THE COMING FAMINE
17 Redouble knowledge
We need to redouble the global investment in agricultural science. In my estimate
we should lift the total agrifood R&D spend to at least $80 billion, twice what
it is today.
Then, for every research dollar we need to spend another dollar getting the knowledge
into the hands of the world's 1.8 billion farmers and food processors.
Science not applied is science wasted.
We must generate the greatest knowledge sharing effort in history - to reach not
only farmers, but also consumers everywhere, because the farmers alone will not
be able to solve the challenge.
Using the excellent mass communication and media systems now available and ramifying
through the world, this is completely achievable.
It is essential that all national governments understand that agricultural science
IS defence spending.
Devoting just a tenth of the world's current weapons spend to sustainable food
production would secure both the food supply and enhance the prospects of world
peace.