Science is key to ensuring food security

I think it is bizarre that the two big food issues for 2010 are obesity and food security. On one hand we are eating too much food, but on the other, we are going to starve. Logically speaking one problem should solve the other. But, as we all know, it's never that simple.

The food security issue is really a food distribution issue. We currently have plenty of food to feed the world but it's not spread around the planet effectively. The United Nations (UN) estimates that global food production must increase by 50% by 2030 and double by 2050 to meet the UN Millennium Development Goals on hunger. This will need scientific research not only on more effective ways to grow crops, minimise water usage and optimise land and marine use but also in cutting down on food waste. Even the role of genetically modified (GM) foods is back on the agenda, as evidenced by a recent seminar at the Royal Society of Chemistry where it was said that new GM technologies could be part of the food shortage solution.

But I have noticed that food security news stories tend to concentrate on the 'agri' part of the agri-food chain. The food manufacturing industry can also play a central role in reducing food waste by using science to extend shelf-life.

At Leatherhead we will be canvassing our members about the food security issue to find out how we can help the industry cut down on waste. Research on shelf-life extension, portion size, diet management, novel food packaging and innovative food distribution systems are all important.

Cynics may ask why the food industry would want to sell less food by extending shelf-life. But perhaps consumers might pay a small premium for foods with a longer shelf-life? And not forgetting, an increase in the global population will give the industry more customers!

Dr Paul Berryman chief executive officer​
Leatherhead Food Research www.leatherheadfood.com​​