Martien Lankester MD
Learning event ARDD Rio+20, June 18, 2012
The Farmer as the doctor of the future?
Changing visions on:
- Health
- Economy
- Food
- Agriculture
Health vision evolves:
From: Absence of disease or infirmity
To: A state of complete physical,
mental and social well-being
Quality of life not only influenced by:
- Food/drink
- Hygiene
- Housing/Clothing
But also by:
- Environmental quality
- Green surroundings
- Climate change
Economy evolves:
From: Supply and demand/ quantity/relative short term
To: Quality/sustainability for PPP/green economy
Food supply vision evolves:
From: Need to produce more quantity
To: No shortage, but problems with division - Short food supply lines- Crucial role for small farmers
Agriculture vision evolves:
From: Food production as cheap as possible after WW 2
To: Sustainable use of resources to ensure long term production- Based on soil fertility- Enhancing biodiversity- Preventing erosion and
desertification
New consumer and society demands, like:
- Green services, landscape, nature,
biodiversity
- Animal welfare
- Care on farm
- Multi value shopping bag
The sustainable farmer is influencing
many aspects of quality of life, so is
the doctor of the future
It is important that she/he
is recognized and valued as such
with a new position in
our society and the economy
Let us work on that!
Thank you!