7. Science and Technology for Food and Agriculture

Executive Summary

Our food system was built on the knowledge and innovation of indigenous peoples and farmers. However, this diversity of knowledge has been marginalized and is now at risk as new technologies facilitate greater industrialization and corporate control in food and farming. We need to understand science and technology as including all forms of useful knowledge, both codified and tacit, coming from diverse ways of learning and practices.

In the coming years and decades, science and technology for food and agriculture will either enhance or hinder our ability to meet the challenges we face. How we approach scientific research and the application of new (or old) technologies will determine whether we strengthen or undermine our ability to feed ourselves, maintain sustainable livelihoods in food production, and protect biodiversity and healthy ecosystems into the future.

Science and technology will only play a positive role in strengthening our ability to face present and future challenges if we prioritize ecological agriculture and ensure that our decision-making processes are democratic, led by precautionary principle.

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