Peterborough, United Kingdom
December 8, 2009
Plant genetics have the potential to meet many of the challenges facing the farming sector, but the necessary research and development can only be funded with equitable returns on varieties used, said James Wallace speaking at the Agricultural Industries Confederation's Seed Trade Dinner.
"At the recent AIC Conference, which focused on the future of research, it became clear how critical research will be in addressing the challenges of the so-called 'perfect storm' of feeding the world, enhancing the environment and facing up to the challenges of climate change," said Mr Wallace, who is Treasurer of AIC and a member of its Seed Sector Executive Committee.
"Constant striving for new technologies and techniques are essential to improving varieties. However, as an industry we continue to argue about how to reward those who make the necessary investment."
Mr Wallace highlighted the decline in the plant breeding sector. He pointed out that pea and bean breeding businesses had declined from 49 to just 20 over the past five years.
"In the UK it is even worse with just four major breeders now able to supply varieties suited to our climate and conditions."
To prevent further decline, and to generate the return on investment needed to address future needs of farming, Mr Wallace said it was time to end the constant arguing over how to reward those who invest.
"Despite the protests of farming representatives, there are still too many individuals who are not willing to recognise the rewards they gain from varietal development. However, time is running out and as returns dwindle while costs rise, the willingness to invest falls away."
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