CropLife Canada supports Declaration for Farmer Choice
Nov. 17, 2011 (Ottawa) – The United Nations’ recent affirmation that the world population reached the seven billion milestone served as a timely reminder that farmers need access to innovative tools that will allow them to feed this growing population. As such, CropLife Canada supports CropLife International’s Declaration of Farmer Choice, which calls for farmers to have the freedom to choose what tools and practices are best for their unique situation.
“Canada has a responsibility to do everything in its power to contribute to global food security. Our farmers have a strong history of using innovative tools, including plant science technologies, to boost yields and quality in a sustainable way but we can’t stop now,” says Lorne Hepworth, president of CropLife Canada.
The world population is expected to reach a peak of nine billion by 2050 and with this comes the need to increase world food production by 70 per cent.
“This puts enormous pressure on our producers – and other farmers around the world. They’re being asked to produce more food on less land in the face of climate change, all while reducing their environmental impact. It’s simply unreasonable to demand this of them without giving them access to the necessary tools,” says Hepworth.
The Declaration for Farmer choice recognizes that farmers need technology to achieve sustainability. Through its five principles, the Declaration creates a foundation for achieving green agriculture while improving yields and increasing farm incomes.
The Declaration for Farmer Choice calls for:
- Sustainable, productive and environmentally-responsible technologies
- Enhanced access to agricultural technologies
- Science-based regulatory schemes
- Increased agriculture investment
- Improved agricultural knowledge
Under the Declaration for Farmer Choice, farmers are recognised as the best and most knowledgeable stewards of their land. Farmers around the world should be given the opportunity to choose the specific technologies and practices that allow them to achieve both economic and environmental sustainability.
“The plant science industry is committed to continuing to develop science-based solutions to some of the world’s greatest challenges. It’s important that science and not politics govern farmers’ ability to access technology,” says Hepworth.
To learn more about the Declaration for Farmer Choice visit www.ActionforAg.org/get-involved.
For more information contact:
Nadine Sisk
CropLife Canada and CleanFARMS
613-230-9881
siskn@croplife.ca
About CropLife Canada
CropLife Canada is the trade association representing the manufacturers, developers and distributors of plant science innovations, including pest control products and plant biotechnology, for use in agriculture, urban and public health settings.
CropLife Canada is a member of CropLife International, a global federation representing the plant science industry and a network of regional and national associations in 91 countries.
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