Science in the future of agriculture: can innovation double food production & improve sustainability

The European farming sector is facing a number of challenges – producing more and better food from shrinking arable land for a growing population, while preserving the environment and ensuring good living standards for farmers. The event will take place in Brussels, Belgium on 5 November, 2018 and raise the question if science in agriculture can double food production while improving sustainability.

Many suggest innovation, including precision farming and advanced plant breeding techniques, can help tackle these issues. Others call for an agricultural turnaround towards organic agriculture. Boosting knowledge and innovation in agriculture, forestry and rural areas is part of the EU’s priorities enshrined in its rural development programmes. It is argued that research and innovation will lead to increased production, whilst reducing environmental, energy and the climate footprint of food production.

Questions to be discussed in this event will include:

• What role for EU institutions in managing the regulatory environment?
• How can food quality and consumers benefit from advanced breeding techniques? Will they address societal nutrition demands?
• Can innovation also help resolve environmental and international development challenges?
• Can intelligent robots help change the economic model of farming so it becomes feasible to be a small producer again?

See the event website for more information.