According to a study by researchers at the Institute on the Environment from the University of Minnesota, it is very likely the world will experience famine without an increase in agricultural research. Experts believe yields of major crops are not keeping pace with the food demands of a growing population. http://www.scidev.net/global/food-security/news/global-crop-yields-fail-to-keep-pace-with-demand.html
Tag Archives | research
Growth in Crop Yields Inadequate to Feed the World by 2050 – Research
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University of Minnesota, United States, researchers say crop yields are far below targets for 2050, after analyzing 2.5 million agricultural statistics. Looking at maize, rice, wheat, and soybeans, they found yield improvement grew between 0.9% to 1.6%, far slower than the 2.4% necessary to meet calorie demands. http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2013/jun/20/crop-yeilds-world-population Report — http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0066428
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Mycotoxin Occurrence in Maize Milling Fractions
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A study by South African researchers concludes that the occurrence of mycotoxin differs per milling fraction, and that dry milling is an effective way to reduce mycotoxins in maize. The article appears in the International Journal of Food Microbiology. http://www.allaboutfeed.net/Process-Management/Feed-Safety/2013/5/Mycotoxin-occurrence-in-maize-milling-fractions-1267126W/
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Tk2.3bn Lost Annually in Traditional Harvesting
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A government study in Bangladesh finds that farmers lose up to 7% of paddy each year, valued at $30 million, due to traditional harvesting techniques, which are often delayed. http://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/2013/jun/03/tk23bn-lost-annually-traditional-harvesting
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German Government Investigates Postharvest Losses
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A government study of postharvest losses in Germany finds the country has lost 3.3% of wheat, or about 820,000 tonnes, per year over the last three years. The researchers recommended targeted investments in storage systems, and more funding for R&D, both nationally and internationally. http://www.farming.co.uk/news/article/8431
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Meta-Impact Assessment of Rice Research Consortium
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The Irrigated Rice Research Consortium (IRRC) published a report, ‘A Meta-Impact Assessment of the IRRC’, which analyzed the effects of its international research programs. The report found that research investment delivered a more than six fold return, bringing more than $70 million in benefits to four Asian countries with a $12 million investment. http://books.irri.org/9789712202971_content.pdf
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Improving Global Food Security Without Rocket Science
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Ertharin Cousin, Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP), writes that ‘tackling postharvest losses is not rocket science’, but does require the coordinated effort of many actors. The WFP addresses postharvest loss under its ‘Purchase for Progress’ pilot capacity-building and training program, currently working in 20 countries. http://www.euractiv.com/development-policy/improving-global-food-security-r-analysis-528272
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Joint FAO, IFAD, WFP News Release: Food Security to be at Centre of Africa Development Agenda
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The three Rome-based UN agency heads called for food security and nutrition to be the center focus of the international development agenda for Africa. The leaders stressed the importance of focusing investments and initiatives on smallholder farmers and rural development, and especially for women and girls. http://www.ifad.org/media/press/2013/26.htm?mkt_tok=3RkMMJWWfF9wsRonua%2FMd%2B%2FhmjTEU5z17%2BwtX6CygYkz2EFye%2BLIHETpodcMSsRlN6%2BNFAAgAZVnyRQFHuWDeZg%3D
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Advancing Global Food Security: The Power of Science, Trade, and Business
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The Chicago Council on Global Affairs released the report, ‘Advancing Global Food Security: The Power of Science, Trade, and Business’, at their recent symposium in Washington, D.C. The report sites reducing loss as an essential element to sustainable intensification of agriculture. The Council also covered postharvest loss in a commentary piece leading up to the event. http://www.thechicagocouncil.org/UserFiles/File/GlobalAgDevelopment/Report/2013_Advancing_Global_Food_Security.pdf
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IFPRI Strategy 2013 – 2018: Food Policy Research in a Time of Unprecedented Challenges
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The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) published a strategy report for the next 5 years in food policy research. Their first strategic area is ‘ensuring sustainable food production’, which encompasses reduction of waste within the food system. Read the full report here, or see highlights here. http://www.ifpri.org/publication/ifpri-strategy-2013-2018 Full report: http://www.ifpri.org/sites/default/files/publications/gi40.pdf Highlights: http://www.ifpri.org/sites/default/files/publications/strategy2013hl.pdf
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