Supplying sustainability

Technology also makes a contribution to protecting these harvests. It is estimated that pre-and post-harvest crop losses due to pests would double without crop protection products. Already, 20-40 per cent of the world’s potential crop production is lost annually to weeds, pests, and diseases. Fruit and vegetable production, which play an important role in health-giving diets, could particularly be at risk due to pest pressures and climate change.

Towards sustainable productivity

Achieving a sustainable food production model demands more than simply increasing output. Agriculture must develop in ways that are sensitive to their surrounding resources. The quest for food must not overwhelm uncultivated land and wildlife habitat.

On cultivated land, techniques such as “conservation agriculture” can make a significant environmental difference. For instance, the availability of broad-spectrum herbicides and seed technology has been an essential element in enabling the rapid adoption of no-till farming systems. Data suggests that no-till systems can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80 per cent through reduced oxidation of soil organic matter, plus no-till uses less fuel. A no-till approach can also help farmers maintain soil quality, reduce its erosion, and allow for improved absorption and conservation of water.

Learning the lessons

Lessons have undoubtedly been learned over the past 40 years. Through the use of stewardship programs, the plant science industry is seeking to ensure that pesticides are used sparingly by farmers around the world. As noted by the World Bank and other experts, “Integrated pest management that combines agro-ecological principles with judicious use of pesticides can increase yields and reduce environmental damage,” - a practice the industry has been advocating following for years.

Agriculture, plant science, and technology can help address:

• global need for affordable food;
• growing demands for feed, fibre, fuel and bio-based materials;
• environmental protection;
• sustainable increases in productivity; and
• combat challenges posed by climate change.

For too long the need to invest in agriculture has been a low priority issue. The time has come to place agriculture higher on the policy agenda and to focus on the needs of smallholders.

To achieve this, stakeholders from many different areas including research, policy makers and business and industry must contribute to the debate. Farmers need access to the information and tools - inputs and technology - that will allow them to make the right choices to address sustainability.