EU study highlights benefits of plant breeding

The report by economic consultants HFFA Research identifies key areas in which the positive contribution of EU plant breeding can be measured and calculated.

Among the areas highlighted in the report are higher yields, improved farm incomes and increased food supply.

Welcoming the report, BSPB chief executive Dr Penny Maplestone says: “This study is the first of its kind to quantify the contribution of European plant breeding innovation, not only in supporting the productivity, efficiency and competitiveness of EU crop production, but also in securing wider policy objectives on issues such as food security, climate change and biodiversity preservation.

“But future innovation in EU plant breeding cannot be taken for granted, and will depend on continued public sector investment in relevant plant science research and an effective framework of IP protection, as well as a supportive regulatory environment.

“On key issues such as GMOs and novel breeding techniques, for example, EU decision-making has become highly politicised and unpredictable. The findings of this study should serve as a wake-up call to Europe’s policy-makers that fostering a science-based and enabling regulatory environment for plant breeding is an important investment for the economy, the environment and our future food security.”