More sustainable agriculture for mitigating climate change

Changing protein consumption Martin Häusling MEP Changing protein consumption EU: About 40 million tons of soya protein is imported annually for animal feed. Most of it is GM-Soy. 2

Changing protein consumption MARTIN HÄUSLING – MEP Changing protein consumption South American rainforests and grasslands are destroyed. For cultivation of GM soy 200 million litres of Roundup-Ready are used per year only in Argentina 3 Source: Altieri/Bravo 2007

Changing protein consumption MARTIN HÄUSLING – MEP www.martin-haeusling.eu Changing protein consumption Worldwide 18 percent of greenhouse gas production is caused by intensive meat production. 4

Changing protein consumption MARTIN HÄUSLING – MEP www.martin-haeusling.eu Changing protein consumption Less soya imports. Increase of the protein crop production in Europe. Extend the amound of grassland 5

Changing protein consumption MARTIN HÄUSLING – MEP www.martin-haeusling.eu Changing protein consumption A reduction of 64 percent of greenhouse gas could be reached if a legume based crop rotation would be installed a study states. (Source: Köpke/Nemecek 2010) Estimated potential savings of costs concerning fertilizer use - only for France - EUR 100 million annually. (Source: CGDD 2009) 100 million 6

One step further: Organic farming MARTIN HÄUSLING – MEP www.martin-haeusling.eu One step further: Organic farming Scientists identify in a recent study that organic farming offers strong benefits in eleven of twelve areas, compared to conventional farming. Especially concerning soil quality, minimizing pollution, biodiversity and climate change. (Source: Reganold/Wachter in “Nature Plants” 2/2016) 7

One step further: Organic farming MARTIN HÄUSLING – MEP www.martin-haeusling.eu One step further: Organic farming OF: 20% lower yields in the temperate zone BUT Saving high costs concerning soil and water protection, climate protection, or better animal health etc ... OF in tropical regions is superior to conventional farming concerning the nutritional output per area. Up to 120% of the yield of conventional farming can be reached. (Sourcee: Badgley 2007) 8

One step further: Organic farming MARTIN HÄUSLING – MEP www.martin-haeusling.eu One step further: Organic farming A study in North America and Europe shows: In a large-scale conversion from conventional to organic production by 50% there are no serious adverse effects on the global food availability. For sub-Saharan Africa even higher yields and economic benefits have been figured out: Such as reduced dependence on technology, fertilizers, agricultural chemicals and food imports. (Source: Halberg et al. 2005) 9

Thank you for attention! Martin Häusling Member of European Parliament and Coordinator of Greens/EFA in AGRI Member in ENVI www.martin-haeusling.eu Study on a chang in protein consumption: „Biodiversity, not soya madness“ Edited by Martin Häusling martin-haeusling.de http://www.martin-haeusling.eu/presse-medien/publikationen/publikation-in-englisch.html 10