At a gathering of crop science experts in Seville, Spain, the European Crop Protection Association has called for representatives from the food chain and policy community to form a European partnership to ensure the protection of specialty crops.
According to the Association, the key mission of the initiative is to ensure that these food crops get 'the protection that they deserve', and are not left as 'orphans' by the regulatory process, with the reality of market return against investment cost not holding a bright future.
'Specialty crops constitute many staple fruits and vegetables which we eat regularly and have national and regional significance,' said Friedhelm Schmider, director general of ECPA. 'Europe needs a comprehensive strategy to protect them – so that sufficient, specialised crop protection products are present in the farmer's toolbox to combat the pests and disease that afflict these crops. We need the right team to work together to respond to these threats and ensure constant innovation to meet the challenges ahead.
'A coordinating body at the European level would bring together all the relevant contributing partners, including growers, the crop protection sector, the food chain industry, and national and regional governments,' Mr Schmider added. 'The crop science industry will aid and provide impetus so that this crucial approach becomes a reality.'
The call for action was supported by experts attending the Seville conference, with specialists and policymakers confirmed the role of crop protection in ensuring the productivity, competitiveness and sustainability of European Agriculture.
'To meet the food security challenge ahead, the wider agricultural community, and not just growers, have a responsibility to stay alert to food supply issues and keep our responses sharp,' said Mr Schmider. 'We will have to feed a growing population, ensure efficient use of natural resources, preserve biodiversity and combat global warming.
'We can take comfort in the fact that we have much of the science, technology and know-how to meet the demand: we will have to use it wisely and scientifically – and keep on innovating.'
