Feeding the world – comment

I’ve reported on what speakers said at yesterday’s Economist magazine conference on The 9 Billion People Question in Geneva. Now, here’s what I learned and conclude as a result.

It’s clear that technology does have the answers. It can be done. The challenge is about policy and implementation. That needs the combined efforts of government and industry to prioritise:

. Agricultural investment
. Nutritious crops
. Small farm self-reliance
. Free trade.

The other key element is about education and consumers. Consumers have to be encouraged to choose healthier food instead of empty calories. Otherwise more food will not translate into better lives.