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EUROPEAN COMMISSION
Directorate-General for Research
Directorate E — Biotechnology, Agriculture and Food
Unit E.1 — Strategy and Policy
Contact: Waldemar Kütt
European Commission
Office SDME 9/22
B-1049 Brussels
Tel. (32-2) 29-94145
Fax (32-2) 29-91860
E-mail: waldemar.kutt@cec.eu.int
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EUROPEAN COMMISSION
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2025
a European vision for plant genomics and biotechnology
Table of contents
Foreword by Philippe Busquin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Group of Personalities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Executive summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Chapter 1: Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Genval Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
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Disclaimer
This vision has been drawn up through a col-
laborative effort by a group of experts (the
Genval Group) and endorsed by the Group of
Personalities representing various stakehol-
ders (see page 6). It is neither exhaustive nor
comprehensive and covers only selected
aspects of broader issues. The vision, views
and information expressed in this document
are those of the group as a whole and do not
necessarily reflect the opinions of any single
member, their organisations, or of the
European Commission. Neither the signato-
ries nor the European Commission is respon-
sible for the use which might be made of the
information contained in this publication.
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Group of Personalities
Philippe BUSQUIN, EU Research Commissioner
Feike SIJBESMA , President of EuropaBio, the European Bioindustries
Association, DSM board member
Marc ZABEAU, President of EPSO, the European Plant Science Organisation
Jim MURRAY, Director of BEUC, the European Consumers’ Organisation
Mohamed H.A. HASSAN, Executive Director of the Third World Academy
of Sciences
Federico MAYOR, former Director-General of UNESCO, Autonomous University
of Madrid, President of the Foundation for a Culture of Peace (ES)
Jean MARTIN, President of CIAA, the confederation of the food and drink
industries of the European Union
Eggert VOSCHERAU, President of Cefic, the European Chemical Industy
Council, Vice-chair of the Board at BASF (DE)
Jochen WULFF, former CEO of Bayer CropScience (DE)
Pierre PAGESSE, Presidium Member of COGECA, General Confederation of
Agricultural Co-operatives in the European Union, President of Limagrain (FR)
Ricardo SERRA ARIAS, Vice-President of COPA, Committee of Agricultural
Organisations in the European Union, Vice-President of ASAJA (ES)
Sten MOBERG, President of ESA, the European Seed Association, CEO Svalöf
Weibull Seed Group (SE)
Andrzej LEGOCKI, President of the Academy of Sciences Poland (PL)
Richard B FLAVELL, CSO of Ceres (USA), former Director of John Innes Centre
Norwich (UK)
Christiane NÜSSLEIN-VOLHARD, German Nobel Prize laureate (DE)
Peter GRUSS, President Max Planck Society (DE)
Tim HUNT, UK Nobel Prize laureate (UK)
Julia GOODFELLOW, CEO BBSRC (UK), the Biotechnology and Biological
Sciences Research Council
Marion GUILLOU, Director-General of INRA (FR), the French Institute for
Agronomy Research
Peter FOLSTAR, Director of the Netherlands Genomics Initiative (NL) and
coordinator of ERA-NET Plant Genomics
Andreas J. BÜCHTING, Chair Economic Network of Plant Genome Research (DE)
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Sten Moberg
Feike Sijbesma
Andrzej Legocki
Marc Zabeau
Jim Murray
Richard B. Flavell
Christiane Nüsslein-Volhard
Mohamed H.A. Hassan
Peter Gruss
Federico Mayor
Tim Hunt
Jean Martin
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Julia Goodfellow
Eggert Voscherau
Andreas J. Büchting
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Executive summary
Green revolutions and building block of genes which trans- demands facing European society in an
evolutions mits genetic, or hereditary, information environmentally friendly and sustaina-
Since time immemorial, plants have from parents to their offspring – was ble way. Europe possesses a unique
been crucial to our survival and prospe- discovered, our understanding of the geographic and climatic diversity, a tre-
rity. From the world’s first ‘green revo- life sciences has progressed in leaps mendous wealth of cultivated and
lution’ – the invention of agriculture – and bounds. Scientists have already undomesticated plant species, and
in the Middle East, to today’s high- painstakingly mapped out the entire long-standing plant breeding experien-
tech agribusiness, plants have been at human genome – the billions of ce. Europe should build on the excel-
the centre of our diets, economy and sequences of DNA that constitute the lence it has achieved in this area by
much more. genetic make up of our bodies. promoting new initiatives to make the
Although the exact functions of many most of this vital natural resource.
