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Plant Science Opportunities in Europe: Urgent Action Needed

The field of plant science in Europe presents vast opportunities that require immediate attention. While acknowledged globally, the potential in Europe remains debated. Visionary funding, research partnerships abroad, and shifting investments to the US and Asia raise concerns. There is a growing disillusionment among talented young researchers. Efforts to address these issues include initiatives involving the European Council, Commission, and stakeholders, plant genomics, bio-technology platforms, and European academies. The long-term vision for European plant science aims to revitalize the sector and retain top talent. A brainstorm meeting in 2004 gathered prominent figures to outline recommendations for sustainable agriculture, healthier food options, sustainable plant production, climate change adaptation, novel crops, and support for developing countries. Investing in plants today secures a prosperous future for Europe.

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Plant Science Opportunities in Europe: Urgent Action Needed

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  1. Plant Science : a field of opportunities for Europe that needs urgent attention This potential is recognized world-wide but still disputed in Europe - Strong visionary funding and research partnerships outside Europe - Movement of industrial investments to the US and Asia - Disenchantment of young talented researchers

  2. Plant Science : a field of opportunities for • Europe that needs urgent attention • 3 Initiatives address this and will interact: • European Council, Commission, all stakeholders • Plant Genomics and BioTechnology Platform • European Academies • Crop Plant Genomics Report • European Plant Scientists • Long Term Vision for European Plant Science

  3. Plant Science : a field of opportunities for Europe that needs urgent attention • European Plant Scientists Brainstorm Meeting “Long-Term Vision for European Plant Science” February 11 and 12, 2004 Gent, Belgium Initiated by EPSO

  4. Brainstorm Meeting “Long-Term Vision for European Plant Science” • Heads of major Research Institutes, • University Departments, Organisations • Representing all major areas of Plant Science Jon Agren (Sweden) Maarten Koornneef (Netherlands) Michel Caboche (France) Karin Metzlaff (EPSO) Bill Davies (UK) Chris Pollock (UK) Denes Dudits (Hungary) Pere Puigdomenech (Spain) Wilhelm Gruissem (Switzerland) Francesco Salamini (Italy) Dirk Inze (Belgium) Goran Sandberg (Sweden) Jonathan Jones (UK) Mark Stitt (Germany)

  5. Brainstorm Meeting “Long-Term Vision for European Plant Science” • Plants are of vital importance for life on earth • Food and feed • Numerous plant derived products • (wood, cotton, fibers, oils, starch,…) • Pharmaceuticals • Oxygen • Basis of all biodiversity • Recreation • …  6 Recommendations

  6. Brainstorm Meeting “Long-Term Vision for European Plant Science” 1. Agriculture in concert with environment High yield with minimum impact on environment Precision Agriculture Sustainability Maintain Biodiversity

  7. Brainstorm Meeting “Long-Term Vision for European Plant Science” 2. Healthy food Understanding the relationship between food and human health: Preventing diseases by healthier food Combating pathogens using less pesticides More vitamins, unsaturated fatty acids, … Less allergens

  8. Brainstorm Meeting “Long-Term Vision for European Plant Science” 3. Building a sustainable world Plants as producers of Novel chemicals Pharmaceuticals Energy and biofuels Biodegradable plastics, …

  9. Brainstorm Meeting “Long-Term Vision for European Plant Science” 4. Climate changes and impact on our agriculture and ecosystems • Selection for yield stability • Monitoring biodiversity and the impact of climate changes • Preserving biodiversity

  10. Brainstorm Meeting “Long-Term Vision for European Plant Science” 5. Novel crops • Understanding the domestication process • Generating novel crops: a major resource for Europe’s future

  11. Brainstorm Meeting “Long-Term Vision for European Plant Science” 6. Helping developing countries • Transfer of know how • Helping to solve major agricultural problems

  12. Plant Science : a field of opportunities for Europe that needs urgent attentionInvesting in Plants is Investing in the Future

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