OUR VISION WILL EUROPE TURN ITS BACK ON SEED INNOVATION? SPEAK UP FOR TOMORROW S PLANT BREEDING INNOVATION. SPEAK UP FOR SEEDS TODAY!

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Stephen Wilcox
5 years ago
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1 SPEAK UP FOR SEEDS!

pressures of global population growth, scarcer land resources and climate change will place increased demands on the productive potential of existing farmland.

2 WILL EUROPE TURN ITS BACK ON SEED INNOVATION? OUR VISION Seed innovation must be at the heart of the food chain, driving growth in Europe s rural areas, foster sustainable nutrition, and improve quality of life in a greener economy The combined pressures of global population growth, scarcer land resources and climate change will place increased demands on the productive potential of existing farmland. Land-use efficiency will become one of the main drivers for sustainable agricultural and food production systems. New, higher-yielding plant varieties will be required, alongside new seed innovations such as drought or salt tolerant crops, to help keep the existing and bring new land currently considered unfit for farming in productive agricultural use. Urbanisation will continue at an accelerated pace and by 2050, about 70% of the world s population will be urban. Urban lifestyles will generate a faster pace of change and greater consumer expectations on the availability and choice of products, services and activities. People will want access to a diverse choice of healthy food products and leisure activities and the do-it-yourself culture will encourage end-consumers to grow some of their own food in urban areas. Although this will remain marginal in the context of the global food security challenge, such activities will require specific plant varieties capable of growing in these unique environments. As cities grow bigger, agricultural land will be lost to urban and industrial development, transport infrastructure, residential housing and suburban centres. These losses are inevitable given the lower economic returns to farm capital and labour compared to non-agricultural land uses. A competitive, innovative and diverse seed sector will be a decisive partner to support rural competitiveness and employment. Plant breeding stations and seed factories, as well as all connected services are important wealth creators in rural areas, attracting highly skilled workers, investments and economic growth and offering international exposure to rural areas. Further seed innovation will provide the base for the continued development, production and use of more bio-based products and processes for a greener European economy. The future bio-economy can provide a major socioeconomic contribution and its benefits will improve public health environmental sustainability and the productivity of industrial processes. The bio-economy s success will, however, strongly depend on continued and targeted plant science research and the development of new seed innovations that provide the genetic foundation for new business models. OUR CALL Europe s seed sector is determined to contribute its scientific excellence and long-standing practical expertise to help achieve the European Union s policy objectives of a secure and affordable supply of healthy, high quality food, of sustainable farming and of a greener, bio-based economy. We want to do still more; and we want to do even better. To do so, we require modern, forward looking policies and rules geared towards promoting and strengthening seed innovation. We are calling upon Europe s decision makers to join us in our quest: SPEAK UP FOR TOMORROW S PLANT BREEDING INNOVATION. SPEAK UP FOR SEEDS TODAY! / 1

3 European landscapes have been shaped by centuries of agricultural innovation and change. When travelling across Europe, the contribution of plant breeding can be seen all the time: from the bright yellow fields of oilseed rape in April, to the towering fields of maize and sunflower soaking in the summer sun or the wheat fields waiting to be harvested in July. The starting point of every single one of those plants, in every single one of those fields, is a seed. Every seed is packed with potential. It can deliver healthier foods, contribute to sustainable production methods, provide greener living environments or supply more bio-based products to our economy. With food security, climate change and sustainable development high on the agenda, our increasing expectation of what that seed should deliver, not only for farmers and consumers, but for society at large, also requires a renewed recognition of the societal value of seed. In this context, the role of Europe s commercial seed sector, driven by strong investment in research and innovation, is crucial for the future of agriculture, food production and the bio-economy. By harnessing the full potential of plants, a strong and innovative European seed sector is essential to underpin a resilient, diverse, sustainable, and competitive farming and food chain, capable of responding to societal challenges and anticipating future needs. To do so, the sector requires a consistent, forward looking policy support and a regulatory framework fit for purpose and geared towards promoting innovation. Many of these policies and regulations are set at European level and many of them will be reviewed, adapted and modernised in the coming years. These decisions will have a decisive impact on Europe s ability to deliver its contribution to food security and sustainable farming as well as other overarching policy objectives. SEED INNOVATION TODAY SHAPES THE FOOD SUPPLY OF TOMORROW. Your decisions on the future of Europe s seed sector are crucial to promote seed innovation at the heart of the food chain, to drive growth in European rural areas, to foster sustainable nutrition and to improve quality of life in a greener economy. / 2 / 3