Plants are not only our food and fodder of these strands is still not known, our Plant-based oils, lubricants, fibres and
for animals but we also use them to growing knowledge of the molecular polymers – which, unlike synthetic
make clothes, paper, paints, oils, mechanics of organisms will one day plastics, can be broken down quickly
medicines, and biodegradable plastics, yield vast health rewards. Genomics by natural processes – could help to
among many other things. We all know and biotechnology hold great promise slash pollution.
that money does not grow on trees, of uncovering effective treatments for
but plants are a big part of our econo- health problems. However, Europe’s research and devel-
mic prosperity. The agro-food industry opment (R&D) efforts have so far been
in the EU represents a € 600 billion Scientific investigation of the genome fragmented and have suffered from
annual turnover, utilising a fifth of the has not been limited to humans, but the lack of a coherent strategic vision.
Union’s land. It is the continent’s third encompasses many other animal and Regional, national and European
largest employer, with 2.6 million jobs plant species. Although the focus of research programmes, as well as
– excluding farmers – mainly in small research has tended towards human public-private R&D partnerships, have
to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). genomics, investing more in resear- not delivered enough successful appli-
The European food and drinks industry ching plant genomics will pay potenti- cations or spin-offs. The EU’s ambition
transforms more than 70% of the agri- ally huge dividends. The EU has long is to build the world’s most competiti-
cultural raw materials produced in the been a trailblazer in this area. Europe, ve knowledge-based economy. One
EU and exports in excess of € 45 billi- for instance, was a key member of the important outlet for this cutting-edge
on. Forestry and its related industries international team which mapped out knowledge should be what may be
employ more than 3.5 million the first complete plant genetic referred to as the ‘bio-based econo-
Europeans and contribute more than sequence – that of Arabidopsis (a my’. Given the importance of the sec-
€ 200 billion to the EU economy1. genus of the mustard family). Our tor, the consequences for Europe of fai-
expanding knowledge of the genetic ling to act could be dramatic. We
We have come a long way since a 19th make up of plants could dramatically urgently need to place the European
century Augustinian monk named change our approach to agriculture. agricultural, forestry and food indus-
Gregor Mendel found in plants that Genetics will continue to pave the way tries on more competitive ground –
biological traits were passed on from to increasing agricultural yields, lowe- founded on a scientifically and ethical-
one generation to the next by discrete ring our dependence on fertilisers, ly sound science and technology base
‘factors’. Now known as ‘genes’, they making crops more resistant to disea- – and enhance its ability to underwrite
form the basis for the scientific study ses, and more. In addition, we are now global food security and create new
of genetics upon which a growing part aware that we are taking advantage of bio-based products.
of modern science, medicine and tech- only a small fraction of Nature’s gene-
nology is based. In the half century tic diversity. There are enormous 1
These figures are for the 15 Member
since the double helix structure of opportunities to use plants much more States of the pre-May 2004 European
DNA – the ‘king of molecules’ and effectively to meet the challenges and Union.
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The future competitiveness of Europe’s to chart a safe course through them, ensure a strong domestic European
agricultural and food processing indus- requires a publicly supported road food supply and consumer choice
tries will depend on plant genomics, map. That is the purpose behind the
biotechnology and their smart applica- proposed creation of the Plants for the The platform proposes that these
tion. These areas are developing rapid- Future – tapping the potential of plant goals can be reached by:
ly around the world, and Europe risks technology platform. There will • Promoting societal consensus based
losing the competitive edge it once undoubtedly be successes and set on a mutual understanding and
possessed as the mantle of innovation backs, but the potential rewards for communications between stakeholders
passes to the United States. our health and prosperity are too great • Suggesting a coherent legal frame-
Investments in plant biotechnology in for us to take a ‘wait and see’ work for the sector’s development
Canada, Asia, India and South approach. • Boosting public and private R&D
America are also accelerating rapidly investment and enhancing the transpa-
as these countries seek to solve their rency of European research at regional,
food security problems and to capture Visionary platform national and European level
a bigger share of agricultural trade. In Plants for the Future will bring together • Strengthening industry support for
contrast, Europe's position is declining all relevant stakeholders: researchers, the platform’s research agenda
as a consequence of the political iner- policy-makers, environmental and con- • Developing a pertinent strategic
tia caused by the polarised and increa- sumer groups, industry, and farmers. research agenda – based on the iden-
singly heated debate between oppo- These partners will co-operate in a tification of the sector’s priorities –
nents and advocates, with a sceptical pragmatic, non-dogmatic manner to pursuing a multidisciplinary approach
and confused public caught in the reach a consensus on common covering such areas as genomics, phy-
crossfire. priorities and draw up action plans to siology, agronomy, ecology, bioinfor-
implement them. matics and other emerging skills.
