Brussels, 08/11/2010 (Agence Europe) - There are great benefits in boosting the EU's own supply of protein crops, to reduce dependence on imported soybean, maintain food security and benefit the environment. Support must consequently be enhanced.
That was the idea expressed at a workshop organised by COPA and COGECA on “Protein Crops, the Crops of the Future”. New scientific studies “have clearly shown the environmental benefits of protein crops in terms of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, benefiting biodiversity and improving soil quality”, the two agricultural organisations stated.
Xavier Beulin of COPA argued that the development of protein crops would contribute to the main objective of the common agricultural policy (CAP) of maintaining food security. The feed compound industry estimates the potential increase to be 20 million tonnes, 10 times more than today. He added that “it will enhance agriculture's contribution to the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 10 to 15% and maintaining biodiversity”. He stressed, however, that in order to include protein crops in a sustainable manner in the crop system, revenue from these crops must be increased in the short term through support under the CAP. This would boost breeding research, improve cultural practices and boost animal feed outlets, he argued. (L.C./transl.rt)