DEPARTMENT FOR
INNOVATION, UNIVERSITIES AND SKILLS News Release (017/2009) issued
by COI News Distribution Service. 5 February 2009
A new project that
will examine how the world can feed a rapidly expanding population
was launched today by Foresight, the Government Future's
think tank.
By 2050 we will need food for a world population of up to nine
billion - significantly up from current levels of around six and a
half billion. The project will ask how this many people can be fed
healthily and sustainably as we adapt to a warming and less
predictable climate.
The 'Food and Farming Futures' project will analyse the
global food system including changing demand, production and
supply. It will also consider food and farming in oceans and
freshwater environments as well as on the land.
The study is sponsored by Jane Kennedy, Minister for Farming and
the Environment at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural
Affairs and Mike Foster, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at
the Department for International Development.
Professor John Beddington, the Government's Chief Scientific
Adviser and Head of the Government Office for Science, who
oversees the Foresight projects, said:
"There are huge challenges facing food and farming due to a
growing world population and limited resources, such as water and
land. Intricately linked to this is the issue of climate change
and concerns over the environmental impacts of agriculture.
"The Foresight study is a fresh opportunity to consider how
science and technology can help meet these challenges now and in
the future.
"I am delighted that Jane Kennedy and Mike Foster have
agreed to be the joint sponsoring Ministers for this project.
Together we will be drawing on the top expertise from around the
world, across a range of disciplines, to tackle a critical issue.
Mike Foster, Minister for International Development,
said:
"It is the world's poor who are most affected
by food shortages, and it is the same people who feel the main
effects of climate change. I am delighted that the Department for
International Development is supporting Foresight's research
into this vital issue."
The project will be an in-depth study consulting experts and
scientists from a wide range of disciplines from across the world.
It will draw on the most up to date scientific evidence combined
with well-informed futures work. The aim of the project is to
assist policymakers both in the UK and overseas to develop
strategies to manage our future.
Hilary Benn originally announced that Professor Beddington would
commission the report in July 2008. The findings will be launched
in late 2010.
Notes to editors
1. The UK Government's Foresight Programme helps Government
think systematically about the future. Foresight uses the latest
scientific and other evidence to provide signposts for
policymakers in tackling future challenges.
2. Foresight is part of the Government Office for Science, which
sits within the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS).
3. DIUS brings together the nation's strengths in science,
research, universities and colleges to build a dynamic,
knowledge-based economy. Its primary role is to drive forward
delivery of the Government's long-term vision to make Britain
one of the best places in the world for science, research and
innovation and to raise the level of education and skills at every
level in our economy to give the UK the competitive edge.
4. The Project's Lead Expert Group will provide technical
direction to the Project and help with the analysis of evidence
and the promotion of the Project's findings. It will have
eight members and will chair by Professor Charles Godfray FRS,
Oxford Hope Professor and trustee at the Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew.
5. A High Level Stakeholder Group chaired by the sponsoring
Ministers, will provide strategic direction, advise on the key
issues that the Project should address; and most importantly, help
catalyse action across Government in light of the study's
findings. The High Level Stakeholder Group will include senior
representatives from international organisations, the public
sector, the international research community and business as well
as representatives from key regions.
6. Further details about the project can be found on the
Foresight website (http://www.foresight.gov.uk).
7. For media enquiries only contact Clare Kingston in the
GO-Science press office on 0203 300 8099.