If Europe is not to fall behind its major
global competitors in this crucial area This will be a challenging task but the
of innovation and future prosperity, the payoff for sharing and acting upon a
legitimate concerns of both critics and common vision could be enormous: a
advocates need to be addressed. For competitive, independent and sustai-
instance, risk assessments carried out nable bio-based European economy
in recent years have uncovered no that will address the specific needs
adverse health effects from genetically and choices of European consumers
modified (GM) crops. We need to take not only in terms of agriculture and
a more holistic approach – used as food, but through applications in a
part of a broader system, modern bio- wide range of fields, including plant-
technology can be a helpful addition to based pharmaceuticals, chemicals and
our current agricultural mix, although energy.
their misapplication could potentially
have some adverse health and environ- The aims of this platform would be to
mental effects Europe should proceed suggest ways of (see chapter four for
responsibly in developing biotechnolo- full details):
gies while minimising any adverse • Securing a high quality, safe and
effects. diverse food supply for European con-
sumers
The future is, of course, uncertain. • Creating a sustainable European
Plant genomics and biotechnology is agricultural base for the production of
neither a magic wand that will wave food and feed, as well as other renewa-
away all our problems nor will it wreak ble, bio-based products
havoc and disaster. To fully appreciate • Strengthening the competitiveness of
the potential benefits and pitfalls, and the European agri-food sector to
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Chapter 1 : Introduction
Sowing the seeds of modern such as plastics (a petroleum product). € 55.7 billion
civilisation This has meant that more greenhouse • The European food and drink indus-
Plants form the basis for almost all life gases – such as carbon dioxide – are try is the leading EU industrial sector
on Earth, as living organisms in their being pumped into the atmosphere, with over € 600 billion of production
own right or as food for animals. By contributing to climate change. It has and € 145 billion of added value. With
catching solar energy, unlike animals, also meant that the world is producing 2.6 million workers, it is the Union’s
they actually add to the Earth’s net waste faster than the Earth can break third largest employer
store of energy. The unique process of it down. Environmental concerns and • Europe currently accounts for only
photosynthesis which converts atmos- finite supplies of fossil fuels are 10% of the fast-growing markets for
pheric carbon dioxide, the main making biomaterials – which can be crop-derived fibres and raw materials,
‘greenhouse gas’, into carbohydrates broken down easily by natural forces – which increased globally from 50.9 to
via a solar energy-driven process pro- and biofuels attractive alternatives. 70 million tonnes over the past five
duces the biomass needed by most years
living organisms.
Green economics
When people first started cultivating The economic importance of plants Plant genomics and
plants in the Middle East some ten and plant-derived products in Europe is biotechnology
thousand years ago, it profoundly alte- huge in terms of turnover of associated Genomics and biotechnology are the
red their way of life. With the birth of industries, employment and trade: modern tools for understanding plants
agriculture, humanity moved away • The European seed market, worth at the various biological and environ-
from the hand-to-mouth existence of € 8.4 billion annually, is the largest mental levels, as well as boosting
the hunter-gatherer and was able to regional market (30% of the global classical plant breeding techniques. An
store food for leaner times. No longer market) array of novel technologies have
needing to chase their food, people • Europe carved out a 28% share of emerged that are now permitting
were able to abandon nomadic life and the € 26.6 billion global agrochemical researchers to identify the genetic
live in settled communities, sowing the market in 2003 underpinnings of crop improvement,
seed for modern civilisation. • European forestry and its related namely the genes that contribute to
industries employ more than 3.5 milli- the improved productivity and quality
Today, plants are used not only as food on people with an annual turnover of of modern crop varieties.
for humans and feed for cattle, but as over € 200 billion
industrial raw materials. They are also • There are nearly 7 million farms, The much-debated genetic modificati-
valuable sources of vitamins, antioxi- with an average size of 18.4 hectares on (GM) of plants is one of the bio-
dants, oils, fibres and carbohydrates. and employing nearly 15 million peop- technologies used, depending on the
They provide the ingredients for most le, in the 15 older EU Member States specific challenges to be addressed,
drugs and are a major traditional ener- (EU15). With enlargement, the num- but we should not make the
gy resource. The petroleum that keeps ber of farms has more than doubled to fundamental mistake of equating agri-
modern society ticking is also of plant 17 million, and the proportion of far- cultural and plant biotechnology with
origin, while modern biofuels promise mers in the workforce has grown from GM alone. Genetic modification of
to reduce the pollution caused by fos- around 4% (EU15) to nearly 8% plants is not the only technology in the
sil fuels. (EU25) toolbox of modern plant biotechnolo-
• Livestock production in Europe con- gies.
