Here are some things that have caught my eye and could be of interest.

The Guardian Newspaper in the UK last week asked if increasing farm sizes was a necessary ingredient in agricultural development in Africa, despite the possible social costs. However, the article also looks at the needs of small holders.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/katine/2009/apr/06/big-farms

Meanwhile, the Soil Association reports that sales of organic cotton continue to grow in the UK despite the economic crisis, and that generally the organic sector is doing well. www.ecotextile.com/news_details.php?id=943

Of interest to all may also be this open competition from the World Bank Development Marketplace. http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/OPPORTUNITIES/GRANTS/DEVMARKETPLACE/0,,contentMDK:22055086~pagePK:180691~piPK:174492~theSitePK:205098,00.html