The Department of Agriculture estimates 27 percent of the 2007 corn crop, or 3.4 billion bushels, will be converted into ethanol. Currently, the state has about a half dozen operating ethanol plants, and the number is expected to jump to 13 by the end of the year, he said. It concludes that "higher prices for corn affect the livestock sector because of the importance of corn as an animal feed. No comment may contain: Potentially libelous statements; such as accusing somebody of a crime,...

Moratinos replied that he had explained his government's position that engagement was the best way to influence Castro's regime, and added that he hoped Rice would see the wisdom of the approach in time. Rice's one-day visit here was meant to smooth over a three-year downturn in relations between Washington and the Spanish government, but the disagreement over Cuba has threatened to wash away any growing good will. Despite the harsh words, the two senior diplomats were all smiles at the...

UTRECHT, The Netherlands (Reuters) - Dutch researchers are trying to grow pork meat in a laboratory with the goal of feeding millions without the need to raise and slaughter animals. Developed nations are expected to consume an average of 43 kg per capita of poultry, beef, pork and other meats this year, an amount that rises around 2 percent annually, data from the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organisation shows. Although it is in its early stages, the idea is to replace harvesting...

The strain rarely spreads to humans and has mostly appeared in poultry workers or other people who have been in contact with infected birds. The views expressed in the articles are not necessarily those of earthtimes.org and we accept no responsibility for the views or opinions expressed in the articles either direct or indirect. The latest outbreak in Vietnam began a month ago and has spread through 14 provinces. New outbreak of bird flu in Vietnam. Author : World News Editor. HANOI,...

The victim had fallen ill after the chickens he was raising at his home in a town in Central Java had also become sick and started dying, said Wibisono. The latest death in Indonesia comes after Vietnam this week reported the virus among poultry has reached 12 provinces, raising concerns about its spread across the nation. The man died on Monday at the general hospital in the city of Solo on the country's main island of Java, said Wibisono from the ministry's bird flu information centre....