How can we feed 10 billion people tomorrow? Can we avoid deforestation, the intensive use of fertilisers and synthetic products, which aggravate climate change and the erosion of biodiversity? Should the debate be limited to a strict opposition between organic and conventional agriculture ? Can a better distribution of resources and changes in diet solve everything?
There is no single answer to all these questions, but agriculture has a magical side. It is not only part of the problem, it is also part of the solution, thanks to the superpowers of the soil.
By being alive, preserved and regenerated, the soil can feed us, ensure the diversity of life on Earth and store carbon to help offset our greenhouse gas emissions.
Through a few scientific benchmarks, a brief historical review and the exploration of virtuous practices that can contribute to the life of the soil, this book opens up a bright future.
Farmers have the Earth in their hands, but it is up to all of us to support them.
The International «4 per 1000» Initiative was launched by France in 2015 during COP 21. It calls for the dissemination and implementation of concrete actions for carbon storage in soils through agriculture and forestry.
Paul Luu is an agricultural engineer specializing in tropical agronomy, a graduate of
AgroParis Tech, with a PhD from the University of Montpellier. He has worked in the field all over the world, in the international relations department of the French Ministry of Agriculture, and in the agricultural development of overseas departments and territories. He was Director of Agropolis International before joining the CGIAR. Since 2016, he has been the Executive Secretary of the «4 per 1000» Initiative.
Marie Christine Bidault is an agricultural engineer, columnist and writer.
