The International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS) announces the 4th International Symposium on Lychee, Longan and Other Sapindaceae Fruits, to be held from 2-6 December, 2012, in White River, South Africa.
The symposium is organised by the South African Litchi Growers’ Association and the Agricultural Research Council under the auspices of ISHS. Maybe this is an opportunity to disseminate your work on Sapindaceae fruits, but consider that your paper is likely to appear in conference proceedings behind a pay wall and will effectively be inaccessible to the folks unable to afford the hefty fees for ISHS article downloads. This is unfortunate as the scarcity of literature on these lesser known species is  further aggravated by what appears to us as obsolete publication policies.

Quinoa with farmer in Cachilaya, Bolivia

An interesting new paper by Andrew Ofstehage in the journal Agriculture and Human Values describes the current economy of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) in Bolivia, about which we have reported previously. Although it is occasionally difficult to cut through the social science jargon of the paper (at least for us humble agronomists), it is an excellent account of the options available to poor Bolivian smallholders for commercialising quinoa of different qualities in different marketing channels. The paper also explores the complex motivations behind farmers’ decisions to sell quinoa to different buyers, and it provides insights in the role and vital services of local intermediaries (contrary to the common stereotype of their exploitative role).

We found it interesting that although the traditional marketing of quinoa as an undifferentiated commodity continues to be the choice of producers of lower grade qualities, some farmers actively pursue strategies to position their quinoa in high-value market niches. So, for example, the farmers of Los Lipez, reported to take pride in local production methods that result in a particularly large grain and distinct product, “have created a denomination of origin (DO), a registered trademark to protect a geographically distinct and socially reproduced commodity, for quinua real de Lipez. This initiative encourages Lipeño farmers to sell their quinoa as Lipeña and prohibits outside farmers from doing so..”

Interestingly, the movement towards differentiation of Lipeña quinoa is largely spearheaded by a consortium of local organisations intending “to add value to local products and promote an alternative local economy based on the recognition of tradition and Lipeña identity through the promotion of products, development of new products, and the certification of products from Lipez”.

The University of Rome “Roma Tre”, Italy, is accepting applications for its Master in Human Development and Food Security programme. The Masters Degree programme consists of a theoretic part lasting 9 months (November-July) and an internship or dissertation period of 3 months (August-October). A total of 40 seats will be allocated to foreign (and Italian) graduates holding at least a Bachelors degree. Tutor scholarships offered by the Master HDFS and Barilla G. e R. Fratelli S.p.A. are available to outstanding students who are citizens of countries in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe (including Russia), and Latin America on the basis of academic merit.

The completed application file should be send to the Admissions Office by May 31st, 2012 at the latest. Candidates applying for scholarships must also send the Scholarship Request Form together with their application file by May 31st, 2012.

Please visit here for more information:
http://host.uniroma3.it/master/humandevelopment/Admissions.htm
http://host.uniroma3.it/master/humandevelopment/Scholarships.htm

ISHS has just announced the First International Symposium on Jackfruit and other Moraceae to take place in Mymensingh, Bangladesh, from August 31 to  September 2, 2012. Further information can be obtained from Prof. Mohammad Abdur Rahim, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Department of Horticulture, Mymensingh, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh. Phone +880 9162714 , Fax +880 9155810, E-mail: email hidden; JavaScript is required

The Norman E. Borlaug Leadership Enhancement in Agriculture Program (LEAP) is seeking applications for fellowship grant opportunities for students from Sub-Saharan Africa.  The deadline is June 12, 2012.  Applications are requested from Sub-Saharan African students conducting research on topics related to USAID’s global hunger and food security initiative – FEED THE FUTURE.  The focus region is Sub-Saharan Africa.  All topics related to agriculture (as defined by Title XII) and the research strategies of the Feed the Future initiative are admissible.  The Borlaug LEAP fellowship program supports engaging a mentor at a US university and at a CGIAR center to support and enhance the thesis research and mentoring experience.

Awards are made on a competitive basis to students who show strong scientific and leadership potential.  Funds are available for one-year and cannot exceed US$20,000.  For more information on eligibility criteria and to download the application, please visit their website at:

http://leap.ucdavis.edu