Paris, 2 February 2009


EFITA newsletter / 397 / European Federation for Information Technology in Agriculture, Food and the Environment



Erratum : The CIGR V Conference - Technology and Management to Increase the Efficiency in Sustainable Agricultural Systems
See: http://www.cigr2009argentina.org/


TECH FOR FOOD 2009
25 February - PARIS
See: http://www.techforfood.com/index.php?lg=ang
Contact: Jérémie GENTIEN
E-mail: jeremie.gentien(a)nouvelle-campagne.com


XV Conference "Information systems in agriculture and forestry"
12 - 13 May 2009 - PRAGUE
See: http://www.isaf.cz
Contact: Karel CHARVAT
Mél : charvat(a)lesprojekt.cz


If your friends in the Acta Info community love the Grand Prix races I have some "Latest News"...
For friends of the Acta community who love car-racing and the Grand Prix circus we offer a Google Maps application showing all races in 2009. Starting on 29th March 2009 with the Austrailian Grand Prix and ending on with the 17th race on 1st November 2009 Abu Dhabi. The race in France will be 7th June 2009 in Monaco. The map is made with a width of 1000 pixels. Best viewed with at least 1024 pixels resolution of your screen.
See: http://www.verkeersbureaus.info/Grand-Prix-Formule1-Formule-One/
Contact : René HUSKEN
E-mail : r.husken(a)geo-t.nl


From the C@R EU project
I'm happy to announce that the Sekhukhune RLL went live with the system supporting virtual buying cooperatives between small grocery stores (Spazas) in rural South Africa. The real life experimentation runs for 3 months initially comprising ~ 40 Spaza shops, 4 intermediate entrepreneurs (so called Infopreneurs) and 1 supplier (Sasko Bakeries). SAP TV shot a nice movie about the project:
See: http://www.sap-tv.com/?a=3813&l=1 (english)
See: http://www.sap-tv.com/?a=3814&l=2 (german)
Despite the harsh conditions to deal with micro enterprises in rural Africa our team has been able to set up a system that proofed to work. Even more challenging is the introduction of organizational change into rural communities where English is not a common language, running water is the exception, cell phone coverage is limited, available connectivity is based on GPRS at it's best and so on.
Please have in mind that the movie has been produced from a SAP perspective and may include some simplified message regarding C@R and Living Labbing. Nevertheless the movie reflects pretty good what we have done and might also be usefull for your dissemination to relevant stakeholders.
Contact: Christian MERZ
E-mail: christian.merz(a)sap.com


Apple growers: Get up-to-date growing techniques and research news via webinars
Technology keeps coming to the apple orchard. The latest is in the form of webinars, or live web seminars, offering Michigan apple growers an opportunity to learn what's new in research and growing techniques from the comfort of their homes. Denise Donohue, executive director of the Michigan Apple Association, said, "This winter growers have the opportunity to participate in educational programs featuring research results from their home or office computer. We are excited to bring growers up-to-date on research efforts funded by the Michigan Apple Committee in this new time saving/no travel method."

What are webinars?
Webinars are a live PowerPoint presentations broadcast over the Internet to registered attendees. Participants have the opportunity to call-in questions for the speaker and to provide input or personal experiences related to the topic.


Cost of each webinar is $30 ($20 for MAA members). A registration form with webinar descriptions has been attached.  To learn more, contact Cindy Reisig, MAA education director (reisig5@comcast.net).
We can accept registrations by phone or fax with complete credit card information.  On-line registration through www.MichiganAppleAssociation.com is coming soon.


The following webinars will be broadcast Thursdays 1:00- 2:00 PM. From Agriculture Hall on Michigan State University's campus with assistance of MSU-Extension personnel:

January 15 - Dr. Mark Whalon, MSU entomologist, will present: "A "Greener" Congress and a "Green" Public = Changes in Michigan Apple Production." This webinar will feature a "how to" on measuring ecosystem services in orchards, the future of reduced risk compounds and information regarding "softer" biopesticides being tested for common apple insects.  Sponsored by Bayer Crop Science.

February 12 - MSU's premiere pruning expert, Dr. Ron Perry, professor of horticulture, will give a refresher course on winter pruning of apple trees. Orchard owners and employees alike will benefit from learning what cuts will lead to best fruit production. Sponsorship available.

March 5 - Dr. Larry Gut, MSU entomologist, will present "Looking Ahead: Managing Apple Pests without OP's." Gut has multiple topics planned that will improve the bottom line of any orchard.  Sponsored by DuPont.

See: http://www.ipm.msu.edu
Contact: Andrea BUCHHOLZ
E-mail: buchho11(a)msu.edu


OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook 2008-2017 report
See: http://www.agri-outlook.org/


The Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service (MOSES)…
…serves farmers striving to produce high-quality, healthful food using organic and sustainable techniques. These farmers produce more than just food; they support thriving ecosystems and vibrant rural communities.
See: http://www.mosesorganic.org/


Older men think fast!

Skinny Dipping...

An elderly man in Louisiana had owned a large farm for several years. He had a large pond in the back. It was properly shaped for swimming, so he fixed it up nice with picnic tables, horseshoe courts, and some apple, and peach trees.

One evening the old farmer decided to go down to the pond, as he hadn't been there for a while, and to look it over. He grabbed a five-gallon bucket to bring back some fruit. As he neared the pond, he heard voices shouting and laughing with glee. As he came closer, he saw it was a bunch of young women skinny-dipping in his pond. He made the women aware of his presence and they all went to the deep end. One of the women shouted to him, “we're not coming out until you leave!”

The old man frowned, “I didn't come down here to watch you ladies swim naked or make you get out of the pond naked.”

Holding the bucket up he said, “I'm here to feed the alligator.”

Some old men can still think fast.


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