Scientists at Rothamsted Research in Hertfordshire, working on a kind of wheat which they say would need less pesticide and bring other benefits have written an open letter to protestors who are determined to try to close down the site where the crops are going to be grown.

BBC: GM researcher: 'Please don't destroy our crop'

Besides meeting the basic needs of the very poor, the scheme would bring two other benefits: jobs and much-needed infrastructure.

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And while taking an entire weekend is hard to swing on a regular basis, there are other ways to cultivate a group of your own kindred spirits, and bring the benefits into your own life.

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