June 15, 2017

The key question this report raises is whether, in the future, global agricultural and food systems will be able to sustainably meet the needs of a growing global population .

It is estimated that by 2050, humanity could reach 10 billion people (currently over 7.5 billion). Under a scenario of moderate economic growth, this population increase will boost global demand for agricultural products by 50% compared to current levels. With economic growth, more people are expected to consume fewer grains and larger amounts of meat, fruits, vegetables, and processed foods, a result of an ongoing global dietary transition that will further strain already scarce natural resources .

The document identifies the trends and challenges affecting global food systems and sets out a key challenge we will face in the future: producing more with less .

According to the report, the world will need to shift to more sustainable food systems that make more efficient use of land, water, and other inputs. It will also be necessary to reduce the use of fossil fuels and achieve lower levels of waste . This will require greater investment in agricultural and agri-food systems, as well as increased spending on research and development to promote innovation , support sustainable production increases, and find better ways to address issues such as water scarcity and climate change .

The authors urge long-term thinking, taking into account all the variables: climate change, population growth, the natural resources we rely on... They encourage a profound transformation in agricultural systems, rural economies , and natural resource management to address the many challenges of the future and harness the full potential of food and agriculture, ensuring a sustainable future for the entire planet and for all of us who live on it.