Hard to believe CSC is already half over. It has been an intense few days.
Monday 2nd of March "Setting the scene"
The first presentation was from Edwin Van Raalte a Business Manager with Rabbobank. He did a very good job of describing the future of farming. In a nutshell, althougth there are many challenges, world population growth will continue and demand for food will increase. The take home message is that there will continue to be tremendous opportunity for agriculture. The following three presentations covered European Ag Policy, International Policy and then French agriculture. Although some of this policy is very complex, it is obviously intended to ensure the success of agriculture and the supply of food. The apporaches were very different but the intended consequances were the same. It highlighted the need for open communication with a clear and common goal. "Individually we can go fast BUT together we can go far"
Tuesday 3rd of March "Innovation in agriculture"
The morning presentations were about Competativeness Cluster Industries and Agro-Resources : IAR. The cluster includes a pilot ethanol plant, a full scale commercial ethanol plant processing sugar beets that includes a biomass burner and bio-gas facility on site. It is a project that includes many stakeholders along the value chain from producers to the end users of the finished products. It is very innovative. We toured the facility in the afternoon.
Wednesday 4th of March "Innovation in agriculture"
The first presentation was by Frederic Thomas about "Taking care of the soil : basis of agricultural production" I was really impressed by his practical approach. In my opinion it is very hard to argue with his approach. It made very good sense. He is a farmer and an agronomist, very credible. His approach considered agronomy/economy/environment. There needs to be more biodiversity. "things (the soil and eveything in it) is better when it looks after itself". We have to continually determine and apply practices that are best for the soil. He discussed the value of companion crops and cover crops. As well as no & minimum tillage strategies. Overall excellent information and practical application for farmers. The next presentation was by Marie-Cecile Henard on Post GMO Biotechnology, New Biotech Plants : What are we talking about? Marie is a part of "Think Tank" in Paris focused on Agricultural Biotechnology. Her presentation discussed how the first generation of biotechnology was focused on crop production whereas the next generation is more consumer oriented. Consumers are still very aprehensive about GMO food especially in France and the rest of Europe. There were three more speakers on innovation that included one on Genetics & Genomes and another on Networks Strength for Innovative Research. The day finished up with a great round table discussion.
The first 4 days have been very informative & busy from start to finish. In conference, during group sessions, breaks & mealtimes have provided tremendous opportunities to learn and get to know fellow Nuffielders.
Monday 2nd of March "Setting the scene"
The first presentation was from Edwin Van Raalte a Business Manager with Rabbobank. He did a very good job of describing the future of farming. In a nutshell, althougth there are many challenges, world population growth will continue and demand for food will increase. The take home message is that there will continue to be tremendous opportunity for agriculture. The following three presentations covered European Ag Policy, International Policy and then French agriculture. Although some of this policy is very complex, it is obviously intended to ensure the success of agriculture and the supply of food. The apporaches were very different but the intended consequances were the same. It highlighted the need for open communication with a clear and common goal. "Individually we can go fast BUT together we can go far"
Tuesday 3rd of March "Innovation in agriculture"
The morning presentations were about Competativeness Cluster Industries and Agro-Resources : IAR. The cluster includes a pilot ethanol plant, a full scale commercial ethanol plant processing sugar beets that includes a biomass burner and bio-gas facility on site. It is a project that includes many stakeholders along the value chain from producers to the end users of the finished products. It is very innovative. We toured the facility in the afternoon.
Wednesday 4th of March "Innovation in agriculture"
The first presentation was by Frederic Thomas about "Taking care of the soil : basis of agricultural production" I was really impressed by his practical approach. In my opinion it is very hard to argue with his approach. It made very good sense. He is a farmer and an agronomist, very credible. His approach considered agronomy/economy/environment. There needs to be more biodiversity. "things (the soil and eveything in it) is better when it looks after itself". We have to continually determine and apply practices that are best for the soil. He discussed the value of companion crops and cover crops. As well as no & minimum tillage strategies. Overall excellent information and practical application for farmers. The next presentation was by Marie-Cecile Henard on Post GMO Biotechnology, New Biotech Plants : What are we talking about? Marie is a part of "Think Tank" in Paris focused on Agricultural Biotechnology. Her presentation discussed how the first generation of biotechnology was focused on crop production whereas the next generation is more consumer oriented. Consumers are still very aprehensive about GMO food especially in France and the rest of Europe. There were three more speakers on innovation that included one on Genetics & Genomes and another on Networks Strength for Innovative Research. The day finished up with a great round table discussion.
The first 4 days have been very informative & busy from start to finish. In conference, during group sessions, breaks & mealtimes have provided tremendous opportunities to learn and get to know fellow Nuffielders.