In 2010, DuPont responded to the global food security challenge by convening a group of experts in global agriculture, development, science, policy and economics to form the Committee. Over the course of a year, the Committee met several times, beginning with a listening tour with farmers in Iowa, and including a week-long meeting in Africa with a di- verse group including farmers, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and government leaders, among others. The Committee explored complex issues around meeting global food demand to provide recommendations on potential solutions, including how DuPont can play a unique and catalytic role in addressing the challenge ahead.
The Committee explored the issues through the lens of both the developed and devel- oping world, with farmers as its focus. Specifically, the Committee examined issues of farmer productivity, including technology and innovation; capacity building; infrastruc- ture needs; education; policy and regulatory challenges relating to markets and trade; intellectual property (IP); and environmental, economic and social sustainability.
The Committee commends the leadership, engagement and support of DuPont and its team during this process and looks forward to the company’s more specific responses to these recommendations. Set forth below in this Report is a summary of the key issues and findings of the Committee, and its recommendations for the agricultural community.
3. PAGE 1 2011
SUMMARY
The world is faced with the vast challenge of meeting ever-increasing food demands placed
on the agriculture sector due to a rapidly growing population. In fact, the world population
has been increasing by an estimated 78 million each year, about the size of the popula-
tion of Germany.1 Challenges around food security – ensuring there is enough food to meet
demand – will be exacerbated when the population surpasses 9 billion by 2050 and 10
billion by the turn of the century.2 Global food production must be 70 percent greater than
today’s level to close the deficit between supply and demand, commonly referred to as the
productivity gap.3 And, it must be done without using substantially more land. With current
grain stocks at historically low levels and food demand increasing at rates higher than pro-
duction, the challenge is not decades into the future, but is here today.
Populations continue to migrate from rural · Address the challenge in a continuously
to urban areas at high rates; by 2050, ap- more sustainable and comprehensive way.
proximately 70 percent of the world’s popu-
lation will live in cities and large towns (up To address these needs, a multi-faceted,
from 49 percent today).4 This means that the innovative approach is required. Exist-
majority of the population will not live near ing knowledge and practices, as well as
where food is grown. Consumer preferences new science and technology, must be dis-
will also change as per capita incomes in seminated to enable all farmers around
developing countries rise, which will cause the world to be successful. The challenge
diets to gradually move away from staples requires new types of investments, policy
towards increased consumption of meats and regulatory structures, and creative col- 1
United Nations Population Fund, Fact
Sheet: Population Growth and Poverty
and processed foods.5 These demands be- laborations among a variety of global and (August 2009) available at http://www.
unfpa.org/public/home/factsheets/
come more complex when coupled with a local partners, and between the public and pid/3856.
scarcity of key resources, such as water and private sectors. 2
Gillis, J. and Dugger, C. W., U.N. Forecasts
arable land, as well as climate change and 10.1 Billion People by Century’s End, N. Y.
The DuPont Advisory Committee on Agri- Times, (May 3, 2011) available at http://
other environmental challenges. In addi- www.nytimes.com/2011/05/04world/
tion, as populations grow and age, there is cultural Innovation & Productivity for the 04population.html; United Nations
21st Century (the “Committee”) was es- Press Release, World Population to Reach
a greater need for more nutritious food to 10 Billion by 2100 if Fertility in All
ensure health and wellness. tablished to address these issues and to Countries Converges to Replacement Level,
prepare a report including recommenda- (May 3, 2011) available at http://esa.
un.org/unpd/wpp/index.htm.
This unique set of variables creates one tions for DuPont and global leaders in ag- 3
Organization for Economic Co-Operation
of the most challenging issues the world riculture, policymakers and business lead- and Development (OECD) – Food and
Agricultural Organization of the United
has ever faced, and one that threatens the ers (the “Report”). DuPont is committed to Nations (FAO), OECD-FAO Agricultural Out-
addressing the food productivity gap and look 2010-2019 – Highlights (June 15,
political and economic stability of nations 2010) available at http://www.oecd.org/
around the world. The urgency of this chal- will evaluate the recommendations and document/10/0,3746,en_36774715_3
6775671_42852746_1_1_1_1,00&&
lenge demands concerted efforts from all respond with commitments that align with en-USS_01DBC.html.
stakeholders, beginning now. The chal- its key competency in using science to de- 4
FAO, 2050: A Third More Mouths to Feed:
Food Production Will Have to Increase by
lenge is three-fold: liver innovation and its longstanding belief 70 percent - FAO Convenes High-Level
that collaboration is key to addressing the Expert Forum available at http://www.fao.
org/news/story/en/item/35571/.
· Produce more food and increase the world’s important challenges.
nutritional value of food;
5
OECD – FAO, OECD-FAO Agricultural Out-
look 2010-2019 – Highlights (June 15,
2010) available at http://www.oecd.org/
· Make food accessible and affordable for
document/10/0,3746,en_36774715_
36775671_42852746_1_1_1_1,00&&en-
everyone; and USS_01DBC.html.
4. 2011 BACKGROUND
BACKGROUND
DuPont Advisory Committee on Agricultural Innovation
& Productivity for the 21st Century.
In 2010, DuPont responded to the global food security challenge by convening a group
of experts in global agriculture, development, science, policy and economics to form the
Committee. Over the course of a year, the Committee met several times, beginning with a
listening tour with farmers in Iowa, and including a week-long meeting in Africa with a di-
verse group including farmers, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and government
leaders, among others. The Committee explored complex issues around meeting global
food demand to provide recommendations on potential solutions, including how DuPont
can play a unique and catalytic role in addressing the challenge ahead.
The Committee explored the issues through the lens of both the developed and devel-
oping world, with farmers as its focus. Specifically, the Committee examined issues of
farmer productivity, including technology and innovation; capacity building; infrastruc-
ture needs; education; policy and regulatory challenges relating to markets and trade;
intellectual property (IP); and environmental, economic and social sustainability.
The Committee commends the leadership, engagement and support of DuPont and its
team during this process and looks forward to the company’s more specific responses
to these recommendations. Set forth below in this Report is a summary of the key issues
and findings of the Committee, and its recommendations for the agricultural community.
7. PAGE 5 2011
COMMITTEE
ASSESSMENT
FARMERS ARE CENTRAL ers will benefit from having access to, and
First and foremost, farmers should be at making use of, tools and technologies that
the center of creating sustainable food are best suited to their unique needs. All
solutions. Large commercial farmers and different types of farmers will be a vital
smallholder farmers alike will be critical part of the solution, and organizations,
in providing global food security, although governments and companies should con-
their contributions are likely to differ. sider and enable creative business models
that address the needs of all.
