Brussels, Belgium
15 October 2010
At a CropLife International event in advance of World Food Day (16 October), Tom Vilsack, the US Secretary of Agriculture, has reiterated the importance of science-based regulation and the need to maintain a diverse choice of technologies for farmers.
“When managed appropriately, farm and ranchlands that embrace science and new technology can produce more, while preserving much of the native biodiversity,” said Secretary Vilsack during CropLife International’s Biodiversity World Tour. “We must work to ensure that all types of agricultural production can co-exist.”
He continued: “As we confront the dual challenge of feeding the world while maintaining biodiversity...we must utilize all of the appropriate tools in our toolbox.”
He made the remarks as part of a CropLife International-led Biodiversity World Tour an online broadcast debate allowing growers, agricultural researchers, and policy makers to discuss the intersection between food security priorities and biodiversity. The World Tour is taking place in three venues -- Ames, Iowa; Brussels, Belgium and Nagoya, Japan and concludes on 27 October.
Secretary Vilsack maintained that achieving the goals of food security and protecting biodiversity “requires formulation of careful national and international policies and requires the advancement of agricultural research and practices. Above all, these solutions must be built on strong science.”
In acknowledgement of World Food Day, CropLife International encourages the international community to support the adoption of productive agricultural technologies and techniques to achieve food security while still preserving biodiversity and natural resources.
“Farmers are faced with the challenge of growing abundant and nutritious foods for an increasing world population — but must do so in a sustainable way that protects and preserves natural resources and biodiversity,” said Howard Minigh, President and CEO of CropLife International. “Utilizing a variety of innovative agricultural tools is the only way to achieve sustainable land use and increased crop productivity that will feed an ever-growing population.”
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