en |    EVENTSBrussels 03.03.2009

New thought for food - Food for thought: The science of sustainable agriculture - An innovative paradigm

Conference
European Parliament - Brussels

Tuesday 3 March 2009 - 09:00-13:30

European Parliament - Room Petra Kelly ASP01G2
60, Rue Wiertz - 1047 Brussels - Belgium

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The report of the World Agrarian Council IAASTD published in April 2008 came to the conclusion that the application of the "conventional" scientific understanding and knowledge implies too many ecological and social collateral damages for example: the Green Revolution. In recognition of this problem the European Council had decided in 2001 to establish the Goeteborg strategy in order to create a sound balance between knowledge-based economic growth and environmental and social needs. Sustainability was also acknowledged as a priority goal. However, political decisions of the EU in the area of agriculture and environment are increasingly based on the traditional scientific worldview in spite of all the advances in materialprosperity. Facing multiple crises such as world hunger, climate change and a rapid decline in world resources, the following question becomes a central topic: Which type or combination of different types of science should we favour and apply to achieve sustainability?

Organic farming is a valuable indicator for sustainability. In this conference the basic questions concerning the "science for sustainability" will be discussed in the field of organic and other agro-ecological approaches to farming. The knowledge of scientific methodologies must influence scientific policy advice and the funding policy in science of the EU.

Demeter International and ISIS want to start a dialogue with the European institutions in Brussels about scientific methodology and its consequences for sustainability, especially in the field of organic farming and the organic food industry. Internationally renowned science managers and science policy advisers will propose their point of view and take position. Moreover, scientists conducting research in organic farming and food quality will propose their "alternative" scientific approaches.

AIMS OF THE CONFERENCE

• To discuss the issue of which scientific approaches will lead to a more ecological and socially compatible agriculture world-wide. An agriculture that can improve the cultural, economic and political situation of society as a whole with regard to food quality.
• To discuss how new scientific approaches could be integrated into science policy advice and the European funding policy for science.

The conference addresses particularly representatives of the European Parliament, the European Commission as well as stakeholders and interest groups in Brussels and elsewhere which are active in the field of agricultural research and food research policy

CONFERENCE PROGRAMME

Simultaneous interpretation will be provided in English, German, French and Spanish.

REGISTRATION AND CONTACT

To register for the event, please confirm your participation and send the following information by email to
demeter.eu@gmail.com or by fax to +32 2 647 70 47

Registration information:

Name:
Surname:
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PLEASE NOTE that registration in advance is compulsory to get access to the conference room in the European Parliament. For security reasons, do not forget to bring your identity card or passport. Participants should present themselves at the reception desk of the Altiero Spinelli building at 9.00 on 4 March (60 Rue Wiertz, 1047 Brussels). Conference documents if any will be available in the conference room.