| 2009-06-15
Following extensive research among key players in the crop production and protection sector and in consultation with our advisory panel, a dynamic and comprehensive conference programme has been developed for this year’s BCPC Congress.
The conference, which takes place from 9 to 11 November at the SECC in Glasgow, UK, will provide delegates with strategic crop production industry overviews as well as the latest scientific advances from all over the world.
“Over the next few decades the global food supply will come under significant pressure,” warns Dominic Dyer, Chief Executive of the Crop Protection Association who will be leading the panel debate on the first morning of the Congress.
“We have a rapidly growing population putting increasing demand on agriculture for food. Diets are changing with people in developing countries consuming more meat and dairy products than ever before. There is now severe pressure on land, energy and water resources and increasing threats from climate change. Here in Europe we cannot afford to take our future food supplies for granted.
“Now more than ever we need to change our attitudes to new agricultural biotechnology and crop protection tools in order to tackle the issues of long term food supply sustainability. We hope this panel debate will stimulate some exciting discussions and will be of interest to delegates from around the globe.”
Specialist sessions over the two-and-a-half day conference will cover a wide variety of topics from climate change to biosensors, from research funding issues to the declining bee population, from amenity use to invasive aliens.
“Climate Change and the Challenges for Global Agriculture is likely to be a very popular session for this year’s congress delegates,” suggests Professor Peter Gregory, Director and Chief Executive for the Scottish Crop Research Institute (SCRI)
“Not only will we be considering the opportunities that climate change offers to agriculture particularly in the northern temperate regions, but we will be assessing how the opportunities will need to be taken advantage of in order to offset the detrimental effects that will be experienced elsewhere, particularly in the tropics.”
“The honey bee is an essential pollinating insect for wild plant species and many crops,” explains Dr David Aston, Technical Committee Chair, British Beekeepers’ Association.
“Because of the spread of the parasitic Varroa destructor in UK honey bee colonies, the survival of the honey bee is in jeopardy and dependent on beekeepers. Land management practices, which allow for a continual supply of nectar and pollen throughout the active season, are also critical for the honey bee survival. All the issues affecting the future of this valuable insect will be considered in the Bees – Operation Pollinator session.”
Other confirmed speakers include:
- Paul Leonard, Communications & Government Relations, Crop Protection, BASF SE.
- Michael Flüh, Unit Head, Chemicals, Contaminants, Pesticides, DG SANCO.
- Tom Hind, Head of Economics & International Affairs, NFU.
- Dr Robin Gunning, Principal Research Scientist, New South Wales. Department of Primary Industries.
- Chris Green, Director, Senova.
- Chris Danks, Chief Executive Officer, Forsite Diagnostics.
- Geoff Coates, Agribusiness Manager, Syngenta UK.
- Dr Elaine Booth, Non Food Crops and Oilseeds Specialist, SAC.
More speakers will be confirmed over the next few weeks and the latest programme, as well as details on how to register, can be found on the dedicated Congress website www.bcpccongress.com.
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