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Instantaneous electronic communications, rapid and low cost air transportation, and the development of giant commercial conglomerates are major factors in the reality of an increasingly interdependent and homogeneous "world village". Diversity and choice give way to fewer brands of goods, and even dress styles and languages. There seems to be no way that agriculture can remain immune to what is termed "globalization". The consequences are proving far reaching in terms of trade and even on national agricultural policy making (see Debate) and most dramatically are extending to the question of who controls the inputs and products of agriculture (see In print Hungry for Power). A major donor has just entered the debate on biotechnology with criticism of "…the commercial rush to get products to market (which) had resulted in mistakes, misunderstandings and a backlash against biotechnology" (see News brief).

That the speed of change, and the complexity of inter-related factors, increases the need for decision makers to be well informed, is self evident. Yet the pressure of time on decision makers too often results in those with far reaching decisions to make focusing on the detail and not on the broader context. Many policy makers involved in agriculture and rural development acknowledge the need to "have dialogue with the stakeholders" and to promote "bottom-up" development: radio continues to offer the most cost-effective medium for reaching dispersed rural populations, especially the largely illiterate, (see Perspective) but radio is only effective when used with skill and creativity.

Communication and debate will play a pivotal role in agriculture and rural development in increasingly democratic societies worldwide. New Agriculturist was conceived in response to that perceived need and the response has been very gratifying. Readers comments are welcome and will contribute to the greater debate that should result from communication.

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