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A second green revolution is needed – and the answer includes genetic technologies, says Federated Farmers National President Dr William Rolleston.
Dr Rolleston, speaking at a Ministry for Primary Industries Science Conference in Wellington [March 9], said the world needs to increase food production by 60% to feed a rapidly growing population, and it’s time for New Zealand to have a mature discussion about how we as a country can take advantage of the tools of modern science to see our agriculture truly prosper.
“Genetic modification, where it has been approved elsewhere in the world, has been taken up enthusiastically by farmers and delivered strong economic and environmental benefits,” he says.
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Analysis of 147 studies over 20 years indicates that biotech crops have on average reduced chemical pesticide use by 37%, increased crop yields by 22% and farmer profits by 68%, while in 2013 alone biotech crops delivered reductions in CO2 production equivalent to taking 12 million cars off the road.
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“If we are to contribute to the global challenges of food production and climate change, and if we are to achieve better outcomes for our society, our economy and our environment, then we must play our part. We must be cautious, we must be responsible but we must not be paralysed by fear.
“The rapid progression of science has made New Zealand’s regulatory system look out of date and something has to change,” Dr Rolleston said.
Read full, original post: Time for a second green revolution
