Back Welcome Address
Prof. Joao Lucio de Azevedo
Dean, Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture, University of Sao Paulo, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil
Members of the
Conference
Distinguished
Guests
Ladies and
Gentlemen,
It is my great
privilege to welcome all of the participants to this Second International
Conference on Kyusei Nature Farming. Also, I would like to welcome you to our
institution, the Escola Superior de Agriculture gLuiz de Queirozh (ESALQ) which
on this occasion is celebrating its 90th anniversary of its
founding.
We consider this
Conference to be of great importance because various themes on alternative
agriculture will be discussed which include new and unconventional techniques.
The concept of alternative agriculture has generated renewed interest in the
role of microorganisms in soil productivity and plant protection. We are
hopeful that these new approaches will provide major advances in biotechnology,
and reduce the dependence of farmers on chemical fertilizers and pesticides
through integrated nutrient management and integrated pest management.
Some of the
technical papers to be presented at this Conference will report the results of
research on a new technology involving effective microorganisms (EM). We at
ESALQ are most interested in this technology and how it can be used effectively
and practically by farmers to enhance soil health and the yield and quality of
crops. Such an alternative practice is of great importance to all of us who are
so concerned with the preservation and protection of our environment.
I would like to
thank the organizers of this Conference who have chosen the Luiz de Queiroz
College of Agriculture at Piracicaba for its venue. This is a major
contribution to our national agricultural program.
Again, welcome
to our College and thank you for your participation in this important
Conference. I wish you much success in your deliberations. We here at ESALQ are
ready and willing to collaborate with others in developing research and
education projects that will improve the productivity and sustainability of
agriculture in Brazil and throughout the Region.
Thank you very much.