INNOVATING FOR DIVERSITY & CHOICE INNOVATIVE BY TRADITION, COLLABORATIVE BY NATURE THE FIRST SEED COMPANIES WERE ESTABLISHED IN EUROPE EVOLUTION OF PLANT BREEDING The origins of seed innovation

4 INNOVATING FOR DIVERSITY & CHOICE INNOVATIVE BY TRADITION, COLLABORATIVE BY NATURE THE FIRST SEED COMPANIES WERE ESTABLISHED IN EUROPE EVOLUTION OF PLANT BREEDING The origins of seed innovation stretch back thousands of years to the first farmers who selected the best plants in one year to provide the best seed for their next crop. In the mid-19th century, Europe became the birthplace of modern plant breeding when Gregor Mendel discovered the law of genetic inheritance in plants. Meanwhile, the first seed companies were established in Europe between the 18th century and the mid-20th century. Many of these evolved out of agricultural cooperatives or were founded by farmers specialising in seed selection and production. 10,000 BC 5,000 BC 4,000 BC 7,000 BC 1,000 AD 1,750 1,866 1,900 1,930 1,960 mid 1,990ies end of 1,990ies selection breeding emmer wheat, einkorn wheat flax, wheat maize, millet rye cabbage sugar beet Mendel s Laws crossbreeding hybrid breeding tissue culture genetic engeneering Smart breeding genomic research Plant breeding evolution developed consistently in the last century thanks to scientific progress, making it possible to better respond to societal needs. Adapting to societal needs and changing climate conditions are the key points for the evolution of plant breeding along the years. / 4 / 5

RESPONSIBLE AND COLLABORATIVE INNOVATION Today, the scientific approach to professional plant breeding, with very high levels of investment in R&D and underpinned by an effective intellectual

It has also allowed new crops from outside Europe, such as potatoes, maize and oilseed rape, to be adapted to European growing conditions.

5 RESPONSIBLE AND COLLABORATIVE INNOVATION Today, the scientific approach to professional plant breeding, with very high levels of investment in R&D and underpinned by an effective intellectual property system, has triggered an unprecedented acceleration of what would have taken farmers selecting from their own harvest centuries to achieve. It has also allowed new crops from outside Europe, such as potatoes, maize and oilseed rape, to be adapted to European growing conditions. And it has enabled a better, quicker and more efficient use of genetic resources, supported by collaborative efforts to conserve and maintain seed collections, ensuring their qualities endure and are passed on to future generations. Its technological and investment capacities have positioned Europe as a world leader in plant breeding and seed production, and the EU as an acknowledged centre of excellence in plant science and genetics. To achieve this, industry cooperation with research institutes, universities and gene banks is essential to pool resources for larger scale innovation and to address the needs of emerging or smaller markets. A SECTOR DRIVEN BY DIVERSITY The European seed sector comprises a broad range of companies involved in research, plant breeding, production, multiplication, processing and marketing of seeds. These businesses are diverse in their structure, from micro-enterprises and family-owned businesses to large companies listed on the stock exchange. Regardless of their size, individual companies, active in one or more crop species, are constantly innovating to bring high quality seed of new varieties to market. The seed sector s ability to respond to new demands is built on innovation and diversity. In recent years, these demands have been evolving at a rapid pace, becoming more and more complex. / 6 / 7

