Brussels, Belgium
June 24, 2009
Source: European Crop Protection
Association (ECPA)
The EU's Green Week (23-29 June)
calls for action and adaptation to the multiple challenges
presented by climate change. Food supply concerns are certain to
become paramount even without the effects of climate change, but
with it we are facing a radical alteration of the World's
agricultural systems. The Crop Protection Industry is ready to
help farmers meet the food security challenge, but European
agriculture also needs the help of its legislators to create a
policy environment that enables rather than hinders the farmers'
contribution.
Friedhelm Schmider, Director General of the European Crop Protection
Association, explains: "Put simply, the world's farmers must
produce more food for a growing population without cultivating
more land. They must also reduce CO2 emissions and do this on
farmland that is likely to become more arid or flooded, with a
greater variety of pests and diseases ready to destroy the
crops. That's some challenge, and we are asking EU policy makers
to join us in facing it."
"It is not often recognized that pesticides reduce carbon
emissions because they provide a more effective alternative to
energy-consuming cultivation practices and are key to producing
more food per hectare for the energy invested. In this way they
can help reduce our carbon footprint and avoid putting more land
under crops in response to the food demands of a rising
population - and that means preserving the parks, woodlands and
remaining wilderness that absorb CO2 and provide habitat for
wildlife.
All this implies that technologically advanced agriculture which
embraces ecology and human health makes the best and most
efficient use of the land available."
It is clear that the EU's agricultural policies need to shift to
a new reality which is no longer about over-supply but of
pending shortage. To do this, policies must integrate the
discoveries of science and technology more fully, including
achievements in the realm of plant pests and disease.
Pesticides are used in all forms of agriculture and will remain
an important part of the future picture because they are the
only reliable way to protect our food supply from harmful
organisms. However maligned and misunderstood, their
contribution to Europe's quality of life is fully evident.
Moreover, the crop protection industry is continuously renewing
and adjusting its products in response to changing pest and
disease environments, at the same time making them safe and
environmentally sound.
"We will have to adjust more often and faster due to climate
change. In fact, increasing rather than reducing the farmer's
pest management options will be of vital importance not only to
adapt to the effects of climate change but to secure Europe's
food supply for future generations. This will require both
greater investment on the part of industry and enlightened
agriculture policies on the part of the EU," said Schmider.
"To make this a reality, we are working with European
policymakers to promote land-use practices that sustain
communities, economies and, above all, health-giving, affordable
food production. Food security should join climate change
mitigation at the top of the legislative agenda. We are ready to
play our part in helping farmers and legislators to sustain our
food supply and provide Europeans with food security over the
coming decades. "
The European Crop Protection Association (ECPA) represents
the crop protection industry interests at European level. Its
members include all major companies and national associations
across Europe. For more information:
www.ecpa.eu |
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