THE global population is currently at 6 billion people, and the world is already experiencing constraints on agricultural production.
In the next four decades, another 3 billion people will be added to that number, and the concerns are expected to grow.
Currently, a "global productivity gap" exists - the difference between the historic rate of agricultural productivity growth and the pace required to meet future needs (Figure).
Chief executive officers of four leading agricultural companies launched the Global Harvest Initiative in September to work collectively with public and private entities in an effort to close the imminent productivity gap to meet the needs of a growing and more affluent world population.
Founding members Archer Daniels Midland Co. (ADM), DuPont, John Deere and Monsanto Co. share the vision that global agricultural output must be doubled by 2050 and must be done in a sustainable manner. Their goal is to make a meaningful difference by setting milestones and tracking progress.
In comments at the recent World Food Prize Symposium in Des Moines, Iowa, DuPont CEO Ellen Kullman said some will want to debate methods and processes or even motives, but "at the end of the day, it's up to us to do everything we possibly can do to help ensure that no one goes hungry".
DuPont subsidiary Pioneer Hi-Bred devotes 50 per cent of its research dollars to increasing production.
"We agree that agricultural output must double, but it must be done in a sustainable manner that reduces agriculture's environmental impact," Kullman said.
She added that the challenge ahead is one of quantity and quality - producing enough food for all that is also healthy. Pioneer and Monsanto both have ambitious goals of dramatically increasing productivity levels in the next decade.
In the past 25 years, US farmers have been able to boost corn production by more than 40pc due to improved varieties, better production practices and equipment advances, all while reducing their environmental impact. These and other similar advances have enabled hundreds of people, especially in developing countries, to greatly improve their diets.
The future of seeds lies in drought tolerance and nitrogen efficiency technology, both of which can be beneficial in developed and developing countries.
ADM CEO and president Patricia Woertz said both industry and government must continue to invest and ensure that what is harvested doesn't go to waste.
The UN's Food & Agriculture Organisation estimated that at least one-quarter of grain production in developing countries is lost after harvest due to mishandling, spoilage or pests.
To date, very little has been done to address post-harvest losses. Woertz cited a University of California-Davis study showing that 95pc of research dollars focus on production, while only 5pc focus on the study of post-harvest handling and infrastructure.
"Protecting the crops we already harvest is critical to reach those who need it most," Woertz said.
John Deere president and CEO Sam Allen called for substantial public and private investments to accelerate agricultural innovations.
"We need investments to improve storage, distribution and processing technology to minimize post-harvest losses, particularly in developing countries," Allen said.
"Our efforts must include both commercial and small-holder farms if we are to meet future agricultural demands."
Achieving the goal
Combined, the founding companies invest more than $9 million a day in research and development, but more is needed.
The groups see that a cooperative approach to combating world hunger and increasing food productivity is essential in the 21st century.
During the World Food Prize Symposium, William Lesher, executive director of the Global Harvest Initiative, urged public- and private-sector leaders to join the initiative and its vision in developing a blueprint for change that promotes growth in developing and developed countries to close the global agricultural productivity gap.
The Global Harvest Initiative is urging more robust support for national and international policies that: (1) significantly increase competitive agricultural research; (2) promote freer trade in agriculture goods and products; (3) improve and focus foreign development assistance activities; (4) offer greater incentives for innovation throughout the agriculture value chain; and (5) promote science-based approval of new technologies.
No single company, government or university can solve the global productivity gap, said Kullman.
"We need to get beyond private versus public if we are going to be successful. We need to more quickly develop solutions with a more positive and lasting impact."
At the symposium, Woertz, Pullman and Lesher invited others to join in their discussion and efforts to address the global productivity gap.
The group remains in its early stages but is looking to lay out milestones on what it can accomplish between now and 2050, Woertz said.
Kullman said all of the founding companies, along with many other industries, have individual partnerships in different countries that are small but have a large impact.
Through the initiative, she said the group hopes to leverage advancements faster than each member could individually.
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