Founding partners of a new alliance called the Global Harvest Initiative had a chance to unveil its goals on a global stage at the World Food Prize 2009 Norman Borlaug Dialogue in Des Moines, Iowa, in October.
Ellen Kullman, chief executive officer of DuPont, and Patricia Woertz, chairman, CEO and president of Archer Daniels Midland Co., told attendees of the event that the world’s farmers must double their production of food between now and 2050 if the world’s population is to avoid widespread famine. The two companies, along with John Deere and Monsanto, have formed the Global Harvest Initiative to help governments and private entities work together to meet the world’s burgeoning food requirements.
According to the company: Global Harvest Initiative’s mission is to sustainably double agricultural output and improve storage and distribution to eliminate the global productivity gap. Global Harvest Initiative believes innovation in agriculture from production through distribution will make it possible to feed the world of 2050. Achieving this monumental task requires embracing all production practices, including conventional and organic agriculture, for producers of all sizes, ranging from subsistence farmers to large modern producers. It also requires substantial focus and investment from both public and private entities.
The founding members of Global Harvest Initiative already invest more than $9 million a day in research and development, but even more substantial efforts by both public and private sectors will be required, according to the organization. It supports policies that support agricultural research, continued liberalization of food and agricultural trade, and improved U.S. foreign assistance. We are partnering with a diverse group of thought-leaders and institutions that share our future vision and commitment to global action.