Written by Tom Allen-Stevens
Farmers are in danger of causing great harm through overuse of certain technologies warns Defra’s chief scientist, who calls for a complete change in mindset. By Tom Allen-Stevens Farming’s over-dependence on neonicotinoid seed dressings contributed to the decision to remove them from use, Defra’s chief scientist has said. Professor Ian Boyd’s keynote address at the Westminster Food and Nutrition Forum on Weds 5 Dec called for science to encourage a “different mindset” in farming and to make the industry ten times more efficient. Professor Ian Boyd “Currently researchers seek change in small increments. I think we need to transform our farming system,” he told delegates from across farming and agrifood research. “The current system of agriculture is not capable of continuous modification to produce what is needed – it is four times less resource-efficient than most of the other sectors of the economy, and 40 times less resource-efficient than the business and service sector.” He said it isn’t realistic to believe the UK can produce all its own food, pointing out that most farming produce, especially in meat and cereals, is importable. “We need to solve the problem of resource consumption – we can’t afford to use 70% of our…
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