BASF eco efficiency analysis and other top news for Jan. 20

Luis of the Fresh Produce Industry Discussion Group uncovers another gem this morning, a report about the BASF eco-efficiency analysis. From the post, the description of what this eco-efficiency analysis is all about:

Is it ecologically responsible to buy an apple from overseas? Shouldn’t people as a rule choose fruit from national or local producers? Such questions play an every greater role in consumers’ buying decisions. Yet our gut feelings can be misleading. Approaches, such as BASF’s eco-efficiency analysis, make it possible to carry out an objective assessment.

TK: There may be more than one way to carry out an "objective assessment" but this BASF method show that environmental assumptions don't always sync with reality. Check out the post on the FPIDG for the full tale of the tape.

Other headlines snatched from the Web today

Apple crop shrinks a little Washington's record crop drops from 112.7 to 111.8 million boxes. Small fruit diverted to processing and trend may continue.

Betting on bananas at the inauguration A Swedish company has a betting line on what words President Obama will say at inaguration; "bananas" is 1,000 to 1.

EU pesticide legislation approved USDA FAS report on EU developments

Crude oil falls below $35 as recession deepens Stockpiles grow but OPEC cuts could hike prices in second half of 2009

Europe takes two steps backward in food safety Coverage from Kenya on Europe's new approach to pesticide regulation

Initial assessments of earlier versions of this legislation concluded that up to 85 per cent of chemicals under review could be banned. The Swedish Government now estimates that 23 chemicals will be de-listed. But uncertainty prevails, as no rigorous, EU-wide assessment of the legislation has been undertaken.

Even a conservative implementation of the new rules would increase the prevalence of food-borne pests and cause the food supply to decrease.

A British environmental consultancy estimates it would cause a drop in overall EU food production of at least 25 per cent, raising food prices and putting an enormous burden on low-income Europeans.

More pesticides banned; farmers fear food crisis More European coverage of pesticide issue

Obesity and the addiction to food The theme: foodaholics anon

Can we believe in change at USDA? Chuck Hassebrook touted by Grist for high level USDA job

Salinas leaders frustrated over violence