These techniques, in terms of improving plant genetics, can provide farmers with plants with a capacity to adapt to extreme climatic factors and greater resistance to pathogens and pests, as well as greater resilience to emerging threats arising from climate change, explained Mr. Planas during a High Level Conference, held on the sidelines of the 16th International Agricultural Show in Morocco (SIAM).
The improvements obtained could also have a beneficial effect throughout the food chain, notably through the extension of the useful life of food, continued the minister, adding that Spain considers that plant breeding based on these techniques gene editing is very important.
Mr. Planas, at the same time, emphasized the importance of promoting research to successfully transition to sustainable agri-food systems that are more resilient in the face of climate change.
For him, research & development and innovation are fundamental drivers for accelerating the transition towards sustainable, resilient systems that integrate from primary production to consumption.
The Spanish minister also cited other examples of how innovation could help address environmental challenges, such as water supply management.
In this regard, he insisted on the importance of focusing on unconventional, reclaimed and desalinated water, the digitalization of irrigation systems, increasing energy efficiency, in addition to precision agriculture.
Initiated under the theme “Agricultural research facing the challenges of climate change”, this High Level Conference constitutes a major event for the agricultural sector. It offers a platform for meetings and exchanges between the different players in the sector: researchers, farmers, agricultural businesses, inter-professional organizations and political decision-makers.
The said conference made it possible to discuss the issues and challenges of the agricultural sector, to identify avenues for development and to propose solutions. It also plays an important role in advancing agricultural research, disseminating knowledge, promoting innovation and improving the productivity and sustainability of the sector.