Biotechnology and Global Food Security: A Private-Sector View

Abstract

This paper examines biotechnology in the light of the global food and nutrition needs of the next few decades. If all available agricultural technologies — including biotechnology — are fully used, production will be able to meet global demand. Still, the regions with the highest population growth rates will likely suffer from under-supply. To improve agricultural production in these regions is a particular challenge because market forces channel research and investment away from developing countries. Private agri-business companies invest enormous resources in biotechnology research and in alliances with seed companies, but success in a market-driven environment is possible only when value is shared with other seed producers and farmers. Accordingly, the public and private sectors need to work together to exploit biotechnology’s potential.