On Tuesday, July 14 from 10:45 to 17: 45 at the Conference Center of Expo Milano 2015 a conference organized by the European Commission entitled “Il cambiamento climatico e la sicurezza alimentare: sfide sulla salute delle piante, sulla loro coltivazione e risorse genetiche” (Climate change and food security challenges on the health of the plants, their cultivation and genetic resources)  addressing the new risks to the health of plants and of seed quality  due to climate change and disease. Several participants, including Pieter Beck (Joint Research Center of the European Commission), Dan Leskien (Interim Secretary, Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations), Martin Parry (Associate Director Strategy and Planning, Rothamsted Research UK) and Craig Fedchock (Coordinator of the International Plant Protection Convention IPPC. The event was moderated by Marco Cattaneo (Director of the National Geographic Italy). 

 

Climate change, fungi and bacteria threaten forests and crops

 

The debate among experts was focused on the issues of climate change, the system controls and risks arising from diseases of plants and seeds caused by larvae, insects, fungi and bacteria that affect crops and forest biodiversity and landscapes. The conference was included in a series of events that promote the long-term sustainability of the food chain, to ensure food security for the planet. 

 

The European Union, dealing with nutrition is not enough; there is a need for market regulation

 

In addition to the activities organized within its Pavilion, the European Union is promoting for the duration of the six months of the Expo the dynamic and thorough debate on sustainable development and the fight against hunger through dedicated conferences and events. The program examines the global challenges of food security through scientific, B2B and cultural initiatives, featuring experts of international renown.