There are approximately 500 million small-
holder farmers worldwide who are respon- A COMPREHENSIVE AND COLLABORA-
sible for the livelihoods of more than 2 bil- TIVE APPROACH IS NECESSARY
lion people and who produce an estimated The global food challenge will require
80 percent of the food consumed in Asia and systemic improvement in science and in-
Sub-Saharan Africa.6 There is nearly a ten- novation, education and collaboration,
fold difference in cereal production between capacity and infrastructure, and policy
North America and Europe compared to and regulation. A comprehensive and col-
Africa.7 Consequently, even small improve- laborative approach to food security that
ments in productivity (from 1 to 3 tons/ha) improves seed and boosts yields, uses fer-
can turn poor and struggling farmers into tilizer wisely, addresses postharvest loss,
entrepreneurs, allowing them to better sup- increases nutrition, reduces waste, pro-
port their families, while also contributing to vides financing and credit, ensures access
an increased food supply. At the same time, to markets, and improves infrastructure
medium to large scale, mechanized farms will be an absolute necessity. While this
will play an ever more important role in clos- Committee is focused on crop productivity
ing the food gap and ensuring that food and and innovation, it is also important to view
agricultural products can move from places food security more broadly to examine
where they can be optimally produced to agriculture’s other dimensions, including
places where consumption needs cannot be livestock, aquaculture, tree crops, and re-
met through local production. newable energy. Anything less than a com-
prehensive approach simply will not meet
While there is no single solution to meet- the challenge.
ing global food challenges, farmers every-
where share a basic value that underpins A problem of this magnitude also requires
economic and social growth – a desire to an unprecedented level of cooperation
be productive and profitable in a sustain- between and leadership from private com-
able way that accommodates the welfare panies, governments, research entities,
of future generations. To that end, encour- educational institutions, NGOs both inside
aging greater smallholder productivity re- and outside of the agriculture industry, and
quires a conducive environment, ranging farmers around the world. Stakeholders
from improved access to finance, markets, can no longer work in what have become 6
International Fund for Agricultural
and agricultural inputs, to more secure overly fragmented “silos.” Keeping in mind Development (IFAD), Viewpoint:
Smallholders Can Feed the World.
land rights, modernized infrastructure, there is no single solution, the Committee 7
FAO, Crop Prospects and Food Situation,
and stronger farmers’ organizations. Farm- advises that stakeholders remain focused No. 2 (May 2010).
8. 2011 COMMITTEE ASSESSMENT
Figure 1. Average Annual Agricultural TFP Growth Rates by Country, 1970-2007
China: 2.5%
Vietnam: 2.0%
Malaysia: 3.1%
Chile: 2.3% Brazil: 2.4%
AVERAGE ANNUAL South Africa: 2.2%
TFP GROWTH
> 2%
1-2%
<1%
on the question of how to adequately tivity growth will not be enough to meet
raise productivity to meet the world’s food the needs of a growing population in the
needs, rather than get distracted by historic coming decades, as gains in productivity
disputes, such as biotechnology versus growth have decreased in the last decade.
traditional crop breeding, organic farming To close the productivity gap and achieve
versus conventional farming, or food versus food security, the current productivity rate
fuel production. In fact, the creation of non- will need to grow 25 percent faster than
traditional partnerships in the industry may current trends over the next 40 years and
yield the most innovative solutions. Simi- even faster over the next two decades.10
larly, efforts to support productivity abroad While technological advances of the past
should not be perceived as weakening U.S. triggered impressive yield increases, which
competitiveness. will be critical to meeting the productivity
challenge, industry must proactively en-
A THREE-PRONGED CHALLENGE sure that we achieve benefits from agricul-
Unleash Innovation to Produce More and ture practices without unintended impacts
Nutritionally Better Food – The increased on our environment and natural resources.
demands placed on the agriculture sector
make agricultural productivity growth a An exclusive focus on productivity is nev-
key priority. This requires closing the yield ertheless not sufficient because increasing
gap that currently exists among different rates of malnutrition require not only more
8
The Global Harvest Initiative (GHI) is a regions, as well as moving the actual yield calories, but more nutritious food. The World
partnership established in 2008 between
the Archer Daniels Midland Company curve through innovative practices and Bank reports that roughly 3.5 million children
(ADM), DuPont, John Deere, and Monsanto technologies. According to the Global Har- under 5 years old die each year from causes
whose mission is to eliminate the global
productivity gap by doubling agricultural vest Initiative (GHI),8 global agricultural related to undernutrition in developing coun-
output in a sustainable manner. productivity has grown at an average total tries.11 And two-thirds of the undernourished
9
GHI, The Global Harvest Initiative’s 2010 factor productivity (TFP) of 1.4 percent per live in seven countries – Bangladesh, China,
GAP Report: Measuring Global Agricultural year between 2000 and 2007, with con- the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethio-
Productivity (2010) available at http://
www.globalharvestinitiative.org/GAP.htm. siderable variation in rates of productivity pia, India, Indonesia and Pakistan – with
around the world (Figure 1).9 over 40 percent in China and India alone.12
10
Id.
Meanwhile, approximately 30 percent of Af-
11
The World Bank, Food Security Fears Rise
Along with Prices (April 1, 2001) available
Global food demand will require that farm- rica’s almost 840 million people are under-
at http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/ ers everywhere have access to existing nourished.13 As a result, finding solutions to
EXTERNAL/NEWS/0,,contentMDK:2287659
2~pagePK:64257043~piPK:437376~the
tools, knowledge and technology to be improve the nutritional value of food will be
SitePK:4607,00.html. productive, but further innovations will as important as increasing productivity.
