“The world is thirsty because we are hungry,” notes the United Nations on World Water Day.  The world’s population reached 7 billion in 2011, and it is predicted to rise to at least 9 billion by 2050. More people living on our planet will require a more efficient use of dwindling natural resources, particularly water. EuropaBio underlines that agricultural biotechnology can help address the challenge of food security and water efficiency, also through the development of drought-resistant crops and other benefits, such as the possibility to implement low- / no-till farming that can help preserve soil moisture.

Climate change is increasing the potential for drought or excessive rainfall and flooding, which can both destroy crops, including in areas of Europe.  Climate smart agriculture will be an essential part of addressing these challenges. Due in part to the pressure on natural resources, like water and land, and the effects of climate change, food prices will continue to experience volatility, raising concerns about food security. The EU has a responsibility to increase its agricultural productivity while using less water and other inputs, a goal that biotech crops can help achieve. 

“To Europe, food security once meant feeding its own population.  Now, however, we need to view food security in terms of our responsibility towards not only ourselves but the rest of the world,” remarked Carel du Marchie Sarvaas, Director of Green Biotechnology Europe.

“Numerous international organisations continue to emphasise that sustainable intensification is the way forward; we must produce more food while using natural resources more efficiently. Agricultural innovation undoubtedly has an important role to play in meeting these challenges,” he concluded.

ENDS

Additional Resources

    UN World Water Day 2012: Water and Food Security

    New Video: “Food: How Europe’s choices affect others”

    Web site: www.SeedFeedFood.eu

For further information, please contact:

Carel du Marchie Sarvaas

Director, Green Biotechnology Europe

Tel: +32 2 739 11 85

Mobile: +32 473 890 359

Email: c.dmsarvaas@europabio.org

Molly Hurley-Dépret

Communications Officer, Green Biotechnology Europe

Tel: +32 2 739 11 62

Mobile: +32 473 334 875

Email: m.hurley@europabio.org

About EuropaBio

EuropaBio's mission is to promote an innovative and dynamic biotechnology based industry in Europe. EuropaBio, (the European Association for Bioindustries), has 62 corporate and 6 associate members operating worldwide, 2 Bioregions and 18 national biotechnology associations representing some 1800 small and medium sized enterprises. http://www.europabio.org/