Brussels, Belgium
March 20, 2009
Fresh water is one of the world’s
most valuable resources and in the future it is going to be even
more precious. Agriculture accounts for 70% of all human water
use and, if current trends continue, water shortages will be the
single most significant constraint on crop production over the
next 50 years.
“Worldwide, agricultural biotechnology could play a significant
role in providing farmers yield stability during periods when
water supply is scarce by mitigating the effects of drought – or
water stress – within a plant” said Nathalie Moll “We already
know that areas of high water stress in Europe are likely to
dramatically increase in the coming years*. Yet what is less
certain, is if and when EU farmers, whose land is currently 80%
rain-fed, will be offered the choice of growing crops which can
reduce water loss and improve drought tolerance”
Drought-tolerant crops, maize in particular, are an emerging
reality with seeds expected to be commercialized by 2012. Field
trials for drought-tolerant corn conducted last year in the
Western Great Plains in the United States have met or exceeded
6-10 percent target yield enhancement over the average yield of
70-130 bushels per acre (equivalent to approximately 4.4-8.1
metric tons per hectare). In addition, agricultural practices
have already been developed that reduce the amount of ploughing
required before planting**. This means the soil surface is not
broken which helps trap soil moisture. Under drought conditions
this can mean the difference between having a crop to harvest
and crop failure. It also helps reduce fossil fuel use, carbon
dioxide emission and soil erosion.
“These GM crops could play a crucial role, both in the EU and
Worldwide, in promoting sustainable water use whilst increasing
agricultural output” said Moll. "But the only way to tap into
this resource is if new GM crops are approved for cultivation.
In the EU today, farmers don’t have the choice about what they
grow because new GM crops are not being approved. We call on EU
regulators to lead by example, heed the advice of their own
scientists and enable these technologies to play the role that
they can and should towards meeting this vast global challenge”.
* DG Agriculture working document on “Adaption to Climate
Change: the Challenge for European Agriculture and Rural Areas”.
Due for publication in April 2009
** EuropaBio Green Biotechnology and Climate Change
EuropaBio is the
European Association for Bioindustries, solely and uniquely
bringing together bioscience companies from all fields of
research and development, testing, manufacturing and
distribution of biotechnology products. It has 68 corporate
members operating worldwide, 5 associate members, 4 BioRegions
and 25 national biotechnology associations representing some
1800 small and medium sized enterprises involved in research.
Its mission is to promote an innovative and dynamic
biotechnology-based industry in Europe. |
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