Special Report

Why biotechnology should be part of the solution

This week has been an opportunity for farmers from the countries that make up the International Soybean Growers Alliance to engage in conversations with Chinese officials about the use of biotechnology in their respective countries.

Miguel Calvo, president of the Argentina Soybean Chain Association, the Argentinian value chain, says the takeaway from this week has been clear – we need to continue to produce more soybeans with fewer resources.

And, he says, biotechnology is one way to do that.  “There is a large market east of Asia that is demanding quite a lot and they are pushing the market and pushing the demand,” Calvo says.  “We need to have sufficient enough protection to be able to provide for them.”

In addition, he tells Brownfield the amount of land available on which to plant crops isn’t increasing in size – it is decreasing.  Because of that, Calvo he feels biotechnology is needed to increase production capacity on less arable land.

The International Soybean Growers Alliance wraps up their visit with Chinese officials on Friday.

AUDIO: Miguel Calvo, President, Argentina Soybean Chain Association (7:30mp3)