Rising populations and living stan- sumes 400 million tonnes of feed,
dards are not only straining the world’s including grazing land, of which 90% Application of these technologies will
food production capacity, they have led is produced in Europe substantially improve plant breeding,
to the increasing use of non-renewable • The EU imports € 66.6 billion worth farming and food processing. In parti-
resources and synthetic materials, of agricultural products and exports cular, the new technologies will enhan-
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ce our ability to improve crops further and, which to do it. This means that food distri-
not only make them more traceable, but bution will have to become more equitable
also enable different varieties to exist side and farming will need to become both more
by side (known as crop co-existence) – productive and diversified. In addition, to
enhancing the consumer’s freedom to respond to consumer expectations, the qua-
choose between conventional, organic and lity of plants has to be improved and their
GM food. Taking advantage of the genetic nutritional value boosted.
diversity of plants will not only give consu-
mers a wider choice of food, but it will also • Sustainable agriculture
expand the range of plant-derived products, We urgently need to make today’s chemi-
® INRA including novel forms of pharmaceuticals, cal-intensive agriculture more sustainable
biodegradable plastics, bio-energy, paper, while maintaining its productivity. In fact,
and more. we need to increase yields and simultane-
ously reduce or optimise the amount of
Plant genomics and biotechnology could fuel, fertilisers, pesticides and water used
potentially transform agriculture into a up in the process. The dual challenges of
more knowledge-based business. This global climate changes and increased sea-
could strengthen the sector’s sustainability sonal weather instabilities are placing addi-
and profitability by reducing uncertainty and tional strains on the world’s agricultural
the dependence of farmers on variable eco- capacity, particularly as more marginal land
logical and climatic conditions. Critics fear is farmed.
that modifying the genetic make up of
some plants could lead to the possible • Green and pleasant land
emergence of such complications as ‘super- Agricultural waste can be reduced to a mini-
weeds’ or toxic food. Although scientific mum through the efficient use of bio-waste
investigation in new fields is never risk-free, to produce biomaterials and bio-energy. As
with due scientific precaution and diligence, we run down our supplies of fossil fuels and
constant and careful monitoring, and strict their environmental impact grows, we will
regulation, adverse developments can be need to substitute them with renewable
prevented. and environmentally friendly fuel sources.
In addition, efficient land management will
A strong European science and industry become increasingly necessary to ensure
base in this important sector will allow diversity of agricultural production, protecti-
Europe to address a number of socio-econo- on of the environment and conservation of
mic challenges: natural resources and biodiversity.
• Securing a healthy and safe food supply • Competitiveness and consumer choice
Improving living standards, particularly in A competitive global position for the EU in
developed countries, and a growing world agriculture, biotechnology and food produc-
population are rapidly boosting global tion will benefit employment and economic
demand for high quality and safe food. growth across the Union. Developing new
Food shortages and famines are currently technologies and agricultural products can
localised phenomena and can be addressed help the environment and have a positive
by improving the distribution of the world’s impact on rural development. In addition, it
food output. However, as the globe’s would ensure a strong domestic and
6 billion inhabitants climb to more than sustainable European food supply offering
9 billion over the next half century, not only consumers a wide choice of healthy and
will this mean there are more mouths to diverse food.
feed but there will be less arable land with
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Chapter 2 :
Between prosperity and paradox
Europe has been at the forefront of genetic pool – are never easy to ans- cies has led to the establishment of
plant genomics and biotechnology wer. Opinions on what is and what is Centres of Excellence in universities
R&D. However, its leading position is not morally acceptable vary widely and and research institutes, and the devel-
deteriorating on the back of public there are grey areas where few would opment of new platform technologies
concern over the health and environ- be willing to offer a hard and fast jud- and research breakthroughs by the
mental impact of these new technolo- gement. In fact, EU surveys show that European research community. The
gies. This controversy threatens the many Europeans would support the Union is home to a number of pionee-
EU’s ability to reap the rewards of this cautious development of such potenti- ring SMEs, such as Plant Genetics
research and puts the Union at risk of ally beneficial fields. Ethical studies Systems (PGS), and Keygene. Newer
falling further behind its main global have also emphasised the “moral companies – such as AgroGene,
competitors, mainly the USA and imperative” of making these technolo- CropDesign, Meristem, Biogemma,
Japan. Europe is in danger of creating gies available to the developing coun- and Metanomics – continue this inno-
another ‘European paradox’ – as tries that want them. vative tradition, albeit at a slower pace
occurred with semiconductors and than in the USA.
computer technologies – in which it is Europeans should not lose sight of the
unable to capitalise on an excellent sci- enormous social, economic and envi- European companies – such as Bayer,
ence and technology base by bringing ronmental rewards of this cutting-edge BASF and Syngenta, which are among
innovative products to market. field. With appropriate regulatory and the world’s top six agribusinesses –
scientific controls in place, the EU can have committed significant funding to
New sciences and emerging technolo- draw maximum benefit out of these strategic research in crop biotechnolo-
gies always present a challenging array new technologies while avoiding the gy and genomics. They have also deve-
of scientific and moral uncertainties. potential environmental and ethical loped, either in house or through colla-
Neither sceptics nor advocates can be pitfalls. This can only be achieved borations, key technologies for particu-
absolutely certain what the long-term through a mature and sober public lar crops and methodologies. The EU
biological and environmental impact of debate that weighs up all the pros and seed sector has major players inclu-
genetic modification will be. However, cons to help chart an optimal course ding Limagrain, Advanta, KWS and
more than fifteen years of close moni- forward. DLF-Trifolium. Europe hosts two of the
toring and testing have so far uncover- top four global food companies.
