How We Can Feed the World

The need to address food security has never been greater. In 2050 the world's population is expected to increase to 9 billion, up from 6.5 billion today. Recession and environmental stresses are deepening existing fears and insecurities associated with the future availability of quality, affordable food. Fortunately, one of the best assets we have to tackle these challenges is the U.S. farmer. With technology and global collaboration, farmers around the world can feed the growing population. As president of the United States, Barack Obama will be in a unique position to help in this endeavor by keeping global trade, agricultural policy, science and innovation high on America's agenda.

In the United States, farmers have successfully demonstrated the value of technology, not only through the use of seed- and crop-protection products like Syngenta's but also by adopting modern, advanced farming practices.

Unfortunately, however, many other nations have been less receptive to agricultural science and innovation. In the European Union, the use of biotechnology in crops has still not been accepted and further constraints are being placed on farmers' ability to use yield-enhancing crop-protection products. Europe needs a political and regulatory environment that is predictable and science-based, not politicized. Regulations currently being reviewed by the European Parliament would reduce wheat and other cereal production across Europe by 30 percent. Also, several biotech corn products that Europe's farmers could use to increase the quality and yield of their corn have received a positive risk assessment by the European Food Safety Authority, but they languish within the political process. In a world where food security affects every one of us, it is critical that farmers across the globe have access to the technology that will help them produce more food in a responsible and safe manner.

At the same time, many myths associated with modern farming practices must be debunked. Without the use of pesticides, for example, it is estimated that up to 40 percent of the world's crops would be lost to insects, weeds and disease. Both biotechnology and pesticides are highly regulated and rigorously tested by government agencies and manufacturers. What's more, agricultural science has demonstrated on many occasions the powerful, positive impact it can have on community welfare and poverty reduction.

The public needs to be better informed about these facts. A rising population puts increased pressure on the planet's limited natural resources. These strains are exacerbated by climate change and the increasing demands on our water supplies. Technology and sustainable land use offer solutions to tackle these limitations while helping farmers to produce higher yields. This applies to both food and crops for fuel. Today's first-generation biofuels are the building block for next-generation technology. This technology needs continued investment and support to achieve its potential.

In the past 50 years, we have vastly increased the production of high-quality affordable food thanks to innovation in farming practices and technology. Syngenta and other leading companies spend some $3 billion every year on agricultural research. And the more we discover, the more we realize the untapped potential of plants.

But as important as private-sector investment is, feeding the world will require greater governmental involvement. Governments must strengthen efforts in science education and increase research funding. They must also prioritize free trade, which has the potential to transform the agricultural sector. More open trade is the only way to get food to those who need it and are not able to produce enough themselves. President Obama should support the completion of the Doha round of trade talks and recommit U.S. resources to hammering out bilateral agreements as well.

More open trade must also be accompanied by a coherent global framework for assessing food safety. The differences in safety standards that exist today among the biggest trading partners for major crops produced through biotechnology are only exacerbating foodsecurity challenges.

Nations that are more skeptical than the United States about new agricultural technology, such as the use of pesticides and biotechnology, should observe America's ongoing success in developing more food, feed and fuel without compromising food safety. Science-based regulations ensure that everyone wins—consumers, the environment, farmers and industry.

Given the size and power of the United States, the example set by the new administration will be critical in setting the tone for the future of food innovation. The challenge in agriculture today is to produce more with less. To do so, we need a progressive approach to policymaking that respects and advocates science and innovation and takes a global view. Farmers around the world are capable of producing enough food in a sustainable way. More trade, science-based regulation and the acceptance of innovation, coupled with renewed collaborative efforts by industry, are the only way to meet the growing challenges we all face. The world just needs committed, courageous leadership to pave the way.

Mack is the CEO of Syngenta.

© 2008