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!