SUPPLYING PEOPLE & MARKETS The rich diversity of

resources - whether from existing varieties,

bring new genetic diversity to the market, with

food security - choice - quality 1950 2020

security 1990 / 8 Farmer, consumer and societal

6 SUPPLYING PEOPLE & MARKETS The rich diversity of genetic resources is the essential basis for seed innovation. By combining and recombining available genetic resources - whether from existing varieties, gene banks or wild relatives - plant breeders bring new genetic diversity to the market, with benefits for all different types of agriculture, the food chain and the end-consumer. Farmer and consumer seed expectations: - yield - food security - choice - quality Farmer seed expectations: - yield - food security 1990 / 8 Farmer, consumer and societal seed expectations: - yield - food security - choice - quality - health - sustainable farming - bioeconomy / 9

FOOD, FEED, FUEL, FIBRE AND FUN: SUPPLYING PRODUCTS FOR A DIVERSITY OF USES ATLETAS - CORN BREEDING TIME: 7 years

USER BENEFITS: Used in high quality garments for knitting or weaving.

USER BENEFITS: Easy-to-prepare salad: One cut, ready. Less waste. TRAITS OF INTEREST: Very high yield.

TOUCH ME - PRIMULA BREEDING TIME: 10 years FUNCTION: Fun TRAITS OF INTEREST: Does not contain primide.

7 FOOD, FEED, FUEL, FIBRE AND FUN: SUPPLYING PRODUCTS FOR A DIVERSITY OF USES ATLETAS - CORN BREEDING TIME: 7 years FUNCTION: Fuel/Energy WAXYMA - BETA BARLEY BREEDING TIME: 15 years FUNCTION: Food TRAITS OF INTEREST: High beta-glucan content. USER BENEFITS: Beta-Glucan of barley reduces blood cholesterol level and post-prandial glycaemic responses as a part of a healthy nutrition. ARETHA - FLAX BREEDING TIME: 15 years FUNCTION: Fibre TRAITS OF INTEREST: Fibre yield per hectare better quality. USER BENEFITS: Used in high quality garments for knitting or weaving. SALANOVA GAUGIN - LETTUCE BREEDING TIME: 7 years FUNCTION: Food TRAITS OF INTEREST: Fresh convenience salad. USER BENEFITS: Easy-to-prepare salad: One cut, ready. Less waste. TRAITS OF INTEREST: Very high yield. USER BENEFITS: Very high yield for max methane yield/hectare. It stays green for flexibility in harvesting. TOUCH ME - PRIMULA BREEDING TIME: 10 years FUNCTION: Fun TRAITS OF INTEREST: Does not contain primide. USER BENEFITS: Everybody can touch it: Many people are allergic to primine when they touch flowers. Touch me is primine free. BAROLEX - NUTRIFIBRE - TALL FESCUE GRASS BREEDING TIME: 15 years FUNCTION: Feed TRAITS OF INTEREST: Increases the feed value in fibrous grass plants while keeping optimal palatability. USER BENEFITS: Massive forage with high energy and protein to produce more milk with high fat and protein levels. / 10 / 11

8 SEEDS FOR SOCIETY The genetic make-up of plants and the physical quality of seed together provide the essential platform for successful crop production. By supplying high quality seed from improved plant varieties, the European seed sector has a key role to play in addressing the historic challenges facing European and global society: delivering food security at affordable prices, meeting increasing demands for quality products, and adapting to climate change and new growing conditions. FOOD SECURITY & POPULATION GROWTH QUALITY PRODUCTS & HEALTHY LIFESTYLES / 12 SEEDS FOR SOCIETY CLIMATE CHANGE & SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION / 13

FOOD SECURITY MEETING THE DEMANDS OF A GROWING WORLD POPULATION THE CHALLENGE According to reports from the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the World Health Organisation (WHO), the

According to FAO, this population growth, in particular in developing countries, will require a 70% increase in food and agricultural production.