12
Id. also be crucial. Current rates of produc-
9. PAGE 7 2011
Figure 2. DISTRIBUTION OF ARABLE LAND COMPARED TO DISTRIBUTION OF POPULATION
PERCENT OF ARABLE LAND PERCENT DISTRIBUTION
OF POPULATION
Africa 11% Africa 11%
OECD OECD
Countries 26% East Asia & Countries 14%
The Pacific
14%
East Asia &
The Pacific
South Asia 31%
22%
South Asia
15%
Europe &
Middle East &
Central Asia
Middle East & North Africa 5%
20% Europe & Central Asia
North Africa 4% Latin America & Latin America & 8%
Caribbean 10% Caribbean 9%
Ensuring Access to Food – In addition to able. As such, they must address unique
concerted efforts to increase productivity local needs, such as property rights, edu-
and improve nutrition, we must ensure that cation, extension services, and leadership
food reaches all markets and all people. The training. Given that women play an impor-
U.N. predicts the population in Africa alone tant role as farmers in certain regions of the
could more than triple in this century – from 1 world, socially sustainable solutions will
billion to 3.6 billion.14 Poverty is a key cause also require gender equality. Economically
of insufficient access to food and must be sustainable solutions must stand the test of
addressed through economic development time and spur private sector entrepreneur-
efforts and improved social safety nets. The ship. The private sector, working closely
world’s population is also distributed very with government and civil society, has an
differently than its arable land, which re- important role in providing solutions.
quires that food and agriculture products be
able to move from places of surplus to places RISING TO THE CHALLENGE
of deficit (Figure 2).15 This requires efficient Farmers around the world, in partnership
supply chains and a sound, rules-based in- with all key stakeholders, can innovate to
ternational trading system. Farmers need meet the world’s food needs. We must take
improved access to local, regional and inter- an all-inclusive and collaborative approach
national markets. The supply chain of food that recognizes the benefits of existing tech-
and agricultural products requires improved nologies and practices, and supports new
infrastructure, storage, processing and and innovative practices and technologies.
distribution systems. Innovation will come not just from science
and technology, but from creative syner-
All Efforts Should Improve Sustainability – gies of technology and best practices, from
The challenge is not only to produce more nontraditional partnerships to develop new
and better food and to ensure that food business models in emerging markets, and 13
Id.
reaches those who need it, but to also do so from solutions catalyzed by effectively bal- 14
Gillis, J. and Dugger, C. W., U.N.
in a sustainable way. Finite resources and ancing collaboration and competition. Forecasts 10.1 Billion People by Century’s
End, N. Y. Times, (May 3, 2011) available
environmental concerns will mandate that at http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/04/
investments be made in solutions that ad- world/04population.html; United Nations
Press Release, World Population to Reach
dress ecosystem needs to arrest land deg- 10 Billion by 2100 if Fertility in All
radation, reduce water consumption and Countries Converges to Replacement Level,
(May 3, 2011) available at http://esa.
eliminate deforestation. Any solutions that un.org/unpd/wpp/index.htm.
are proposed to address food security must Data compiled from World Bank, World
15
also be socially and economically sustain- Development Indicators (2010).
10. 2011 COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
· enable farmers everywhere to be · increase public research and
more productive. development funding.
· improve productivity through · promote public and private
investment in extension, collaboration on indigenous
education and best practices. crop investment and nutritional
enhancement.
· the agriculture sector should
partner globally with goverments,
other private sector companies in
the value chain, and ngos to offer
financing mechanisms so farmers
can afford the tools to
produce more.
11. PAGE 9 2011
· ensure that intellectual property · increases in productivity must be · ensure science-based regulatory
rights, competition and farmer coupled with access to markets, frameworks and remove
benefits from innovation particularly for smallholder regulatory barriers to achieving
go hand-in-hand. farmers. stakeholders should food security.
facilitate and invest in models that
· governments should strengthen better link smallholders to the · environmental – investment must
social safety net programs to global value chain. be made in technology and best
ensure the most vulnerable have practices for continuous im-
access to food. · the private sector must work with provement of agriculture sustain-
governments to foster a more ability and resource efficiency.
· global infrastructure inves- open and equitable trading system
ments are needed to ensure move- for food and agricultural products. · social - both the public and private
ment of food from areas of sur- sector should invest in education
plus to areas of deficit. invest- · governments and policymakers and youth development efforts.
ments must also be made in pro- should reconsider policies on
cessing and storage facilities to subsidies and examine alternative · economic – governments should
prevent postharvest loss. safety net policies. take steps to reduce risk and
create incentives for private
sector investments. companies
should consider increasing
long-term investments in
emerging markets.
13. PAGE 11 2011
Figure 3. the global
agricultural productivity gap
200
190
1.75%
180
170
“GAP”
160
COMMITTEE
150 1.4%
140
130
RECOMMENDATIONS
120
110
100
2010
2015
2020
2025
2030
2035
2040
2045
2050
UNLEASH INNOVATION TO PRODUCE The “new” tools of biotechnology – such
Annual Productivity;
MORE AND NUTRITIONALLY BETTER FOOD as genome definition and marker-assisted growth needed to
Feeding the world by 2050 will require in- selection (genetic code variations or mark- double output
creasing agricultural output by 70 percent.16 ers that help tell how genes will perform) Annual current
To achieve this, agricultural productivity will – enable breeders to more efficiently and productivity;
need to grow at an annual average rate of at effectively identify, track and evaluate the
least 1.75 percent from a relatively fixed bun- impact that specific genes (and combina-
dle of agricultural resources given growing re- tions of genes) have on plant performance.
gional scarcities of water and arable land (Fig- This combination of conventional breed-
ure 3).17 As noted earlier, over the past seven ing (gaining intimate knowledge of traits
years, that rate has averaged 1.4 percent.18 by physically growing them and observing
the results) with the new tools of molecular
Enable farmers everywhere to be more breeding permits faster and better ways to
productive. improve crop performance. Additionally,
crops with transgenic traits can provide sig-
Farmers will require a range of solutions nificant positive impacts to farmers, such as
that allow them to close the yield gap, in- pest resistance and drought tolerance. Fur-
cluding existing technologies and practices thermore, new solutions that protect crops
that will improve their productivity. and seeds in the developing world from abi-
otic stresses and disease will also be vital.
Smallholders in emerging economies may
require a substantially different set of However, while biotechnology and geneti-
tools, compared to large-scale farmers, to cally modified seeds will play an important
enhance their productivity. Industry, gov- role in addressing productivity, environ-
ernments and other organizations should mental and nutrition challenges, they are
partner to create solutions specifically tar- only one segment of a broad set of tools
geted at helping smallholders play a critical that must be available to farmers. Organic
role in feeding the world. Hybrid seeds and farming will also play a role in feeding some
improved varieties can help subsistence segments of the population. All forms of
farmers make a dramatic improvement in technology, including traditional farming
productivity, as does increased fertilizer practices and organic farming, need to be
use. Cost constraints that keep smallhold- available to farmers. The transfer of knowl-
ers from accessing much needed inputs edge and the benefits of the latest technol-
must be addressed expeditiously. DuPont ogy and science to local farmers is critical.
and others in the industry should further ex- All solutions should build on local and re-
16
OECD – FAO, OECD-FAO Agricultural Out
-look 2010-2019 – Highlights (June 15,
plore creative partnerships, new business gional successes and the needs of the farm- 2010) available at http://www.oecd.org/
document/10/0,3746,en_36774715_
models, and varied pricing arrangements to ers being served, with the goal of advancing 36775671_42852746_1_1_1_1,00&&
en-USS_01DBC.html.
address this problem. smallholder regions from deficit regions to
surplus regions, and further improving the 17
GHI, The Global Harvest Initiative’s 2010
GAP Report: Measuring Global
Leading-edge technology (e.g., molecular productivity of larger farming operations. Agricultural Productivity (2010) available
markers) can also be used to accelerate at http://www.globalharvestinitiative.org/
GAP.htm.
traditional breeding methods to improve
the seeds available to smallholder farmers. 18
Id.
