The study initiated by Plant ETP and performed by HFFA Research GmbH provides new and very desirable scientific data on the numerous benefits plant breeding is offering to societies. Thus, it offers quantitative and qualitative information supporting the EP report from 2014 stating that “EU should play a leading role in the development of sustainable plant breeding techniques and in promoting agricultural and plant breeding research and practice”.
In the opening speech, MEP Jasenko Selimović underlined the challenge of food security affecting Europe and the rest of the world "Our population is growing which of course leads to an increased demand for food. In 40 years, we will be around 9 billion people, meaning that we will need to increase the agricultural production with up to 70 percent to secure food supplies. Plant breeding has a key role to play if we want to meet this challenge". He stressed that "plant breeding is not only crucial for our future food production but it's also an essential tool in combating climate change and to preserve biodiversity". "Many plant breeding companies have unfortunately abandoned their research on modern plant breeding techniques in Europe and moved it to the USA. To be able to compete on a global level and preserve genetic and cultural diversity Europe has to take back this research," continued Mr Jasenko Selimović. The official launch event included expert speaker Dr. Steffen Noleppa, who explained how achievements in plant breeding contribute to stabilizing markets and reducing price volatility, thus improving food security. The author of the study also discussed environmental benefits through saving scarce land resources by increasing land productivity and avoiding around 3,4 billion tons of CO2 emission since the beginning of the 21st century. In his speech, Dr. Noleppa underlined that “the study revealed that plant breeding innovations count a lot for the European competiveness” but acknowledged that “plant breeders in the EU are currently facing a challenging situation and we need improvements in the regulatory framework to support further development.”
The talks and discussions might be summarized by the statement of MEP Mr Jasenko Selimović "Plant breeding research must get more long term financing, legislation has to be adapted to reality and we have to stop being afraid of everything that's new!"
