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What can we do about feeding the world?

Monday, 7 June 2010

Threatened global food security, the scientific and political challenges ahead and our role as food consumers are the focus of a ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ of Adelaide free public forum on the World Food Crisis tomorrow evening.

Leading thinkers on food security from the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ of Adelaide will form a panel to explore the critical issues surrounding global food security and whether it's a problem of shortage or access, whether science holds the answers and the ethical issues raised.

The forum panellists and their topics are:

, , said: "Food insecurity is on the increase even in more developed countries including ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥. Complexity over food choice is heightening what has been described as 'food anxiety'. And we need to ask, what are individuals' and ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥'s responsibilities with regard to the current food shortage?"

, Head of the , said: "It is estimated that crop yields must increase by at least 2% a year to achieve food security, about double the productivity growth currently being achieved. There needs to be a new expansion of agricultural research focussed on food security issues and utilising the power of modern biology."

, Professor of Agriculture and Food Policy, School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, said: "There is no world food shortage. Yes, there is a world food crisis, but it's all about access to food. Population growth is not the problem. The lack of access to food poses the greatest threats to our human-managed agro ecosystems and human-influenced natural ecosystems."

Moderating the forum will be , Chief Executive Officer of the .

The World Food Crisis Forum is part of the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ of Adelaide's regular series.

WHAT: Research Tuesdays: 'Feeding Anxiety: The World Food Crisis Forum'
WHERE: Lecture Theatre 102, Napier Building, North Terrace Campus, ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ of Adelaide
WHEN: 5.30pm - 7pm, Tuesday 8 June
COST: Free but booking is essential. Register online: or
phone: (08) 8303 3692

Contact details