14. 2011 COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
Improve productivity through investment in quires not just a focus on increasing pro-
African Biofortified Sor- extension, education and best practices. ductivity and output in staple crops, but
ghum Project (the “ABS Proj- also on the nutritional content and qual-
ect”) – Working to Improve
An Indigenous Crop in Africa Technology alone is not enough to suf- ity of all crops. Malnutrition, in the form of
ficiently increase productivity. It must be both undernutrition and overnutrition, af-
The ABS Consortium, of which African
institutions are the majority, has partnered paired with extension services and educa- fects billions of people today. For develop-
with the private sector to develop improved tion that inform best practices for continu- ing countries, in particular, increasing the
varieties of sorghum, which is an affordable ous improvement. Agricultural extension nutritional content of crops is just as vital
African staple for more than 300 million is generally recognized as a mechanism to as increasing crop yields and calories. The
people in Africa, many of whom reside in help farmers identify and analyze their pro- three most common forms of micronutrient
drier and more vulnerable areas. The ABS duction problems, and become aware of malnutrition - iron, vitamin A, and iodine
Project seeks to improve nutrition and
the opportunities for improvement and how deficiencies - affect at least one-third of the
overall health across the African continent
by using science and technology to enhance to best take advantage of those opportuni- world’s population, although primarily in
sorghum’s nutritional content, particularly ties. Private sector investment in extension developing countries.20 These deficiencies
in terms of protein digestibility, iron and services is critical to empower farmers to must be addressed in order to effectively
zinc bioavailability and Provitamin A. In become successful entrepreneurs. There are accomplish food security worldwide. Nutri-
addition, the ABS Project is developing innovative examples of new models of exten- tional improvements can be accomplished
mutually beneficial science partnerships and sion services that leverage mobile technolo- through crop diversification, biofortifica-
local research capacity in key sub-regions
gy, linking farmers with real time information tion of crops, and supplementation.
of Africa.
on prices, weather, and other best practices,
Pioneer Hi-Bred (“Pioneer”)23 donated including traditional agro-ecologically sound Indigenous crops (so called “neglected”
$4.5 million for the initial technology and practices, improved local practices, as well crops), such as yams and cassava, which
has provided capacity building opportunities as modern farming approaches that should provide a great deal of sustenance in many
for institutions and scientists involved in the be emulated more broadly. developing countries, but are infrequently
research, and has hosted 13 African sci- traded on a global scale, have not had sub-
entists at Pioneer’s Johnston research labs. Increase public research and development stantial public and private research efforts
Phase I was funded by the Bill and Me- funding.
linda Gates Foundation under the Grand
devoted to their improvement when com-
Challenges in Global Health initiative at pared to the more widely-traded commodi-
a value of over $21 million. Recently, the Over the last several years, the growth rate ties. Finding innovative solutions for these
Donald Danforth Plant Science Center of agricultural output has outpaced the neglected crops to yield more, withstand
and DuPont announced a $4 million grant growth rate for public agricultural research harsh conditions, and have greater digest-
from the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, funding. In fact, in the U.S., expenditures for ibility and nutritional value could be a sig-
which will help fund the completion of the public agricultural research grew during two nificant step toward addressing countries’
development of biofortified sorghum. The decades leading up to 1980 by an average local food needs. Stakeholders will, there-
introduction of biofortified sorghum is ex-
of 3.2% per year (adjusted for inflation), but fore, need to collaborate on research and
pected to have a major impact on the health
and life of targeted communities in Africa no net growth occurred during 1980–1990, development efforts, because unlike some
and will be distributed to underserved and net growth averaged only 0.6% per year commodities that offer a business model
communities in multiple African countries, during 1990–2009.19 Stakeholders must that incentivizes private sector investment
royalty free. come together to renew their investments and competition, many indigenous crops in
in agriculture research. Public agricultural developing markets do not offer the same
research is critical to spurring research business incentives.
and technology development, and is key to
CAST Commentary, Investing in a Better
19 meeting our food challenge. Finally, the world needs to think in terms of
Future through Public Agricultural
Research (March 2011). total nutrition per hectare rather than sim-
Promote public and private collaboration ply in terms of bushels per hectare. Gov-
20
World Health Organization, Guidelines on on indigenous crop investment and nutri- ernments, private sector, and civil society
Food Fortification with Micronutrients
(2006) available at http://www.who. tional enhancement. should collaborate on a more coordinated
int/nutrition/publications/
micronutrients/9241594012/en/ approach to research and development to
index.html. Meeting the challenge of food security re- improve indigenous crops. There are cur-
15. PAGE 13 2011
Promote public and private
collaboration on indigenous
crop investment and nutritional
enhancement.
rent examples of successful collaborations ing on banks.24 These solutions must occur
resulting in work on important indigenous today without delay if the world is to be
crops, such as the African Biofortified Sor- prepared to meet increasing food demand.
ghum Project (the “ABS Project”). Efforts
like these should be scaled and new collab- Ensure that intellectual property rights,
orative public-private partnerships pursued. competition and farmer benefits from
Now that such tools are available, DuPont innovation go hand-in-hand.
and other private sector leaders should col-
laborate with public international and na- Intellectual property (IP) rights represent
tional research institutions to increase pro- the societal compact that seeks to incentiv-
tein content and digestibility, iron and zinc ize investment and innovation by inventors,
bioavailability, and Provitamin A content of while ensuring those very innovations en-
other indigenous and largely neglected food ter the public domain after an established
crops.21 The industry should also consider period of time. This will continue to be of
nitrogen fixing trees and shrubs for faster the utmost importance as the world seeks
growth.22 The industry could form a “Biofor- to increase agricultural productivity and
tification Consortium” composed of CGIAR promote global food security. For example,
Centers, national research institutes, private the private sector is often reluctant to in-
entities and the nutrition community. vest resources in countries where there is
no mechanism in place to protect IP rights.
