Tue, 06/14/2011

“Addressing the food and nutrition needs of a growing population is the defining challenge of this century. The complexity of this challenge – substantial urbanization, diminished resources such as arable land and water, increased rates of malnutrition – are complex and can only be addressed with the kind of innovation that comes from partnerships and collaboration on a whole new level. Governments, private sector, universities, research institutions, NGOs and farmers must come together with a common purpose.” -- Thomas A. Daschle, Former U.S. Senator

In a new study done by the DuPont Advisory Committee on Agriculture Innovation and Productivity for the 21st Century, they address meeting food security needs with vast changes in population growth and migration to urban areas.  They have found that current government and private donor investments in developing countries fall $90 billion short in reaching the full potential of agricultural growth to  be food secure by 2050.

As these changes take place, they focused their recommendations these main areas:

• Produce more food and increase the nutritional value of food – Unleashing innovation and ensuring farmers have access to the tools they need will be essential.
• Make food accessible and affordable for everyone – Barriers to moving food, such as infrastructure and government policies, must be removed.
• Address the challenge in a continuously more sustainable and comprehensive way – Continuously improving agricultural products and practices to address natural resource needs and building economic and social development in key markets will be critical.

View full report: DuPont Advisory Committee on Agriculture Innovation and Productivity for the 21st Century - Report and Recommendations