New EU science champion must support innovation in agriculture
The appointment of top UK scientist Professor Anne Glover to the newly-created role of EU Chief Scientific Officer is a positive signal that Europe is serious about the role of science and technology in addressing future global challenges.
Welcoming the appointment, Crop Protection Association chief executive Dominic Dyer highlighted the urgent need for Europe to adopt a more evidence-based, enabling approach to the use of scientific innovation in agriculture and food production as a top priority for Professor Glover in her new role.
"Through
the recent Foresight and Royal Society reports, the UK is leading
the debate on global food security. It is therefore encouraging to
see such an eminent UK scientist appointed to this critical role,"
he said.
"There can
be no doubt that access to the latest advances in agricultural
science and technology - including pesticides and GM crops - will
play a critical role in ensuring global food production is equipped
to meet the combined pressures of population growth, climate change
and declining natural resources."
"Yet the
thrust of EU policy and decision-making in recent years has been to
block progress, stifle innovation and deter research investment in
these areas."
"We look
forward to working with Professor Glover. It is time to put
science-based policy back at the heart of EU decision-making," said
Mr Dyer.
ENDS
The Crop
Protection Association (CPA) represents members active in the
manufacture, formulation and supply of crop protection products for
use in the agriculture, horticulture, forestry, home gardening and
amenity sectors.
CPA is
committed to promoting the key role of modern plant science in
safeguarding our food supply, protecting our environment and
improving our quality of life.