The agriculture sector should partner glob- The protection of IP around the world, in
ally with governments, other private sector all its various forms, will encourage more
companies in the value chain, and NGOs to research and development, lead to bet-
offer financing mechanisms so farmers can ter products, and facilitate much needed
afford the tools to produce more. trade. Innovations flourish in countries that
offer strong IP rights. A lack of enforceable
One of the most significant impediments IP regimes in developing nations will also
to the use of science and technology in the prevent their farmers from obtaining the
developing world is access and financing. best, new products, such as biotechnology
In emerging economies, a lack of financ- traits that improve the nutritional quality
ing is often one of the most significant of plants or advances in traditional breed-
constraints to improving productivity and ing that can help create drought-resistant
the success of farmers. The innovative so- plants. Consequently, global leaders in IP
21
These crops could include cereals like
lutions in which the private sector invests and biotechnology, as well as policymakers pearl millet, finger millet, and teff; soy
should be accessible to smallholder farm- and NGOs, should foster consensus on the beans for direct food consumption, as well
as beans, peanuts, pigeon pea and check
ers. Global partners should find ways to most appropriate balance between strong pea grain legumes; cassava, potato, sweet
create access to financing for smallhold- IP rights that encourage and facilitate in- potato, indigenous and other yams, taro
and arrowroot; indigenous African leafy
ers, and the private sector should explore vestment and innovation while spreading vegetable species; and fruits extensively
creative business models that focus on the benefits of new technologies to farmers consumed such as matoke bananas,
mangos, avocados and passion fruit.
longer-term market development in emerg- around the globe.
ing markets. It is imperative to explore Particularly Faidherbia albida, and to
22
enhance nitrogen fixation in some species
novel ways to address this constraint, in- There are also a number of issues that in- of the genera Sesbania, Tephrosia,
cluding partnering to spread risk to provid- dustry and regulators must address as the Gliricidia, Crotalaria, and Mucuna.
ing loans and financing for improved seed, first biotechnology trait is due to come off 23
Pioneer Hi-Bred is a DuPont business.
fertilizer and crop protection solutions. patent in 2014, with others to follow. There
24
Under this scheme, farmers can sign
Another way may be to have governments is a pressing need to more clearly define agreements with input providers entitling
recognize grain certificates as a formalized the transition to generic biotechnology the provider to a certain amount of
bushels of their product to pay for the
loan mechanism to purchase inputs, there- products and associated issues pertaining input. Governments can ensure penalties
by providing access to capital without rely- to registration, stewardship and the ap- for defaulting.
16. 2011 COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
propriate use of and access to data created the most vulnerable. Food assistance pro-
ADM Partners with the to satisfy regulatory requirements. There grams should be targeted to ensure that
University of Illinois is currently no mechanism in the U.S. leg- food aid reaches those who need it the
Earlier this year, the Archer Daniels islative or regulatory system that ensures most – those who are suffering acute hun-
Midland Company (ADM) founded the the ability to build new innovations from ger due to war or natural disasters and can-
ADM Institute for the Prevention of inventions in this area that are moving off not grow their own food – and assistance
Postharvest Loss (the “Institute”) with a patent. Questions pertaining to how best delivery should be commensurate with
grant of $10 million to the University of to foster ongoing innovation by creating a the urgency of those needs. Still, there are
Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.29 The In- pathway to competition that uses generic about 20 percent of households in African
stitute will work with smallholder farmers
inputs must be addressed. Solutions that villages that are too poor to grow their own
in developing countries to curb postharvest
loss due to pests, disease, mishandling and allow for the use of regulatory data for the food, because of a lack of land, illness
other factors. According to ADM, their production and dissemination of post-pat- (particularly HIV/AIDS), and advanced age.
educational, research, and outreach func- ent generic seeds, as well as for research The safety net is sometimes provided by
tions will include, among other things: devel- purposes in the development of new bio- their communities, but also by food aid.
oping courses to provide training on best technology traits, are required. Both the
practices and technologies for minimizing U.S. regulatory treatment of IP issues for In the U.S., food aid has typically consist-
postharvest losses; and promoting technology pharmaceutical and crop protection prod- ed of in-kind donations whereby domes-
advancements and improved supply-chain
and information systems.
ucts provides useful guidance on these tically produced commodities have been
issues. We encourage DuPont and other physically delivered to areas of need, but
biotechnology companies to work with pol- this approach may cost more than helping
icymakers and other stakeholders to out- farmers help themselves.25 Still, this type
line a framework to address these issues. of emergency assistance will remain im-
portant, but a greater focus should also be
ENSURING ACCESS TO FOOD given to the ability to engage in local and
regional purchases, which may improve
Governments should strengthen social responsiveness and have additional de-
safety net programs to ensure the most velopment benefits by providing a market
vulnerable have access to food. for smallholder farmers. We applaud the
efforts of the World Food Program, the Bill
Poverty remains a key cause of hunger and & Melinda Gates Foundation, and the How-
malnutrition. Long-term investment in eco- ard G. Buffett Foundation in finding ways to
nomic development in rural and urban ar- purchase maize and staples locally.
eas to ensure private sector growth and job
creation is necessary to achieve food se- Global infrastructure investments are need-
curity and ensure that food is accessible. ed to ensure movement of food from areas
Investment in agriculture is by far the best of surplus to areas of deficit. Investments
way to substantially reduce poverty in rural must also be made in processing and stor-
areas, where the world’s poorest reside. age facilities to prevent postharvest loss.
In addition, with the expected population
growth in many developing countries, even A lack of the most basic infrastructure in
substantial increases in agricultural pro- some developing markets, including roads
ductivity locally will not be enough to meet and bridges, severely impedes agriculture
the growing food needs. Economic devel- productivity and causes substantial waste.
opment, led by agricultural development According to the Food and Agriculture Or-
25
Sanchez, P. A., A Smarter Way to Combat ganization of the United Nations (FAO),
Hunger, Nature 458:148 (2009) (It costs in those countries, will be critical to enable
about six times more to deliver a
them to afford to import food. the postharvest waste in Africa largely ex-
ton of maize as U.S. food aid to a
distribution point in Africa, than it does to plains why many smallholders are net pur-
provide farmers with enough fertilizer and
hybrid maize seed (at unsubsidized Strong safety net programs will also be im- chasers of food despite growing enough
prices) needed to produce an extra ton
of maize on smallholder farms). portant to ensure that food is accessible to for their families to eat.26 Waste also oc-
17. PAGE 15 2011
curs in developed countries. In fact, both not connected to commerce. In order to
in rich and poor countries, an astounding move from subsistence to surplus, farm-
30-50% of all food produced rots or goes ers must have the ability to sell in an open
uneaten. In developing countries, approxi- marketplace and be a part of the global
mately two-thirds of the waste occurs from value chain to fully succeed in moving from
production to retail sites and in developed net importers to net exporters. Smallhold-
countries approximately two-thirds of the ers will be benefit from greater integration
waste occurs at retail, foodservice, and into local and regional markets and gov-
consumer sites.27 Consequently, merely ernments, and agriculture sector partners
addressing our food waste and posthar- should also make efforts to link smallhold-
vest loss will make substantial headway in ers to global value chains.
