“UN research has shown that the adoption of organic and near-organic farming practices in Africa has improved yields by 116%, improved access to food for both farmers and local communities, and raised incomes.”
Isobel Tomlinson, Policy and Campaigns officer at the Soil Association
The Guardian – 7 December 2010
The ‘big fat lie’ of needing to double global food production by 2050 has dominated policy and media discussions of food and farming, making it increasingly difficult for advocates of sustainable farming methods, such as organic, to convince people we can actually feed the world without more damage to the environment and animal welfare.”
Peter Melchett – Soil Association policy director – 20 April 2010.
“Telling porkies: The big fat lie about doubling food production
More coverage on the Soil Association investigation launched yesterday which reveals that those claiming we need to double global food production are wrong about the figures, are wrong about what the figures apply to, and are wrong to claim that achieving these figures will mean we will feed the hungry or end starvation. Peter Melchett, Soil Association policy director, was interviewed on Farming Today alongside Peter Kendell president of the NFU.
Farming Today, BBC Radio 4, listen again (21 April, 00:23 seconds in)
Farmers Guardian (20 April)
Farmers Weekly (20 April)
Meat.info.co.uk (20 April)
The Ecologist (20 April)
Read the Soil Association press release here (20 April)
Presentations from the Feeding the World Conference are now available online. The conference, supported by the Sheepdrove Trust, tackled the question of GM crops in relation to the challenge of feeding the world.
Download slides and listen to sound recordings of the speakers at the conference, to see and hear for yourself what was discussed. Find all the files here.
GM crop companies claim they can help to feed the world, yet the counter-claims from critics highlight the complexity of the challenge itself, as well as raising important questions about the application of genetic engineeering technology. Can GM crops really promise an end to hunger?
Papers were delivered by a range of contributors which included:
Some speakers were distiguished as being participants of the famous 2008 IAASTD Report – a study which involved hundreds of researchers around the world – assessing the progress of agricultural science, knowledge and technology. Learn what the IAASTD said about GM crops.
On our main website we have a video of Dr Vandana Shiva, explaining very simply how farming for the future has to be eco-friendly. This video clip could change the way you think of farming forever!
She points out several clear reasons why the recent drive for GM crops misses the point. Ecological thinking is required to move on in a sustainable manner in order to feed the world, not continued industrialisation.
Feeding the World
Are GM Crops Fit For Purpose? If Not, Then What?
This conference will examine, searchingly and honestly, the claims and counter claims of one of the most critical issues of our time.
Join the conference on GM crops and food security which takes place in Westminster next week. The wide-ranging programme of international speakers is now set. This is your last chance to buy tickets. (Only £65 including lunch) Call now to book your place – 01488 658279
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