Study: Organic farming can feed Europe

What if? In a study by the French IDDR Institute, the positive consequences of an agro-ecological restructuring of European agriculture up to 2050 can be read.

What organic farming could do according to IDDRI:

• Feed the population
• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture by 40%
• Increase biodiversity

The prerequisite for this is a change in eating habits: more cereals, fruit, vegetables and protein-containing plants and significantly fewer animal products. Under these circumstances, it is possible to feed the population without pesticides and mineral fertilizers, the IDDRI experts have identified. Agricultural products could continue to be exported, while imports of agricultural commodities would decrease, as less protein-rich feed would be needed. In their scenario, the researchers expected a drop in yield of 10 to 50%, depending on the product.

IDDRI is a prestigious French think tank specialising in sustainable development.