Predictions of climate change suggest that water resources will become increasingly scarce. The conference will address both technical and non-technical solutions to sustain quality and quantity of natural resources. Technological change, e.g. plant breeding, precision farming, irrigation management. Changes in farming methods, the use of genetically engineered crops and information technology are likely to change the face of Mediterranean agriculture. The conference will examine the likely rates of change and there potential impact on social and environmental systems.
Policy changes everything, yet policy change is almost impossible to predict.
However, the key feature of this conference is the integration of disciplinary approaches within a multidisciplinary framework. The conference will be held over 3 days and will be based on plenary sessions, small discussion groups and exhibitions, posters and computer demonstrations. The discussion groups will as far as possible be multidisciplinary and seek to address issues from non-conventional view points. Cranfield University at Silsoe, comprising the internationally renown Silsoe College and the Soil Survey and Land Research Centre, conducts training, consultancy and research in the natural resources, rural development, environmental and agro-industrial sectors. Cranfield s mission is to translate world class science, technology and management expertise into viable, practical solutions to serve the world economy.