas and provides local people with a fall-back option in times of economic crisis and shortages.”

Prioritizing small scale farming

In 2007 five protesters perished in demonstrations against the 'give away' of Mabira forest in favor of sugar cane production. Last week president Museveni called for a 'solution' and named demonstrators 'economic saboteurs'. Both ENDS partner NAPE and it's director Frank Muramuzi are ready to continue the struggle for Mabira.

Today, the Soy Barometer 2012 will be released. The Soy Barometer gives insight on the amount of soy imported, processed and consumed by the Dutch, and which part of it can be called 'responsibly produced'.  In the Soy Barometer 2012, data is compared with the Soy Barometer 2009.

Altough you might not notice right away, a bitter scent sticks to most flower bouquets. The cultivation of flowers mostly happens in developing countries where it is often associated with poor working conditions, excessive water consumption and pollution. Both ENDS is therefore very pleased about the announced cooperation between sustainability label Fair Flowers Fair Plants (FFP) and the Milieu Programma Sierteelt (MPS) foundation. Because of this cooperation, consumers will be able to consciously choose for a fair, well-scented bouquet of flowers at an ever growing number of retailers.