After studying Soil and Fertilisation at Wageningen, Eric Smaling received his PhD for research into managing soil fertility in Africa. Until 2012 he worked on his scientific career, from 1998 as professor of Soil Science at WUR, and professor of Sustainable Agriculture at the University of Twente. He was also active in the Senate and House of Representatives for the SP party. In 2017, he returned to Wageningen. “This is where my academic career started. Internationally, WUR’s efforts are of enormous importance, also because it teaches so many people and equips them with broad knowledge. I think of myself as privileged and want to help improve things in the world. I was only fifteen when I first dove into development cooperation. I think it is important that we leave the planet in a good condition for humans, plants, and animals.”
The environment, climate, and our health are often secondary to the way we produce, trade, and consume food globally. In preparation for the UN Food Summit in 2021, Wageningen scientists outline concrete pathways towards a sustainable and fair food system. They also call for an international food and agricultural agreement…