ed no adverse effects to the environ- Unilever and Nestlé have strong pro-
ment or human health. Nevertheless, Food for thought duct development expertise and expe-
there are many Europeans who remain The last three decades have seen radi- rience in a diverse set of crops and pro-
sceptical of the benefits that genetic cal changes to our diet as consumers ducts. They also have a tradition of
modification can deliver or who, for enjoy an unprecedented variety of high research in plant sciences and have fol-
perceived quality reasons, prefer con- quality, inexpensive local and imported lowed the evolution of plant genomics
ventional or organic foods. They have food all year round. In terms of plant and biotechnology.
an unquestionable right to have access science, many of these improvements
to the food they wish to consume. This are based on crop breeding and gene-
means that the EU must ensure that tics developed in the 1950s to 1970s. Falling behind
GM, conventional and organic crops As a means of building on this scienti- European investment in plant geno-
can be grown side by side using a fic and technological base, both at EU mics and biotechnology has stalled in
balanced approach that neither pre- and national level, the European recent years. This is partly as a result
vents nor favours any of them. Commission has funded plant geno- of a more restrictive political and regu-
mics and biotechnology R&D under latory framework compared with that
The ethical dilemmas are harder to pin successive research programmes since of its major competitors in the USA,
down and resolve. Questions of how 1982. Japan and China. European biotech
far we can and should go in reconfigu- SMEs are increasingly turning to non-
ring the natural order – some might Early recognition of the need for invest- EU customers, while firms of all sizes
call it ‘tampering with’ others may ment in crop biotechnology and geno- are relocating their research activities
describe it as ‘exploiting’ nature’s mics by EU and national funding agen- and investments to these three coun-
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Epso - Plants for the future 12-2004 23-12-2004 12:01 Pagina 17
tries, and even India and Argentina. 63%. New GM-derived products will be prices or cheaper imports. Although
These countries have a long-term stra- allowed to enter the European market imports are essential to economic effi-
tegy for exploiting the potential of soon. Further market development will ciency, fair competition and consumer
plant genomics and strengthening depend on whether European retailers choice, allowing agricultural imports to
their positions in related markets. The and consumers will consider the rise above a certain level may leave
USA and Japan, in particular, are deve- potential benefits in terms of price and Europe vulnerable or, at least, depen-
loping forward-looking policies to forge improved quality outweigh the hypo- dent on produce in which the incorpo-
for themselves a leading position in thetical risks. This in turn will affect rated technology reflects very different
the emerging biomaterials and bio- more than 15 millions European farms cultural, scientific and lifestyle priori-
energy markets. Europe risks losing in 25 Member States and the ties. The question is whether Europe
out on its investment in plant geno- European food industry, in particular will facilitate the careful development
mics and biotechnology as the exploi- the large number of SMEs which of plant genomics and biotechnology
tation of its science and technology account for half of the industry’s out- within the EU to reflect the Union’s
base will increasingly be done outside put and three-fifths of its workers. high standards in new product design.
the EU.
The huge potential of plant genetic In a scenario where EU agricultural
diversity can only be unlocked through output is less technologically competi- Eliminating a costly paradox
sustained investment in research. tive, European farmers will likely find Europe cannot afford to miss out on
While US biotech firms spend € 650 that their shrinking share of conventio- the benefits offered by plant genomics
million a year on R&D, their EU coun- nal and GM markets will not be offset and biotechnology. Justified environ-
terparts invest only € 400 million. Last by the growth of alternative niches, mental and health concerns have to be
year, the American government laun- such as the organic food market. balanced against tolerable risks, likely
ched a National Plant Genome Fierce global price competition may economic impacts and employing the
Initiative with a total budget of € 1.1 also lead to a shift from European pro- new technology to help respond to
billion from 2003 to 2008. EU15 sup- ducts to imports that may be less major social and environmental chal-
port is estimated to be around € 80 diverse. Although imports can be and lenges. A technology platform, such as
million annually. In addition, strict are beneficial, this may limit the range the one proposed in this document,
European health and safety regulations of EU consumer lifestyle and health can help inform the R&D regulatory
have shifted popular resistance from choices. This might lead to pressure and policy framework process to make
health concerns to the potential envi- for more EU agricultural subsidies, alt- the most of these new technologies for
ronmental impact of the release and hough the Union is attempting to scale the prosperity and well being of
use of GM crops. In the meantime, back such aid according to its obligati- Europe’s citizens, economy and envi-
global use of these plants is on the ons under world trade agreements. ronment. This requires concerted acti-
rise, with 99.5% grown outside the on on the part of all stakeholders,
EU. The deterioration of the EU’s scientific including researchers, farmers, indus-
base, the loss of markets for European try, consumers, regulators and policy-
agricultural products and an increased makers.
