Producers, researchers urged to rise to global challenges

The European agri-food and research communities must position themselves to make the most of the changes that are coming, says European Agriculture and Rural Development commissioner Phil Hogan.

He issued the challenge at Expo Milano 2015, a large-scale global fair which runs for six months every five years. This year’s theme is ‘Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life’. A total of 140 countries, including Ireland, are participating at the event which runs until October and is expected to attract 20m visitors.

Mr Hogan said the world will have to produce 60% more food by 2050. This is the quantity, but there is also the question of quality.