Agriculture sciences

Flax, also known as linseed, is a fibrous plant that was used as the basic raw material for textiles for hundreds of years, before being eclipsed by cotton. But for some time now, flax has been drawing attention again: Specifically, materials researchers are discovering new potential in it. The very stiffness and durability of the fibres that is something of a disadvantage for textiles is what the scientists are looking for in order to create new composite materials. "The plant has a thin stalk that is extremely rigid.

The sugar beet is one of the more recent arrivals on the fields of the world’s temperate zones, not least because it took until the 18th century for German plant breeders to significantly increase the sugar content of fodder beet. Once this had been achieved, the groundwork was laid for the industrial production of sugar. Today, about one third of the sugar consumed worldwide derives from sugar beet (Beta vulgaris), generating an annual turnover of around €25 billion. Beet is also used in the production of bioenergy, including bioethanol.

The development of agricultural crops that can meet the requirements of the future is demanding innovative approaches to research. Climate change and the growing world population are motivating researchers to look for new ways of safeguarding human nutrition. Here, knowledge about the genomic sequence of important agricultural crops represents a crucial basis for breeding new varieties that provide stable harvest yields even in varying weather conditions, and which are equipped to combat diseases and pests.

The tomato is one of the most important vegetables on our dinner plates. From cherry tomatoes to beef tomatoes, there’s an enormous assortment to choose from, if you know where to find them. Many of the tomatoes commonly available in supermarkets derive from an accelerated breeding process known as smart breeding. The technique is based on genetic analyses and the presence of molecular markers in the genome of a plant.

Floods, drought, frost and hail are making the lives of farmers increasingly difficult. Until now, the consequences remain moderate. If necessary, trading relationships across national borders can compensate for gaps in crop yields, and government support can help farmers to bridge any financial shortfalls. But will it be possible to master the consequences of climate change in the future as well? What will happen if we fail to meet the international climate target of restricting global warming to under two degrees compared to the pre-industrial period?

For the first time in modern history governments of middle-income nations are investing more than those of high-income ones. The analysed data also suggest that, globally, private-sector spending on AgR&D is catching up with public-sector spending. Meanwhile, the gap between spending by high-income and low-income countries is widening.

The road map outlines ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Confederation of European Paper Industries (CEPI) has a vision of leading Europe's bioeconomy transition towards 2050 by cutting its carbon footprint by 80% while creating more than 50% more added value.

In the 28 EU Member States, 69 percent of respondents are in favor of the increased use of these biofuels, while 15 percent are against it and 16 percent are undecided.