Brussels, Belgium
21 May 2010
Plant science innovations are key to helping farmers conserve biodiversity while providing a sustainable food supply to meet global demand.
The UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) estimates that food production needs to increase by 70% if we are to feed nine billion in 2050. To achieve this, a further 30 million hectares of cropland may be needed (OECD). If biodiversity is to be preserved, the amount of parkland, forests and natural habitats brought into agricultural use must be minimised. Recent data from the 2010 Biodiversity Indicators Partnership and the UN show that further biodiversity loss is likely.
“We have much of the knowledge and technology that is needed to preserve and enhance biodiversity. We need to globally coordinate policies that recognise the role of this knowledge and technology, and better facilitate the conservation of critical biodiversity,” said CropLife International CEO and President, Howard Minigh.
Plant science technologies, including crop protection and plant biotechnology, help farmers increase the productivity of existing arable land in use, significantly reducing the need to expand agricultural land, and therefore limiting the loss of biodiversity and natural habitats.
Biotech crops are already contributing to higher yields for many farmers around the world. The Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) believes that biotech crops have the potential to increase yields globally by up to 25%. Plant breeding practices, including biotechnology, have further led to an increase in the genetic variety of crops, as shown in a recent study of crop diversity over the past forty years by the Dutch Centre for Genetic Resources. New breeding techniques make it easier and faster for breeders to introduce improved, new varieties.
Crop protection products increase agricultural productivity by reducing crop losses to pests and disease. Without this technology, yield losses would double to reach 40-80%. In addition, these products are critical to protecting local biodiversity from the impact of invasive alien species, such as the salt cedar tree in the US, which can consume up to 1,000 litres of water in one day, as well as increasing the salinity of surrounding water and soil.
Every year, CropLife International’s stewardship programmes help 250,000 - 350,000 farmers access training in sustainable, locally-adapted farming practices including Integrated Crop Management (ICM), Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and conservation tillage, all of which make significant contributions to biological diversity.
Keith Jones, Director of Stewardship and Sustainable Agriculture, CropLife International, says, “Agriculture is both reliant on a rich ecosystem, and a vital force in maintaining it. Farmers today face a double challenge of having to increase their productivity while preserving the rich biodiversity upon which long-term food security depends.”
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