Scientific innovation from farm to fork critical to tackling global food crisis

Europe’s food chain must unite with one voice in calling for science-based solutions to the future demands of agriculture and food production. That was the key message delivered this week by Dominic Dyer, chief executive of the UK Crop Protection Association on the opening day of the World Agriculture Forum in Brussels.

Addressing an international gathering of politicians, diplomats, business leaders and scientists, Mr Dyer said:

"Food security is the greatest threat to the future of mankind and unless we harness science and technology to make more efficient use of the world’s land, water and energy resources we will not be able to meet the challenge of feeding a global population of 9 billion by 2050."

"As the United Nations have reported in the first worldwide assessment of the state of the planet’s land resources, global food production will need to increase by 70 per cent by 2050. A world population growing in number and wealth will require over one billion tonnes more grain and over two hundred million tonnes more meat each year. These extra food supplies will largely have to come from existing land though the sustainable intensification of agricultural production."

Following a demonstration by anti-GM protestors at the conference, Mr Dyer warned EU policy-makers against caving in to the threats and intimidation of anti-science extremists:

"For too long we have allowed a climate of fear to undermine confidence in the use of science in agriculture and food production. To date, Europe’s politicians have responded by imposing unjustified and unscientific restrictions on the innovative technologies and products which will be crucial to increasing crop yields, protecting biodiversity and reducing the impact of climate change."

"We can no longer afford to be complacent about the threats to our future food supply. With Europe facing the worst economic crisis since the 1930’s, the rapid rise in food costs across the Continent is having a major impact on the living standards of millions of people. It is time for Europe’s decision-makers to wake up to the urgency of the food security crisis, and for the food supply chain to unite in demanding concerted action to put agricultural productivity, investment in research and access to innovation at the very heart of the food production agenda," concluded Mr Dyer.