This is particularly important given that world food demand is expected to grow substantially in the years to come and sustainability and climate change will be key words!
He noted that the Horizon 2020 budget devoted 1,483 bill EUR to the agri-food sector and funds more than doubled through Rural Development policy and Member State-based research activities. Looking at priorities outlined in Copa & Cogecas’ so-called Strategic Mind Map, Dr Rossi said “A clear way to improve our efficiency is by increasing productivity at farm level and by making better use of smart farming and precision technologies as it helps farmers to achieve higher yields, using less resources at the same time. Facing climate change and adding values, the uptake of new technologies and new varieties needs to be enhanced and technology transfer increased. EU support and training is also important as well as a good broadband infrastructure to enable farmers to use these new technologies”.
“It is also important to promote the exchange of knowledge between farmers by developing EU networks so that farmers can learn from each other. As we said, in addition we need fair and competitive value chains. It is important to promote the bio- and circular economies and to further develop tools to help farmers better manage risks faced with volatile markets and yield fluctuations”, he added.
Dr. Rossi also pointed out that the active involvement of farmers, agri-cooperatives and their representatives from the very beginning of research projects is crucial in order to have a multi-actor approach and to identify farmers’ real needs. It will make sure that the outcomes of research and innovation are practicable for the end-user: “ready, easy and fast to use for the farmer”.
“Finally, it is important to focus research and innovation on ensuring that we have healthy animals and plants to provide safe food. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plays a key role here to improve the availability of new and existing plant protection products (PPPs). It is also important to improve the availability of new and existing treatments for animals and to develop new housing concepts. New breeding techniques are essential too”, he concluded.
Daniel Rossi, a Luxemburger and Italian citizen aged 57 years, is the Delegate for Research and Innovation in the Italian Confederation of Farmers - CONFAGRICOLTURA, with a Fulbright PhD in Statistics and Economics, and also the founder of the European Technology Platform Food for Life and the EU Coordinator of the 36 National Food Technology Platforms . He will be supported by two Vice-Chairpersons: Juan Sagarna from Spain and Kjell Ivarsson from Sweden.
Copa & Cogeca are the united voice of farmers and agri-cooperatives in the EU. Copa represents nearly 23 million farmers and their families whilst Cogeca represents the interests of 22,000 agricultural cooperatives aiming to ensure that the EU agriculture sector is sustainable, innovative and competitive.
