Working together for a new era of agriculture.

What are "non-food crops"? They are an alternative to traditional food production, grown for use in industry, chemicals (plastic, paint), industrial fibres (paper and textile), pharmaceuticals, personal-care products and biofuels. Non-food crops are a cross-cutting dimension of development, with direct and indirect significant impacts on the economy, society and the environment. Thanks to their potential to lead to economic development, social empowerment and sustainability, they have been characterized as a win-win solution.

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One only has to look at the recent surge in oil prices to see the extent to which the world has become dangerously dependent upon this particular non-renewable resource. We rely upon it not just as a source of energy but also for a plethora of man-made materials, ranging from plastics to clothing fabrics that come out of the petrochemical industry. Yet, supplies are running out fast. The heavy cost of oil, in every sense, provides a pressing imperative to explore the enormous potential for plants to provide alternatives for many of our needs.

At a time when farming in many parts of the world is struggling or in crisis, new non-food uses for crops offer an exciting opportunity for farmers; this is especially the case in the developing world, where there is the chance to develop new export and industry alongside more diversified horticulture. Meanwhile, the world's ecosystem gains from a rich source of materials that is renewable and does not further deplete the Earth's precious natural resources. Non-food crops are poised to provide in the decade ahead the next great advance in agriculture.

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Already, there are countless instances of the natural properties of plants being harnessed to develop new products that benefit society and the achievement of the UN Millennium Development Goals, particularly those relating to health and ensuring environmental sustainability. The biennial flower Lunaria, or honesty, is just one example of plants that show promising potential for drug development, and Echium, a type of borage, is being tapped as a source of Omega 3 and Omega 6 oils commonly found in fish, which protect against heart disease. In the energy field, miscanthus grass and short-rotation coppiced willow are just two of the crops harvested to provide biomass fuel that can be burnt instead of fossil fuels in power stations; bio-diesel using vegetable oils and bio-ethanol made from maize or sugar both offer alternatives to petrol in cars. In industry, hemp is increasingly being used by car manufacturers in body panels to replace fibreglass--it is both stronger and lighter. Among the many other new applications for this versatile fibre are matting for insulation and preventing erosion of road verges.

Over-reliance by agriculture on a small number of crops, notably cereals, has led to a number of damaging effects: overproduction in the richest countries that leads to dumping in the developing world; low prices, which mean farmers cannot make a living when subsidies are withdrawn; and a monoculture in which many species of animal and plant life have their natural habitat destroyed. By diversifying the crops they grow, farmers will not only improve their own economic circumstances but, crucially, can make a significant contribution towards biodiversity while reducing dependence on natural resources that cannot be replaced. For this to be successful, however, a number of key lessons have to be taken on board.

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Firstly, exploiting the full potential of non-food crops requires the collaboration of three groups: research, industry and agriculture. Scientists must be involved to uncover the properties of plants and their possible applications, and to develop seedbanks of particular strains; the industry has the role to translate this work into new products and market them; and agriculture is at the end of the supply chain, producing crops to meet the demand generated. The beauty of non-food-crop production is that rather than sowing their seeds speculatively, farmers supply to commercial contracts, so they know there is a buyer for their harvest.

For the potential of non-food crops to be fully realized, a huge effort in raising awareness is required. Consumer demand will only emerge when the public learns that there are beneficial and financially attractive alternatives to many of the products they use. Governments, meanwhile, have a key role to play as catalysts in diversification; for example, biofuels may only become commercially viable if taxation policy is directed towards encouraging their adoption.

There are huge environmental gains to be reaped through using plants, which can be grown again and again and replenish the atmosphere, in place of mineral, fossil or man-made materials. Crops grown for non-food purposes are largely carbon neutral because they absorb enough carbon dioxide while growing to cancel out what they otherwise produce, for example through combustion. In addition to contributing towards tackling global warming, renewable non-food crops help to protect natural resources; pollution is reduced because the resulting products--and waste--are usually biodegradable, and there can be real benefits in the diversity of wildlife that stem from planting with variety, rather than farming one or two crops intensively.

Nevertheless, it is important that the environmental benefits are demonstrable. Therefore, we have been in discussion with the British Government on setting up a protocol for environmental audits of non-food crops. The United Kingdom has been a leader in advancing this cause. Farmers and scientists there have been working with industrial companies around the world to identify opportunities for developing new products. The Government has been supportive, particularly through its sponsorship of the National Non-Food Crops Centre. Springdale Crop Synergies, under the leadership of Managing Director Clifford Spencer, has led the way in demonstrating the work being done in the United Kingdom. From its Yorkshire base, Springdale has been at the forefront in growing crops used in fibre, fuel and energy, bio-composites and oleo-chemicals industries, as well as in developing contacts with industry and seeking new opportunities. Mr. Spencer has also been invited by China, Chile and Ethiopia to set up the infrastructure for this new concept in agriculture.

At my own estate, Lees Court in Kent, we have been diversifying into non-food production, alongside more conventional crops. In particular, we have developed a line of personal-care products called Seeds, made with wheat-germ oil extracted, for the first time in the country, using a toxin-free process. Our next line will be echium, to be branded on the concept of non-food crops. However, the United Kingdom on its own can only make so much impact; that is why it is vital that an organization such as the United Nations become involved. Through the support of the United Nations Fund for International Partnerships (UNFIP) and its Executive Director, Amir Dossal, we hope to encourage the formation of a pioneering partnership bringing in UN entities, as well as other organizations from around the world.

Today, we have the chance to sow the seeds for a revolution in agriculture--one that can benefit farmers, consumers and the environment. It is an opportunity not to be missed.

This is part of a series of articles exploring the many facets of partnerships supported by the United Nations Fund for International Partnerships (UNFIP). In the series, some of the UN private sector and foundation partners will convey their views on how partnerships with the United Nations are being built and are achieving impact on the ground.

By The Countess Sondes

The Countess Sondes became steward of the 700-year-old Lees Court Estate on the death of her husband in 1996. She has since introduced non-food crops on the Estate as a means of diversification from traditional arable farming, and also has introduced a range of personal-care products, based on crops grown there. The Countess co-chairs a significant conservation project, working alongside The Game Conservancy Trust and The Durrel Institute of Conservation and Ecology.

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