Signs of late blight appear suddenly but predictably in Ireland as soon as the summer weather turns humid, spores of the fungus-like plant pathogen wafting across the open green fields and landing on the wet leaves of the potato plants. This year it began to rain in early August. Within several weeks, late blight had attacked a small plot of potatoes in the corner of the neat grid of test plantings at the headquarters of Teagasc, Ireland’s agricultural agency, in Carlow. (more…)

“Super typhoon “Yolanda” that devastated the Philippines last November 8 has reportedly caused crop losses worth $110 million and inflicted damage to the agriculture sector of more than twice that figure. (more…)

EMAC director, Dr. Nicholas Kalaitzandonakes, discussed the economic impacts of agrifood innovation in the Center for Food Integrity (CFI) 2013 Summit that took place in Chicago last week. Other speakers that participated in the Summit included Mark Lynas, John Lamb, Abt Associates, Linda Eatherton, U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance, Sue Hensley, National Restaurant Association and CFI’s CEO, Charlie Arnot.

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“Given the continuing debate about biotechnology, the Council of the American Phytopathological Society (APS) refined its position on the topic this week, as three pioneers of agricultural biotechnology received the World Food Prize. APS, the world’s largest organization of plant health scientists, represents nearly 5,000 members in 90 different countries.” (more…)