Plant Science Technologies Help Preserve Biodiversity While Increasing Food Production

CropLife International Welcomes International Day for Biological Diversity

BRUSSELS, May 21, 2010 - Plant science innovations are key to helping farmers conserve
biodiversity while providing a sustainable food supply to meet global demand.

The UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) estimates that
food production needs to increase by 70% if we are to feed nine billion in
2050. To achieve this, a further 30 million hectares of cropland may be
needed (OECD). If biodiversity is to be preserved, the amount of parkland,
forests and natural habitats brought into agricultural use must be minimised.
Recent data from the 2010 Biodiversity Indicators Partnership and the UN show
that further biodiversity loss is likely.

"We have much of the knowledge and technology that is needed
to preserve and enhance biodiversity. We need to globally coordinate policies
that recognise the role of this knowledge and technology, and better
facilitate the conservation of critical biodiversity," said CropLife
International CEO and President, Howard Minigh.

Plant science technologies, including crop protection and
plant biotechnology, help farmers increase the productivity of existing
arable land in use, significantly reducing the need to expand agricultural
land, and therefore limiting the loss of biodiversity and natural habitats.

Biotech crops are already contributing to higher yields for
many farmers around the world. The Consultative Group on International
Agricultural Research (CGIAR) believes that biotech crops have the potential
to increase yields globally by up to 25%. Plant breeding practices, including
biotechnology, have further led to an increase in the genetic variety of
crops, as shown in a recent study of crop diversity over the past forty years
by the Dutch Centre for Genetic Resources. New breeding techniques make it
easier and faster for breeders to introduce improved, new varieties.

Crop protection products increase agricultural productivity by
reducing crop losses to pests and disease. Without this technology, yield
losses would double to reach 40-80%. In addition, these products are critical
to protecting local biodiversity from the impact of invasive alien species,
such as the salt cedar tree in the US, which can consume up to 1,000 litres
of water in one day, as well as increasing the salinity of surrounding water
and soil.

Every year, CropLife International's stewardship programmes
help 250,000-350,000 farmers access training in sustainable, locally adapted
farming practices including Integrated Crop Management (ICM), Integrated Pest
Management (IPM) and conservation tillage, all of which make significant
contributions to biological diversity.

Keith Jones, Director of Stewardship and Sustainable
Agriculture, CropLife International, says, "Agriculture is both reliant on a
rich ecosystem, and a vital force in maintaining it. Farmers today face a
double challenge of having to increase their productivity while preserving
the rich biodiversity upon which long-term food security depends."

Note to Editors:

CropLife International is the global federation representing the plant
science industry. It supports a network of regional and national associations
in 91 countries, and is led by companies such as BASF, Bayer CropScience, Dow
AgroSciences, DuPont, FMC, Monsanto, Sumitomo and Syngenta. CropLife
International promotes the benefits of crop protection and biotechnology
products, their importance to sustainable agriculture and food production,
and their responsible use through stewardship activities.

    For further information, please contact:

    Anna Riley,
    Communications Manager,
    CropLife International,
    Avenue Louise 326, Box 35,
    Brussels B-1050
    Belgium
    Tel: +32(0)475-489229
    Fax: +32(0)2-542-0419
    E-mail: anna.riley@croplife.org
    www.croplife.org

For further information, please contact: Anna Riley, Communications Manager, CropLife International, Avenue Louise 326, Box 35, Brussels B-1050, Belgium, Tel: +32(0)475-489229, Fax: +32(0)2-542-0419, E-mail: anna.riley at croplife.org