What is at stake for Europe? dependence on food and feed imports Open, frank and balanced public dialo-
European industry, consumers and far- are at stake. Europe’s ability to res- gue on such a sensitive issue will not
mers will all be affected by the emer- pond to the policy challenges of sustai- be an easy task. But the pay off for
ging plant genomics and biotechnolo- nable agriculture and to secure global sharing and acting upon a common
gy innovation gap between the EU and food supply may diminish. This could vision can be enormous. Europeans
its main global competitors. As a also severely restrict European indus- owe it to themselves and future gene-
recent study showed, the impact on try’s ability to contribute to non-food rations to build a scientifically solid
Europe’s science and technology base agricultural innovations and a bio- and ethically sound foundation for
is already considerable: 27% of based economy. Twenty years from developing this exciting field.
European research projects in this area now, European consumers are at risk of
have been aborted in recent years and, being left with the limited choice of
for industry, the figure was a massive buying local products at much higher
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Chapter 3 :
A vision for 2025
Food trends and challenges among the citizens of these same Sustainability
Europe, like other developed countries, countries of the health problems asso- – a means and an end
is facing the challenges linked to chan- ciated with eating habits. In fact, the There is a limit to how much our pla-
ging lifestyles and an ageing populati- older people get, the more important a net can take. To guarantee our well-
on. Rising living standards and an balanced and healthy diet becomes. being – and that of future generations
abundance of food have pushed obesi- The right balance of food can reduce a – we must make sure that we live in a
ty and heart disease up the list of avoi- person’s risk of suffering from a heart sustainable manner. This means that
dable causes of deaths in the industri- attack, a stroke, and even cancer. The sustainability is both a means of ensu-
alised world. As Europeans continue to agricultural and food industries have a ring our prosperity and a constant goal
enjoy longer and more comfortable unique opportunity to contribute to to strive for in the future.
lives, the importance of food quality solving these problems through impro-
and safety will increase enormously ving the health promoting properties of Europe must enhance the sustainabili-
over the next two decades. Access to a crops and derivative food products. ty of its agriculture and forestry sec-
wide variety of healthy and affordable tors. It also needs to develop plant-
high quality food will help ensure this. • Global demographics based renewable resources to improve
In addition, safe food production is not There are some 6 billion people in the the environmental performance of
only about human health but must world today. Despite declining rates of industry and transportation.
take into account the health of cattle population growth, the global popula- Biomaterials and bioenergy will –
and other animals, as recent food sca- tion is increasing by about 80 million a along with fuel cells, as well as wind
res have so clearly illustrated. year – equivalent to the population of and solar power – reduce our depen-
Germany – and is projected by the UN dence on polluting fossil fuels.
• Changing lifestyles to reach 9 billion by 2050. Around
Improvements in medical science and 95% of this increase is taking place in • Environmental concerns
health care have meant that people in the developing world and not in In recent decades, European citizens
Europe and other developed countries Europe. To be able to feed all these have become more aware of their envi-
live longer and healthier lives. These unborn mouths, new and sustainable ronment and exhibit a growing concern
advances have also meant that lifesty- ways of producing high quality food about the countryside and its biodiver-
le choices are playing an increasingly and feed must be developed. In additi- sity. European citizens are becoming
decisive role in our well-being. While on, the world needs to produce more more vocal in their calls for action to
the burning issue of smoking is being food but, just as importantly, the inter- protect the environment, maintain bio-
brought gradually under control, poor national community needs to develop diversity and conserve natural resour-
diets are claiming more and more lives the political mechanisms to guarantee ces, especially soil and water.
in Europe and other rich countries. The that it gets to the people who need it.
need to increase the nutritional value Europe has a diverse countryside, espe-
of food products and encourage healt- High economic growth rates in develo- cially when compared with the vast far-
hy dietary choices is an important ping countries have significantly raised ming regions in the Americas where
component in reducing heart disease, living standards there. The most spec- hundreds – even thousands – of squa-
cancer and obesity, which are beco- tacular change has occurred in re kilometres of farmland might be
ming the biggest causes of avoidable Southeast Asia and, specifically, in given over to one crop. Centuries of
deaths in developed countries. China. However, societies in Europe local agricultural, woodland and forest
and North America are also becoming management have led to a great deal
• Greying societies richer, albeit at a slower pace. With of regional variation across Europe.
