The brought together environment and agriculture ministers and other senior government officials from around the world. Major funding organizations and representatives from international development and corporate organizations also attended. Together, they considered policies, practices and technologies that can help improve food security against this background of change.
We are currently facing a food security crisis. Today, an estimated 852 million people worldwide are going hungry, while 2 billion do not have a regular, secure source of food due to the poverty they face (source: FAO).
By 2050 it is estimated we will need to grow double the amount of food to feed the world’s people, as population growth and changing food preferences increase pressures on land and water availability. This will need to be achieved against a backdrop of climate change which will exacerbate water shortages, reduce crop yields and create new pests and disease threats. And, in the quest for new energy sources to power the world, it is likely that biofuels will compete for space with agricultural crops.
Agriculture - on a large and small-scale – is central to food security and is struggling to keep pace with these escalating food demands. But with vision, commitment and co-ordination, the world can meet the challenges associated with food security by growing more and losing less of what it already grows.
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Influence and listen to the latest thinking from world-leading experts on meeting the challenges of food security
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Discuss and share experiences and ideas about dealing with these challenges with representatives from international governments, major funding organizations and international development organizations
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Network with high-level colleagues from around the world and develop business and trade opportunities
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Meet representatives from major donors and potential partners
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Gain commitment for action to address issues relating to food security