Background:
Many events celebrating food and agriculture are taking place around the world during the month of October. For example:
- October 13: The awarding of the World Food Prize in Des Moines, IA
- October 16: World Food Day – the worldwide celebration sanctioned by the UN
- October 24: A new Food Day receiving grassroots attention from many organizations
But for farmers, ranchers, other producers, manufacturers and retailers who are working constantly to provide for the growing global population, every day is a day dedicated to food. Every day is Food Day!
How Are We Going to Feed 9 Billion by 2050?
The Alliance to Feed the Future is committed to raising awareness of the importance of modern agriculture and food production as the population explodes to 9 billion people by the year 2050.
Land, water, and other resources required to grow our food are limited and nonrenewable. Through the use of technology, scientists have found ways to make better, more efficient and sustainable use of the limited resources we have available to us to produce more food.
Technology will continue to be an indispensable part of the solution to meeting the increased food demand placed on today’s farmers, ranchers, and producers. Increases in food production to meet the needs of the growing global population will come from leveraging all forms of food production, but will primarily depend on innovations in technology and efficiencies made possible only through large-scale production platforms.
Modern food production employs the most sustainable practices and leverages the latest technology to increase production and access to food, ultimately helping to alleviate hunger.
Today’s Farmers:
Most Americans today have never been on a farm, much less have the time or knowledge to grow and produce their own food. For farmers, ranchers and other producers, producing food is their livelihood and is often still a family business, even on large farms. Producers are motivated and work tirelessly to provide safe and healthful food that meets consumers’ demands for convenience, affordability, taste and variety.
Like any business, they want to do the best job they can at the lowest possible cost. Agricultural technology has made it possible for farmers to significantly reduce their operating costs and materials, while increasing production. These cost savings are passed on to the consumer.
Preserving Choice:
While we have many choices when it comes to our food, for many, the choice is not whether to buy organic or local, but whether or not to eat. Food security is a real problem that is not limited to just developing countries, but is occurring daily here in the U.S. People living in food deserts do not have access to fresh fruits and vegetables through a grocery store or other provider. For these people, access to nutritious, convenient and affordable foods is critical. Packaged, canned and frozen foods can help address this need by providing foods that stay fresher longer, are less expensive, and contain nutrients added through fortification to help consumers meet recommended levels for maintaining good health.
What You Can Do:
The resources on this website, including the Food Days materials and links below, and the Farm to Fork Resources, celebrate the achievements of modern food production and the critical role of modern agriculture and processing technologies.
Share these resources with your family, friends, colleagues, educators, and others and help spread the word about how today’s modern food production system is a critical factor in ensuring abundant access to safe and healthful food, now and for years to come.