G20 Action Plan for Food Sustainability

Agriculture ministers from around the world have backed a plan to increase food security and sustainability and reduce food waste.

Following the G20 meeting of agriculture ministers in Turkey, the ministers said that the pressures on natural resources and biodiversity and the impacts of climate change have produced a need for a rise in productivity while at the same time moving towards food systems that are more sustainable.

In a communique unanimously agreed at the meeting last week, the ministers said that responsible investment in sustainable and resilient food systems should raise productivity to expand food supplies and increase incomes and quality jobs in rural areas.

The ministers gave full backing to the G20 Food Security and Nutrition Framework that was agreed last year - continue reading.

Herbicide Resistance Management Improves Yields

Farmers are reporting the presence of glyphosate herbicide-resistant weeds in the US, especially in soybeans, but simulations have shown that farmers can benefit economically from persuading neighbours to manage resistance.

Glyphosate, usually known by many trade names, including Roundup, has been the most widely used herbicide in the United States since 2001, and it effectively controls many weed species.

However, the use of genetically-modified glyphosate-tolerant crop varieties as well as over-reliance on the herbicide has led to glyphosate resistance in weeds.

14 glyphosate-resistant weed species currently affect US crop-production areas, and they can reduce crop yields and increase weed-control costs. Recent surveys suggest that the amount of affected cropland is increasing - read more.

~ Gemma