“We are in a biodiversity crisis and the costs of inaction get increasingly higher”. Innovation is not a choice; it is a necessity. Building bridges is not optional; it is an obligation. There are the main takeaways from the intervention of Dr. Peter Kearns, at the Future of Food Conference, organised by EIT Food.
Dr. Peter Kearns, Director of Re-Imagine Europa’s Task Force on Sustainable Food Systems and Innovation, participated in EIT Food’s The Future of Food Conference, on October 26th, in Brussels. The session “Future-proof European Food Ecosystems” delved into the European model and path towards achieving sustainability goals, taking into consideration the complexity of the topic and the crucial choices that need to be made soon. In the session, alongside our Task Force Director, there was Ninna Granucci, CEO at Green Spot Technologies.
In his intervention, Dr. Kearns highlighted the necessity of recognizing the undeniable interplay between innovation and the sustainability of agriculture. Innovation is the lifeblood of progress, and our food systems are no exception. Nevertheless, the path to innovation is not always straightforward. We often find ourselves in polarised debates, where differing perspectives on the use of technology, genetic modification and other innovative tools can create sharp divisions. Innovation can be a unifying force, when guided by ethical principles and a deep understanding of the needs of all stakeholders, especially farmers, who need a toolbox of tailored solutions adjusted to their own specificities and necessities.
At Re-Imagine Europa, we believe in seeking common ground and in bridging the gap between these opposing viewpoints, by embracing diversity, empowering the voices of those with a different opinion and effectively including them in the dialogue. To depolarise the debate of agriculture and innovation, we need open and honest dialogue. It is imperative to create spaces where farmers, scientists, policymakers, and concerned citizens can come together to share their perspectives and collaborate on innovative solutions.