meeting food demand. Governments and
the private sector should invest in storage There are varying public and private sec-
and infrastructure; educate farmers about tor mechanisms that can enhance market
available technology options that can be access for farmers, such as farmer orga-
incorporated into grain handling and stor- nizations and cooperatives. Agribusiness
age practices; and enable transportation should collaborate with partners across
and distribution more efficiently. Main- the value chain to incorporate smallhold-
taining and improving infrastructure in ers to improve stability and predictability,
developed markets, such as roads, ports, and increase the likelihood of smallhold-
barges, elevators and rail, is also critical to ers’ willingness to invest in enhanced tech-
move huge amounts of grain. nology to improve output.
Every effort must be made in the devel- The private sector must work with govern-
oped and developing world to reduce ments to foster a more open and equitable
waste through the whole supply chain, trading system for food and agricultural
by investing in research, technology, and products.
infrastructure to reduce waste resulting
from insects, weeds, and postharvest loss. It is vitally important for countries to in-
Currently, only 5 percent of agriculture re- crease food and agricultural productivity,
search funding is dedicated to the study particularly since today some 85 percent of
of postharvest loss prevention, yet an es- food never crosses international borders.30
timated $14 billion in food went to waste Yet food security should not be equated
worldwide in 2007.28 Recent partnerships, with self-sufficiency. Considering that the 26
The Economist, A Special Report on
such as the establishment of a new re- world’s population and arable land are not Feeding the World: Waste Not, Want Not -
Far Too Much Food Never Reaches the
search institute dedicated to reducing evenly distributed, and that some 70 per- Plate (Feb. 24, 2011) available at http://
www.economist.com/node/18200694/
waste and postharvest loss, are promising cent of the global population will reside in print.
and should be replicated. cities by 2050, the unrestricted movement
of food and agricultural products already GHI Symposium, Capturing Full Value of
27
the Supply Chain: Reducing Postharvest
Increases in productivity must be coupled is and will become increasingly important. Waste (Sept. 22, 2009).
with access to markets, particularly for Moreover, an open and non-distorting 28
See ADM, ADM Gives U.S.$10 Million to
smallholder farmers. Stakeholders should trade system facilitates development, Found Institute to Reduce Global
Postharvest Loss of Grains and Oilseeds
facilitate and invest in models that better creates economies of scale that attracts (Jan. 19, 2011) available at http://www.
link smallholders to the global value chain. investment, spurs innovation and efficien-
adm.com/en-US/news/_layouts/Press
ReleaseDetail.aspx?ID=286.
cies, and provides more affordable and 29
Id.
Ensuring food security in the coming de- reliable access to agricultural inputs and 30
DuPont, News Release, Agriculture is a
cades will require that all farmers increase food at more stable prices. Key Driver to Meet UN Millenium
Development Goals, (Sept. 27, 2010)
their productivity. However, productivity available at http://www2.dupont.com/
Production_Agriculture/en_US/news_
increases are meaningless if farmers are events/cp_releases/2010-09-27.html.
18. 2011 COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
A multilateral framework, which provides production or price-linked subsidies that
for global rules, mechanisms for monitor- have served to distort the international
ing and an effective dispute settlement food and agricultural system. We note that
process, has long been considered optimal in the present environment of high prices,
for agricultural trade liberalization efforts. price-linked subsidy outlays have been
Efforts to strengthen it must be sustained substantially lower, and that in a sustained
and brought to fruition. Whereas the Or- higher price environment, it should be
ganization for Economic Cooperation and more feasible to reduce these, particularly
Development (OECD) countries must con- if such reductions lead to increased access
tinue on a reform path to level the playing to other markets.
field in international food and agricultural
trade, developing countries should also Phasing out trade-distorting subsidies
more proactively address trade barriers does not mean that governments stop
and promote greater trade facilitation be- providing “safety net” policies for their
tween themselves, especially in light of the farmers – there are non-trade distorting
increasing amount of trade among them. tools such as crop insurance and revenue
Countries also are well-advised to pursue insurance programs that help farmers cope
trade reform on their own, as benefits with unforeseen crop failures or market
reaped from such reforms can be greater disruptions. Furthermore, since subsidies
than those that accrue from trade reform are notoriously hard to remove once imple-
by other countries. Bilateral and regional mented and can become a serious drain on
trade agreements are likely to continue to public coffers, policymakers should ensure
be negotiated, and care must be taken to that when introduced, they are clearly de-
ensure that they encompass the agricultur- lineated in nature and scope, established
al sector in the broadest sense. The private for clearly defined timeframes, and accom-
sector needs to engage in the development panied by an “exit strategy” that paves the
of trade agreements that will ensure food transition to market-based approaches.
can move freely across borders.
For poor countries in Africa where crop
Governments and policymakers should re- yields can be as low as one-tenth of those
consider policies on subsidies and examine produced in the U.S., targeted, smart sub-
alternative safety net policies. sidies for fertilizer and hybrid maize seed
are one tool that has been used to increase
A non-distorted trade system must also productivity. Smallholder farmers often
effectively deal with the question of sub- cannot afford to pay for fertilizer and im-
sidies. Agricultural subsidies have been in proved seed and it is almost impossible to
place for several decades, and some have access credit because they lack collateral.
had very useful impacts on productivity, In some cases, smart, well-targeted subsi-
the environment, rural development, and dies kick start productivity to help farmers
research and development efforts. Subsi- out of poverty. For example, facing a 45
dies that are tied to production and prices, percent deficit in maize production, the
however, have contributed to surplus pro- President of Malawi instituted a somewhat
duction, which has served to lower global controversial voucher program for farmers
prices to the detriment of developing coun- to buy two bags of fertilizer and 3-5 kg of
try producers, and has also contributed to improved hybrid seeds at a 75 percent dis-
the low level of investment in the agricul- count, enough to plant one acre of land.
tural sectors of poorer countries. Coun- The country rapidly doubled maize yields
tries are not likely to eliminate subsidies and became a maize exporter to neighbor-
entirely, but should consider phasing out ing Zimbabwe, as well as a food aid do-
19. PAGE 17 2011
nor to Lesotho and Swaziland. However, altogether in some countries, serve to slow
greater crop diversification is necessary in down the adoption of new technologies, at Global Joint Review
order to improve high malnutrition rates. a time when innovative solutions are more
Under the Organization for Economic
Moreover, as this country’s population necessary than ever. Such divergences Cooperation and Development (OECD)
is expected to grow from approximately also negatively impact international trade. Workshare or Global Joint Review
13 million (in 2008) to over 40 million by Farmers and consumers around the world (GJR), participating regulatory authorities
2040,31 these subsidies will likely not be will benefit from efforts by governments to distribute the work amongst participat-
sustainable over the long-term, and should streamline national regulations by more ing countries and each country reviews a
be gradually phased out as yields reach effectively sharing data and encouraging portion of the data dossier (e.g., the U.S.
would review toxicology, while the United
higher levels. Efforts must be undertaken collaboration in scientific risk assessment.
