The global population is predicted to reach 10 billion by 2050. That means food production will need to go up by as much as 70% in order to meet demand. Can the world meet this challenge in a sustainable manner that preserves and protects the environment? And, if so, can food production be increased without relying on conventional farming techniques such as pesticides?
Debating Europe has been asking Europeans to share their thoughts and comments on sustainable agriculture as part of our online debate Sustainable agriculture: with or without pesticides? We have been approaching politicians, environmentalists, academics, and business and farming representatives to respond to the concerns of our audience, and to engage them in the discussion.
On Wednesday 11 October, Debating Europe asked policymakers and experts to respond to a selection of these questions and comments in a live debate in the European Parliament.
Taking part in the debate were Martin Dermine, Pollinator Project Coordinator at Pesticide Action Network Europe (PAN – Europe); Faustine Bas-Defossez, Policy Manager for Agriculture and Bioenergy at European Environmental Bureau (EEB); Paolo De Castro, Member of the European Parliament with the Socialist & Democrats and Vice-Chair of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development, and Graeme Taylor, Director of Public Affairs at the European Crop Protection Association (ECPA).
The debate was live streamed on our Facebook page, and here on Debating Europe.
IMAGE CREDITS: CC / Flickr – Susanne Nilsson
Editorially independent content supported by: The European Crop Protection Association (ECPA). See our FAQ for more details.
