Pope warns against agribusiness models that eliminate biodiversity

December 12, 2016

Describing agricultural development as “the best response possible to poverty and food shortages,” Pope Francis warned against “models of agribusiness” that can “eliminate the variety of species and the richness of biodiversity.”

The Pope made his remarks during a December 10 audience in the Apostolic Palace with members of the International Catholic Rural Association.

Referring to “a rash recourse to technology,” he said that “we do not know its effects on human health; when we encounter so many ‘rare diseases’ and don’t know where they come from, we have to wonder.”

The Pope added:

Looking at rural life today, we see the primacy of the market, which determines actions and decisions. Making money, above all else! Even at the expense of sacrificing the rhythms of agricultural life, with its times of work and leisure, its weekly rest and its concern for the family … Solidarity itself, frequently invoked as a remedy, is insufficient unless it is accompanied by justice in the allotment of land, in agricultural salaries and in access to markets.

 

---

For all current news, visit our News home page.

---

 
Further information:

• Udienza ai partecipanti alla Riunione dell’Associazione Rurale Cattolica Internazionale (I.C.R.A.), 10.12.2016 (Holy See Press Office)