Kingdom reviews ecotoxicology). After
to move towards an effective market-based Such efforts will be important to avoid over- reviewing their assigned sections, the regula-
strategy to replace this subsidy scheme. ly divergent approval processes and time- tory authorities conduct a collaborative
lines that not only lead to delays, but also peer review of the evaluations and agree
Ensure science-based regulatory frame- trigger additional obstacles and costs in the on the end points used in the risk assess-
works and remove regulatory barriers to supply chain and in international trade. ment process. At this point, each country
achieving food security. individually assesses the evaluations and
recommended risk assessment end points
Countries should move to science-based
Sound regulatory standards to protect hu- to decide whether their country will grant
international harmonization for plant bio- registration of the product.
man, animal and plant health and to en- technology. Science-based local needs and
sure food safety are critically important. conditions (e.g., differences in insect spe- This process results in major resource savings
Yet, when standards are not based on cies populations and their resistance) can for each participating country; as well as
science, are insufficiently consistent and be successfully built into international har- additional benefits for regulators, growers
not transparent, they not only cause seri- monization regulations. Harmonized data and crop protection product manufacturers.
ous disruptions to markets, but also stifle packages and synchronized reviews would The GJR provided expedited approvals for
much needed innovation. The urgent need DuPont Rynaxypyr® 32 around the world,
significantly speed the transition of much
allowing growers accelerated access to this
to increase productivity to meet global needed innovation into improved global technology and increasing confidence in the
food demand makes it imperative to get crop yields and nutrition without compro- quality of the regulatory approval process.
the best technology and practices into the mising science-based safety assessments.
hands of farmers rapidly, while maintain- Agriculture industry partners, including the
ing strong safety and environmental stan- private sector, NGOs and nonprofits should
dards. Regulatory frameworks must be ef- establish a framework and lead these ef-
ficient: scientifically unjustified delays and forts to improve regulatory processes. Fur-
barriers that slow down approval process- thermore, innovators have a role to play in
es and delay the adoption of tools for en- sharing information and educating consum-
hancing productivity of farmers need to be ers to build confidence in the safety and ef-
addressed so that innovative products can ficacy of products. Countries with strong
enter the market more expeditiously and regulatory frameworks can enhance confi-
at lower cost. Currently, it takes almost ten dence in consuming countries by sharing
years and over $250 million to bring crop findings and information to ensure safety,
protection products to market. For seeds, particularly when developing countries lack
it can take as many as fifteen years and an the sophisticated platforms and resources
estimated $150 million from discovery to necessary to confirm safety and efficacy.
commercialization of a biotechnology trait.
ALL EFFORTS SHOULD
Governments rightly insist on establish- IMPROVE SUSTAINABILITY
ing and implementing their own regulatory Sustainability rests on the principle that The Malawi Ministry of Development
31
Planning and Cooperation, RAPID:
frameworks given local needs and condi- we must meet the needs of the present Population and Development (2010).
tions, but widely divergent regulatory sys- without compromising the ability of fu-
Rynaxypyr® is the first insecticide in its
32
tems, and the lack of functioning systems ture generations to meet their own needs. class (anthranilic diamides).
20. 2011 COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
Therefore, stewardship of natural and hu- who can utilize the practices that work
Investing in Youth man resources is critical. The three main most effectively with their growing condi-
Development components of sustainability are environ- tions, soils and crops. Implementing prac-
mental, social and economic. tices that address ecosystem issues, such
Researchers in the U.S. and around the as reducing water use and controlling field
world have demonstrated that 4-H posi-
Environmental – Investment must be runoff, will be important. Product steward-
tive youth development programs promote
made in technology and best practices for ship with farmers is critical.
science literacy and increase incomes for
rural youth. In Tanzania, 4-H clubs continuous improvement of agriculture
use positive youth development strategies sustainability and resource efficiency. Continuously improving the sustainability
to reach 34,000 boys and girls with of agriculture will require increased invest-
agricultural science and entrepreneurship By 2030, the world will consume renew- ment and collaboration from all stakehold-
training. In 2010, young Tanzanian 4-H able resources equivalent to two planet ers in the industry. Governments should
agri-business people reported more than earths to sustain human needs.33 To meet create policy environments conducive to
$82,000 USD in profit. Long-term in- future demand, arable land in developing
vestments in basic education and strategies, private sector investment, as well as devote
countries would have to expand by about resources to sustainability research. The
such as 4-H, will be essential to mobilize
young people to lead technology transfer 120 million hectares.34 However, due to industry should take increasingly proac-
and adoption of innovation. increasing land degradation caused by cli- tive steps on stewardship to ensure that we
mate change, certain developing countries achieve the benefits of agriculture technol-
are expected to see 9-20 percent of arable ogy and practices without unintended con-
land becoming much less suitable for agri- sequences. Finally, new partnerships be-
culture.35 Furthermore, FAO estimates that tween industry and environmental groups
water scarcity may reduce crop yields by up must be forged, and ongoing dialogue is
to 12 percent.36 Consequently, productivity and will be critical to solving this challenge.
and efficiency will be critical, as will contin-
ued investment in crops that have greater Social - Both the public and private sector
yield per acre (in quantity and nutritional should invest in education and youth
value) while addressing ecosystem issues development efforts.
such as using less water and fuel, and us-
ing the right amount of fertilizers to protect The ability of the agricultural sector to meet
the quality of water and biodiversity. global food demands will depend on solu-
tions that are socially sustainable. Facilitat-
The private sector should continue to in- ing human capacity development through
vest in technology that improves agricul- training and education of the next genera-
ture sustainability and resource efficiency. tion of farmers and consumers is critical.
