Do You Know The Worldwide Trend Of Goat Numbers?

 

 

 

Although known as The Poor Man’s Cow, the worldwide number of goats has more than doubled (+109%) during the last 30 years, attesting to the importance of that livestock species to the livelihood of million of families. Conversely, during that same period the number of sheep and cattle only increased by 20 and 4%, respectively.

 

 

 

 

Thus, due to the increased importance of goats worldwide, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is dedicated to eradicating rural poverty in developing countries, recently requested the International Goat Association (IGA) to undertake a study  to sensitize policy- and decision-makers about the impact of small ruminants in development, using rigorous case studies and economic analysis.

 

 

Video: Finding a Balance of Innovation and Regulation - Dr. Peter Facchini

Regulations help markets and industry exist on level playing fields, keeping consumers safe and innovation from going too far. However, incredibly strict regulations can stunt innovation and cause entire industries to wither away. Dr. Peter James Facchini brings his perspective on how existing regulations have slowed the advancement of medical developments within Canada. Given the international concern of opium poppy’s illicit potential, Health Canada must abide by this global policy. But with modern technology pushing the development of many pharmaceuticals to being grown via fermentation, is it time to reconsider the rules?

Dr. Peter James Facchini leads research into the metabolic biochemistry in opium poppy at the University of Calgary. For more than 30 years, his work has contributed to the increased availability of benzylisoquinoline alkaloid biosynthetic genes to assist in the creation of morphine for pharmaceutical use. Dr. Facchini completed his B.Sc. and Ph.D. in Biological Sciences at the University of Toronto before completing Postdoctoral Fellowships in Biochemistry at the University of Kentucky in 1992 & Université de Montréal in 1995.