Politics & Markets:

Wanted: a new agricultural policy!

Future farmers will have to be able to demonstrate the social-acceptability of their methods. Presented here, is the concept of a new agricultural and regional policy to reward farmers for meeting such requirements while not leaving their businesses completely open to free market forces.

read more

The financial crisis and its effects

The international financial crisis and inflation cause shock waves with effects running right into the markets of the agricultural economy. The search by capital for secure and, at the same time liquid, investment possibilities as well as government intervention in trade streams are behind the incalculable variations in farm product prices. Only when calm returns to the financial world will food markets be able to steer into quieter waters. 

read more

Phosphate: absolute dependence

The EU is much more dependent on shipments of phosphate than for any other important agricultural input. Global production already limps behind demand which means it will be in short supply in the coming years and therefore expensive on the world market -  and that means in Europe too.    

read more

Agribusiness:

DLG Trendmonitor: Great expectations in summer 2008

Optimism in European agriculture had further increased up to February 2008 and readiness to invest also continues to rise.

read more

Farm development: Could you better your business abilities?

A survey of European farmers highlights three decisive business success factors. Information networks and contacts are crucial and should be  built-upon because these bring new ideas into the business. Also promising are the abilities to first of all develop a strategy for the business and then to apply it according to the demands of the time. Especially helpful appears to be contacts outwith the purely agricultural network for instance with the non-farming public.

read more

Research & Innovation

Europe's increasing dependence on energy imports

Energy consumption will increase in Europe while the continent’s own deposits of fossil fuels won’t last particularly long and renewable energy supplies will still barely reach 10% by 2030. Dependency on energy imports will therefore rise substantially.

read more