On Tuesday 7th May 2024, a debate around European Chemical Pesticide-Free Agriculture in 2050 was organised with 26 students (1ère scientifique) from Highschool Ste Marie des Champs (Toulouse, France) assisted by a PhD student and a Post-PhD junior scientist.
Scientific and technical background and challenges associated with the biotechnology, the transition into bio-economy were briefly introduced and exemplified by the production of biopesticides and our scientific projects (H2020 MSCA IPM-4-Citrus 2017-2023, PHC Utique B4G 2022-2025, Prima SAFWA 2023-2027). Then a scientific game around a central question “What do you think about Biopesticides?” was realised (13h30-15h30). All participants were engaged to play a role (scientist, consumer, farmer, industrial, and policy-maker – identified by coloured post-it) and to express their position (Negative/Neutral/Positive) considering 4 topics (Health & Environment, Price & Profitability, Efficiency, and Political & Social Readiness). All information is synthesised on a specific board and used during a debate between students and supervisors to identify and evaluate arguments pro and contra biopesticides acceptation.
Secondly, students have to report on subjects related to “Ecosystem & Humanity: What dynamic balance?” based on a body of literature (ex. Agroforestry, Forest fire, Forest and biodiversity…). Flash presentations (5-10 minutes/group) and exchange with jury were conducted (15h00-18h00) to prepare oral exam for French baccalaureate (2 panels with 7-8: pairs/trinomials).
Contributors :
Fillaudeau Luc (Directeur de Recherche INRAE), Rim EL JENI (Post-PhD SAFWA) and Figueroa-Cardona Sergio (PhD SAFWA).
TBI – Toulouse Biotechnology Institute, Bio & Chemical Engineering – Université de Toulouse – CNRS 5504 – INRAE 792 – INSA – 135 avenue de Rangueil – 31077 TOULOUSE cedex 04