Less people in the world are going hungry but less is still too many. The 2012 Global Hunger Index (GHI) released by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) at the World Food Prize symposium on Thursday shows that hunger on a global scale remains “serious” and 20 countries have levels of hunger that are “alarming” or “extremely alarming.” The …
Books About Feeding the World
The moderator and one of the participants on the opening panel at the World Food Prize symposium Borlaug Dialogues have authored books aimed at increasing awareness of world hunger and how we can feed a growing population. Sir Gordon Conway’s book “One Billion Hungry – Can We Feed the World?” basically is the long version of his simple answer “Yes.” …
Panel Sets Stage for Borlaug Dialogue
A panel discussion to set the stage for the Borlaug Dialogue at the 2012 World Food Prize symposium in Des Moines considered the question “One Billion Hungry – Can We Feed the World Sustainably?” The panel moderator was Roger Thurow, Senior Fellow, The Chicago Council on Global Affairs and participants in the discussion were: Sir Gordon Conway – Professor of …
Bread for the World on Elections and Hunger
2010 World Food Prize Laureate Rev. David Beckmann says hunger in America is a key issue that should be addressed in the 2012 election. “About one in five of our children live in households that run out of food,” said Beckmann, who is executive director of Bread for the World. “On the other hand, I think the safety net programs …
Elanco Part of Global Harvest Initiative
The Global Harvest Initiative (GHI) is a private-sector voice for productivity growth throughout the agricultural value chain to sustainably meet the demands of a growing world. The initiative, established in 2009, includes agricultural industry stakeholders such as DuPont, John Deere, Monsanto and now Elanco. “This is the first time for Elanco joining this effort,” said GHI board member Claudia Garcia, …
Nestle’ Chair Addresses World Food Prize
The 2012 World Food Prize Borlaug Dialogue kicked off in Des Moines Wednesday with an address by Peter Brabeck-Letmathe, chairman of the Nestlé Group, who gave his broader view on food security and nutrition. Brabeck said that as per capita income increases in developing countries, people are no longer satisfied with a bowl of rice a day. “No, they want …
Soybeans Up, Corn Crop Down a Bit
The October USDA crop production report out this morning took a little bit more off the corn crop but increased the soybean crop by nine percent. Corn production is forecast at 10.7 billion bushels, down slightly from the September forecast and down 13 percent from 2011. This represents the lowest production in the United States since 2006. Based on conditions …
4-H and FFA “Champions of Change” Honored
The White House this week recognized 12 members and leaders of FFA and 4-H as Champions of Change, a program to honor ordinary Americans doing great work in their communities. Each week, a different sector is highlighted and groups of Champions, ranging from educators to entrepreneurs to community leaders, are recognized for the work they are doing to serve and …
Corn Harvest More than Double Time Ahead
Farmers are more than double-timing it on the corn harvest this season. As of this past weekend, USDA reports that 69 percent of the crop was harvested, compared to 28 average for this time of year. Several corn belt states are running way, way ahead of normal, like Minnesota and Iowa, which normally have around 11-17% of the corn harvest …
Romney Outlines Rural Policy Positions
Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney put his focus on agriculture and rural policy on Tuesday with the release of an agricultural policy white paper and a visit to an Iowa farm. Romney’s “vision for a vibrant rural America” includes tax policies to support family farms, expanding agricultural trade, achieving energy independence by 2020, and creating a commonsense regulatory environment. “The …