EFITA Newsletter 5 June 2006


EFITA newsletter / 263 / European Federation for Information Technology in Agriculture, Foo and the Environment


Point of view (in Fr-English): Impossible software certification
Agricultural (biological or technical or economical) models are most often rather complex. Their "translation" into computer programmes (commonly called Decision Support Systems) may make necessary some simplifications and adaptations e.g. to lower data input efforts). This is the reasons why users would like sometimes that some control bodies certify the agricultural DSS to guarantee the reliability of algorithms used. I always tell these users that this certification would be too difficult and thus too expensive.
Contact: Guy WAKSMAN
Email: waksman(a)acta-informatique.fr


Survey about the evolution of consummation of the Internet by French farmers and the evolution of their behaviours
A survey performed by Terre-net Media (ISAGRI group) estimates that 112000 French farmers are connected to the Web for professional usages for 140000 who are computerised.
Contact: Myriam DEVISCH
Email: mdevisch(a)isagri.fr


GMOs in Food - information portal
It is run by a group of independent science journalists. It is a site that is funded by the EU and supported by the Authorities (EFSA), the Consumers (BEUC), Science (EPSO) and industry (EuropaBio) who are all members of the Steering Group.
See: http://www.gmo-compass.org/


The future of maize - looking into the future of maize - Discovering new technology
20 - 21 September 2006 - PAU (South west of France)
See: http://www.arvalisinstitutduvegetal.fr/fr/com_detail.asp?id=280


Copenhagen Consensus Center (CCC)
The Copenhagen Consensus Center (CCC) analyzes the world's biggest problems and provides informed input to any organisational entity concerned with mitigating the negative consequences of the these challenges.
See: http://www.copenhagenconsensus.com/Default.aspx?ID=675


Matching students-companies-institutes for research work, thesis, study projects, case studies, internships, etc.
See: http://eep.ch-q.info/content/downloads/Brochure%20studentmatching%20EN.pdf
Contact: Jos PAULUSSE
Email: jpa(a)tref.nl


May you always... Live Well.... Laugh Often... Love Much (4)
An elderly couple had dinner at another couple's house, and after eating, the wives left the table and went into the kitchen. The two gentlemen were talking, and one said, "Last night we went out to a new restaurant and it was really great. I would recommend it very highly."
The other man said, "What is the name of the restaurant?"
The first man thought and thought and finally said, "What is the name of that flower you give to someone you love? You know... the one that's red and has thorns."
"Do you mean a rose?"
"Yes, that's the one," replied the man He then turned towards the kitchen and yelled, "Rose, what's the name of that restaurant we went to last night?"


River walk
There's this blonde out for a walk. She comes to a river and sees another blonde on the opposite bank.
"Yoo-hoo!" she shouts, "How can I get to the other side?"
The second blonde looks up the river then down the river and shouts back,
"You ARE on the other side."


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