GEORGE NEWS - Prof. Raymond Auerbach from the Nelson Mandela University George Campus is the guest speaker at Wessa Eden's annual general meeting on Saturday 13 April at the Methodist Youth Hall in Plantation Road, Heatherlands.

Auerbach will be discussing 'Farming, water and biodiversity: can we produce food without screwing up the environment?'

He will show how industrial agriculture uses excessive water and poisons in food production, while threatening biodiversity. 

Organic farming, on the other hand, uses water more efficiently and produces food largely without poisons. 

Organic produce has less poison residues and is more nutritious, and has been shown to be more healthy. 

Organic farming continues to grow in popularity worldwide, and more especially in Africa. 

The Ecological Organic Agriculture Initiative (EOA-I) is growing throughout Africa. 

According to Auerbach, it is possible to produce food while respecting animal welfare and biodiversity.

A lively discussion around this topic is being expected.

Auerbach convenes the South African Organic Sector Organisation (SAOSO) working group on research, education and training, chairs the Network of Organic Agriculture Researchers (Noara - Africa) and is president of TIPI International (the Technology Innovation Platform of IFOAM- Organics International).

The meeting starts at 10:00. Tea and biscuits will be available at R20 per cup. 

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