Slowing birth rates and longer life more people who are richer and older
expectancy in Europe, Japan and the to sustain than ever before, the Over the past two centuries, industria-
United States have led to a rapidly demand for high quality and varied lisation has led to the growth of large
ageing population – if present trends food will spiral in the coming years. cities where, in many EU Member
continue, there may be more people States, the majority of citizens now live
over 60 than children by 2025. There and work. Nevertheless, this has not
is also a fast growing awareness reduced the importance of rural areas.
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In addition to producing food, the major share of that growth is expected on and flooding. Meeting the growing
countryside forms a key component of to occur in developing countries – demand for food and plant-derived
European cultural heritage. especially in Asia and Central and products will become even more chal-
South America – where energy lenging as this is accompanied by a
As agricultural practices have changed demand could rise at a rate of about decrease in the global arable land
so has the countryside and the biodi- 4% a year. A large number of indepen- base.
versity it supports. The productivity of dent projections forecast that this inc-
European land has risen dramatically reased energy usage will lead to seri-
over the past 50 years. However, ous global warming.
modern farming techniques, along
with urbanisation, have taken their toll Although the EU puts much greater
on rural biodiversity. Global warming is emphasis on other sustainable energy
causing a change in the distribution of sources, in principle, plants can contri-
plant pathogens and pests. This will bute in two ways to solving the energy
lead to new challenges in developing problem. On the one hand, the direct
plants that are resistant to diseases, combustion of plants results in a five-
pests and more volatile weather sys- fold net energy gain in terms of the
tems. It is also important to strike the input/output ratio. However, converting
right land management equilibrium, the plant into liquid biofuels currently
both in terms of the varieties of plants results in a loss of energy. Improving
and how they are grown. plants by making the conversion pro-
cess less energy-intensive represents a
• Sustainable industrial processes useful line of attack for future
Within Europe, the development, esta- research. Despite the challenges
blishment and increase in industrial ahead, developing more efficient biofu-
production over the past two centuries els is a worthwhile pursuit because
has resulted in a number of environ- plants have no impact on the carbon
mental concerns. These include clima- dioxide balance. How much Europe
te change which is potentially exacer- can depend on biofuels to meet its
bated by rising greenhouse gas emissi- energy needs will depend on how far
ons. The quality of the air we breathe, the technology to extract them advan-
the water we drink and the soil in ces and the amount of available land
which we plant are all directly or indi- left over from other, higher priority
rectly affected by industrial processes functions.
and their by-products.
• Loss of land
The production of bioenergy, biofuels The world's agricultural land is being
and novel biomaterials is not yet com- degraded. In fact, arable land is losing
mon but it offers great opportunities to its fertility owing to salination, deserti-
move towards a sustainable bio-based fication, as well as soil erosion and
economy. It can also help boost rural nutrient depletion. The maintenance of
development by enabling local com- common property – including range-
munities to participate in the value cre- lands, fisheries, forests and genetic
ation chain. resources – is under increasing pressu-
re owing to the pressure of population
• Energetic future growth. Rapid urbanisation and the
In the first two decades of the 21st need to produce more food mean that
century, world energy consumption is huge areas of natural forest are being
expected to rise by more than 50%. A deforested, leading to more soil erosi-
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Competitive research policy Coherent policy framework market of GM crop plant varieties –
In order to enhance its competitive- although co-existence is still an issue
Europe’s scientific heritage and culture ness, the EU must develop and esta- of debate. If EU institutions and
provides a unique opportunity for glo- blish a long-term holistic and coherent Member States fail to implement this
bal economic leadership in the emer- policy for plant genomics, biotechnolo- legislation consistently and transpa-
ging knowledge-based economy. The gy, and their applications. Through a rently, the present reluctance of both
EU’s cultural and scientific diversity broad dialogue, it must develop and the public and private sectors to invest
will provide it with a key advantage set in place the necessary policy delive- in biotech R&D will remain – and the
over its global competitors. Although ry tools that will enable the EU to carry broad objectives set out in this paper
farming has a quaint and rustic image, out high quality R&D. The technology will be unattainable.
agriculture is rapidly turning into one platform can provide an important
of the most high-tech sectors of the contribution towards forming such a The right blend of regulations could
economy. Here, too, Europe’s diversity coherent framework by furnishing rele- lead to massive improvements in our
gives it a competitive edge. vant scientific advice and information. quality of life and its sustainability.
Below is a vision of what new know-
There is a high degree of regional agro- Regulation is essential as it protects ledge generated by European research
ecological variety in the EU. There are the citizens against exploitation and could potentially lead to over the next
also big differences in the economics ensures a level playing field for busi- two decades.
of the agricultural sector – from the nesses. The wrong mix of regulations
degree of farming automation to the can leave innovators bound up in red
importance of local agricultural service tape. The right mix and it rolls out the
industries. This diversity is well reflec- red carpet for them. Although the
ted in the great variety of food and regulatory arena in Europe is complex,
feed used in Member States. This is in regulation itself plays a crucial role in
sharp contrast with the situation in supporting basic research and the
some parts of the United States, application of knowledge.