9 FOOD SECURITY MEETING THE DEMANDS OF A GROWING WORLD POPULATION THE CHALLENGE According to reports from the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the World Health Organisation (WHO), the current world population of 7 billion is predicted to increase to more than 9 billion and could even reach billion in According to FAO, this population growth, in particular in developing countries, will require a 70% increase in food and agricultural production. As a major global food producer, European agriculture is central to address this challenge. THE RESPONSE Securing reliable harvests is key to our future food security. Increasing crop yields is a prerequisite for feeding the world population and responding to other demands on agricultural production for feed, fuel, fibre and fun at the same time. It is also a crucial factor to safeguard farming s competitiveness. Yield remains one of the major characteristics for breeders and farmers when selecting improved plant varieties. In recent decades, almost all of the increase in crop production per hectare has come from seed innovation. In addition to improvements in physical yield, modern plant varieties offer a wide range of beneficial characteristics such as plant stem strength and resistance to pests and diseases, all of which are vital to secure yields. Furthermore, innovation has greatly contributed to improve seed germination and health, and companies have developed rigorous quality control checks before placing seed on the market. / 14 / 15

QUALITY PRODUCTS MEETING THE DEMANDS FOR HEALTHIER LIFESTYLES THE CHALLENGE Not only do eating habits and consumer preferences evolve over time, between regions and between cultures, the need to

as well will face major pressures on its public finances arising from rising health care spending.

10 QUALITY PRODUCTS MEETING THE DEMANDS FOR HEALTHIER LIFESTYLES THE CHALLENGE Not only do eating habits and consumer preferences evolve over time, between regions and between cultures, the need to promote and develop healthier foods, diets and lifestyles is also of principal societal importance: with almost 10% of the total population in OECD countries expected to be very old by 2050, Europe as well will face major pressures on its public finances arising from rising health care spending. THE RESPONSE Improved plant varieties can be selected to bring specific added value to the end-consumer. By increasing or decreasing the content of certain ingredients in plants, many seed inovations can help fight obesity, allergies, cholesterol, diabetes and other chronic diseases. With oilseed rape and sunflower, for instance, changing the fatty acid composition through plant breeding creates healthier vegetable oils. Breeders have also made an enormous contribution to increasing the availability of food products throughout the year, for example by extending the seasonality of healthy fresh fruit and vegetables. Seed innovation is constantly inspiring chefs, retailers and consumers by bringing novel products to the market, with breakthroughs in consumer products such as baby carrots, which are ideal as healthy and fun snacks for children. Such innovations provide excellent ways to promote healthier eating habits and lifestyles. / 16 / 17

ADAPTING TO CLIMATE CHANGE MEETING THE DEMANDS FOR SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION THE RESPONSE Science-based approaches in plant breeding and seed production, supported by excellent research,

Plant breeding is the area of human activity most likely to have a positive impact on sustainable crop production in the long term.

11 ADAPTING TO CLIMATE CHANGE MEETING THE DEMANDS FOR SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION THE RESPONSE Science-based approaches in plant breeding and seed production, supported by excellent research, field trials and evaluations, give farmers access to the best seed innovations that play a major role in helping them to adapt to climate change. Plant breeding is the area of human activity most likely to have a positive impact on sustainable crop production in the long term. Priorities for seed innovation respond to increasing pressures on agricultural production, for example through improved tolerance to extreme weather conditions or resistance to existing and new pest and disease pressures. Significant research is also carried out to improve the nutrient and water use efficiency of new varieties, a key response to the long-term challenge of sustainable agricultural production and resource efficiency. / 18 THE CHALLENGE Climate change and environmental stresses are increasing and affect agriculture through higher average temperatures, rising carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) concentration, and precipitation changes, with greater extremes of conditions such as prolonged drought or flooding that result in increased weeds, newly emerging pest and growing disease pressures.

12 European Seed Association 23, Rue du Luxembourg 1000 Brussels, Belgium Phone:

Horticulture Research in Europe to 2020 and beyond

European Plant Science Organisation www.epsoweb.org Draft White Paper Horticulture Research in Europe to 2020 and beyond Brussels, 11.9.2014 Horticulture makes a major positive contribution to modern European