Addressing food shortages with efficient The farmer who will feed the world in 2025
sources of protein, such as soy, can boost is 13 years old today. Indeed, children and
nutrition while using fewer natural re- adolescents represent 65 percent of total
sources. Continuing to identify technolo- agricultural employment in Sub-Saharan Af-
33
World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Futures for
Our Planet available at http://wwf.panda. gies that can reduce tillage and field work, rica. These young people can lead the next
org/about_our_earth/all_publications/
living_planet_report/me_and_my_ and therefore reduce soil loss, will also “Green Revolution,” but only if science-pow-
planet/footprint_scenarios/.
enhance sustainability. Efforts to reclaim ered innovations in agriculture are integrat-
34
FAO, World Agriculture: Towards
2015/2030: An FAO Perspective - Crop degraded land should also be redoubled. ed with social science research in fields such
Production and Natural Resource Use
available at http://www.fao.org/do as positive youth development, learning,
crep/005/y4252e/y4252e06.htm#P4_3. However, more efficient and sustainable community development and technology
FAO, Africa’s Changing Landscape:
35
technology must be coupled with educa- transfer. In particular, education focused on
Securing Land Access for the Rural Poor
(April 2010). tion and extension services focused on women and girls will be vital. School feeding
36
FAO, Food Security and Agricultural sustainable best practices. Stakeholders programs are also effective tools, as food is
Mitigation in Developing Countries:
Options for Capturing Synergies must continue to identify best practices often provided by villagers, and attracts the
available at http://www.fao.org/
docrep/012/i1318e/i1318e00.pdf. and put them into the hands of farmers, poorest youth to go to school, particularly
21. PAGE 19 2011
Social - Both the public and private
sector should invest in education and
youth development efforts.
girls that would otherwise stay at home. efforts to address trade barriers with
Reinforcing the importance of agricultural neighboring countries in order to create Government Incentives for
contributions and its value to society, and larger economies of scale, also crucial for Private Sector Investment
promoting the merits of a career in agri- attracting private sector investment. Donor Brazil and Thailand became leading
culture are also essential to recruiting to- governments also have an important role global suppliers of soybeans and cassava
morrow’s farmers and innovators. DuPont of emphasizing the importance of a policy among other agricultural exports. This
and other private sector companies with environment required for attracting greater was largely due to policies that enabled
an interest in developing markets should private sector assessment and use devel- private sector investment, including
also create comprehensive strategies for opment assistance in order to more effec- permissive land policies, improved public
infrastructure and business development
community investment and philanthropy. tively leverage private sector investments.
services, a supportive policy environment,
Finally, solutions will be most sustainable Public-private partnerships between pri- and liberalized markets.
when stakeholders partner with local or- vate sector companies, governments and
ganizations that know best the cultural other organizations can be very effective
norms and needs. and efforts should be made to improve
and increase these types of collaborations,
Economic – Governments should take steps and we encourage a sustained dialogue to
to reduce risk and create incentives for pri- accomplish this.
vate sector investments. Companies should
consider increasing long-term investments
in emerging markets.
Governments and the private sector must
collaborate to enable farmers to be suc-
cessful. Addressing the productivity gap
requires a significant investment that can
only be accomplished effectively through
investments from private donors. Accord-
ing to the GHI, the overall developing
country investment gap approaches $90
billion annually – a very conservative es-
timate that nevertheless is almost twice
the $48 billion in agricultural support that
was available from international sources
in 2008.37 To close this investment gap,
governments must enable private sector
investment by dedicating a substantial
percentage of their budget over the long-
term to investments in agriculture and in-
frastructure development and by creating
long-term plans coupled with dedicated
leadership and funding streams.
Governments should also facilitate great-
er private sector investment by ensuring
strong governance and stability through
rule of law, anti-corruption, IP rights, reg-
ulatory systems, land rights, and open 37
GHI, Enhanced Private Sector
Involvement in Agriculture and Rural
dialogue with private sector partners. Ad- Infrastructure Development
(Paper prepared by William C. Motes)
ditionally, governments should increase (March 16, 2011).
23. PAGE 21 2011
CONCLUSION
The confluence of changing demographics and consumer food preferences, substantial in-
creases in population, scarcity of resources, and climate change presents the human race
with one of its most substantial challenges to date – how to feed a world with more than
9 billion people. Global food demand will require that farmers everywhere have access
to the tools, education and technology to be productive. Increasing rates of malnutrition
will not just require more calories, but more nutritious food. A problem of this enormity re-
quires an unprecedented level of cooperation and leadership among private companies,
governments, universities and research institutions, NGOs and farmers around the world.
Those within and outside of the agricultural community will need to come together to de-
velop innovative solutions to ensure a food secure world by 2050. DuPont is committed
to providing a leadership role in addressing the global challenge of providing more and
better food for a growing population.
24. 2011 ABOUT THE COMMITTEE
About the Committee
Senator Thomas Charlotte
A. Daschle Hebebrand
is Chairman of the has served as Chief
Committee and a Executive of the In-
Senior Policy Advi- ternational Food &
sor at the law firm Agricultural Trade
of DLA Piper where Policy Council (IPC)
he provides clients since February 2006.
with strategic advice The IPC is committed
on issues such as climate change, energy, to promoting a more open and equitable
health care, trade, financial services, ag- global food system and is composed of a
riculture and food, foreign affairs, and diverse mix of distinguished international
telecommunications. Senator Daschle is agricultural trade experts from around the
one of the longest serving Senate Demo- world. Charlotte came to IPC from the Eu-
cratic Leaders in history and the only one
to serve twice as both Majority and Minor-
ity Leader. In 1986, he was elected to the
“An ongoing focus on improving
U.S. Senate and eight years later became
agricultural productivity must
its Democratic Leader. During his tenure,
be accompanied by efforts to
Senator Daschle navigated the Senate
improve access to food. A more
through some of its most historic eco-
open and equitable trading
system for food and agricultural
products will not only ensure
“Addressing the food productivity that food gets to people who
gap may be the defining issue need it, but can also contribute
for mankind for the next to income growth in rural areas,
century. We need to consider not where the majority of the world’s
only producing more food, but poorest people reside.”
also ensuring we can meet
the nutritional needs of the
growing population.” ropean Commission’s (EC’s) Washington
Delegation, where she served as Special
Advisor, respectively, on international
nomic and national security challenges. development, trade, agriculture and food
He also served in the U.S. House of Rep- safety issues. Prior to her time with the EC,
resentatives for eight years beginning in Charlotte worked at the Brookings Institu-
1978. He is the author of several books, a tion’s Foreign Policy Division.
co-founder of the Bipartisan Policy Center,
a board member at the Center for Ameri-
can Progress, a Vice Chair at the National
Democratic Institute, and is a member of
the Council of Foreign Relations as well as
many other boards and councils.