Argentina and Brazil where vast tracts
of land are used to grow just a few If the EU is to participate in and bene-
crops, particularly maize and soybean. fit from research into plant genomics
and biotechnology (and from the resul-
The long tradition of European innova- ting products), then regulatory frame-
tion, coupled with the diverse crop works must be carefully considered
types and production methodologies, and developed in a cohesive and inclu-
provides Europe with a good opportu- sive manner. This also implies better
nity to develop a larger number of crop communication with the public, i.e.
types that not only perform well across regarding the results of risk assess-
a wide area of climatic zones, but are ments. European regulation must be
also able to meet special needs on a consistent in design and operation and
regional basis. be transparent both to the European
citizenry that it is established to bene-
In order to maintain its prosperity and fit, and to the research and industry
autonomy, Europe needs to remain sectors whose activities are being regu-
competitive. Competitiveness is not lated.
simply limited to basic research, but
extends across the board: R&D, field As an example of the importance of
production, and end-product applicati- consistent and fair implementation of
ons. regulation, the EU now has a compre-
hensive framework in place for the
safety assessment and placing on the
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Epso - Plants for the future 12-2004 23-12-2004 12:01 Pagina 24
• Establish coherent basic plant genomics Plants for the Future should make use of
research programmes for the major EU- available EU instruments, and promote the
grown crops: cereals, grain legumes, sola- networking and coordination of national
naceous species, major oil producing programs as exemplified by the ERA-NET
plants, and fruit and wood-producing trees initiative. For the first time, this ERA-PG (for
• Develop research programmes aimed at plant genomics) brings together research
exploiting the knowledge from plant geno- programme-makers and managers from
mics and biotechnology to improve the sus- across Europe to improve the coordination
tainability of production, co-existence, yield, of national and regional plant genomics
harvestability, storability and processability research programmes. It will also identify
of the major EU-grown crops and support actions of specific importance
• Develop research programmes focused on at the regional level and complement these
the nutritional contents of food and feed activities with private-public partnerships.
crops
• Establish public/private partnerships to To be successful in the long-term, this ini-
explore the development of novel agricultu- tiative needs to be transparent and forge a
ral, food, energy and biomaterials products reasonable consensus at the level of the
Advisory Council. It should include the criti-
In the medium and long-term (to 2025) cal evaluation of novel developments,
regardless of whether they are positive or
• Develop a comprehensive genomics appear questionable. It will also be crucial
knowledge base for all economically and to create the legal framework necessary to
strategically important crops grown in the exploit the results of the research program-
EU and their related genetic resources me. This platform will help Europe reap the
• Develop enhanced phenotyping tools for rewards of an invigorated agro-industry sec-
mining the genetic diversity of important EU tor delivering a large diversity of safe and
crops healthy food and bio-products.
• Establish public/private partnerships to
develop superior crop varieties which meet
the requirements for sustainable production
in an environmentally friendly manner,
while satisfying consumer preference for
healthy and safe food
• Establish collaborative programmes with
developing countries on crop genomics to
promote self-sufficiency, greater sustainabi-
lity and competitiveness there
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Epso - Plants for the future 12-2004 23-12-2004 12:01 Pagina 25
Genval Group
The Genval Group – which was set up by the European Association for Bioindustries
(EuropaBio) and the European Plant Science Organisation (EPSO), in co-operation with the
Commission in 2003 to draft this document – is made up of:
Contact
PlantTP@psb.ugent.be • www.epsoweb.org
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Epso - Plants for the future 12-2004 23-12-2004 12:01 Pagina 26
European Commission
EUR 21359 — Plants for the Future - 2025 a European vision for plant genomics and biotechnology
ISBN 92-894-8455-1
Epso - Plants for the future 12-2004 23-12-2004 12:01 Pagina 27
Publications for sale produced by the Office for Official Publications of the European Communities are available from our sales agents
throughout the world.
This document "Plants for the Future" sets out a vision for European plant
biotechnology and genomics research. It identifies a number of strategic
priorities, main activities and a road map to meet these priorities and sets
important milestones. The potential contributions of these technologies to high
quality, healthy and affordable food, to agricultural and environmental sustain-
ability and to the competitiveness of the agrifood, forestry and related
industries are highlighted. The vision was jointly developed by relevant
stakeholders, among whom representatives of the biotechnology industry,
research, food and seed industries, farmers and consumers. The report recom-
mends the establishment of a technology platform, as proposed by the
European Council of Brussels in March 2003, to integrate further stakeholders
KI-63-04-828-EN-C
and develop a long term strategic research agenda and an action plan for this
sector.
ISBN 92-894-8455-1