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A Plant Biochemist’s Observations on Sustainable Agriculture

A Plant Biochemist’s Observations on Sustainable Agriculture. September 16, 2010 H Michael Harrington Executive Director WAAESD. Where are we. Regional SARE programs have a strong records of success, but…. Focused on smaller production units

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A Plant Biochemist’s Observations on Sustainable Agriculture

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  1. A Plant Biochemist’s Observations on Sustainable Agriculture September 16, 2010 H Michael Harrington Executive Director WAAESD

  2. Where are we • Regional SARE programs have a strong records of success, but…. • Focused on smaller production units • Limited funding, more good ideas than resources • Perceptions that the SARE program focuses solely on organic or small systems • Many universities have developed centers, research sites, facilities and educational programs, but…. • Is there innovative transformative work being done? • Implementation/adoption of sustainable practices, but… • Adoptionis related to location in many cases.

  3. Research Needs and Priorities Improve Agricultural Productivity by Sustainable Means: • Water resources – quality and quantity • Profitability - Economic Return to Agricultural Producers • Productivity of Organic and Sustainable Agriculture systems • Climate • Energy • Land Use Challenges • New Plant Products, Uses, and Crop Production Systems • New Animal Production Technologies, Practices, Products and Uses

  4. Obstacles • “We have met the enemy and they is us” – Pogo • Reaching producers, facilitating adoption • Loss of vitality/funding in LGUs • Need for predictable funding streams • Lack of funding for “big projects” • Interdisciplinary teams that actually collaborate • Lack of collaboration among universities • Failure to reward team members in meaningful ways i.e. tenure, promotion and merit. • University rush to protect IP

  5. Where should we be heading • Change the dialog for “agriculture” to “food production” • Enhance funding for long term integrated projects • Address challenges on large scale – aha`pu`aha • Bring sustainable practices to large mainstream production units

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