The positive impact of the plant variety for the economy and the environment

A world without plant variety would mean less food security and higher prices. 80% of the increase in wheat production in the last 15 years is attributed to the plant variety. Plant breeding has reduced by 33% the CO2 emitted by the EU over the last 15 years.

Plant breeding in Europe has a strong positive impact on growth and employment, and contribute to environmental protection and biodiversity. This was demonstrated by a new study on the socio-economic value of the plant variety in Europe, entitled “Economic, social and environmental value of the plant variety in Europe” which was presented in Brussels on March 15.

Made by Hff Research GmbH, the study reveals qualitative and quantitative information that tracks and support for the study by the European Parliament in 2014 which established that “the European Union plays a leading role in the development of techniques for sustainable plant variety and promote agriculture and research and practice of plant breeding.”

According to the author, Steffan Noleppa, advances in plant variety made in the last 15 years resulting in clear measurable benefits to the economy, environment and society in the long term.

The benefits include:

• On average and major EU crops, plant breeding contributes to 74% ofØ total productivity, equivalent to increasing crop fields 1.24% each year.
• The plant variety increases the supply of agricultural products atØ levels of, for example, 47 million tons of grain and 7 million tons of oil, which stabilizes the markets and reduce price volatility.
• The plant variety contributes to the GDP of the EU over 14 billion Euros.
• The plant variety contributes to reducing emissions of greenhouse gases, the issue was avoided nearly 3.4 billion tons of CO2 through plant breeding over the last 15 years.

Due to the plant variety, Europe has been able to prevent theØ loss of biodiversity by preserving habitats Latvia size that would have been transformed into farmland.

Garlich von Essen, secretary general of ESA, welcomes the publication of the report: “This report shows the importance of innovation in plant breeding for the European Union itself and its contribution to achieving marked by legislation objectives for food safety, environmental protection and the preservation of biodiversity. We now have quantitative data to prove it. This should be a call to action for policymakers ensure both a scientific policy and environmental regulations to encourage and support leads to an innovative future. In conclusion, this study shows that boosting plant variety is paramount and foremost a great investment for our future both socially and economically. ”

On the website you can consult Anove translated infographics on this study.

Source: Anove