Document summary
This report explores the challenges and opportunities offered by global food security.
If 9.6bn people are to be fed by 2050, then 70% more food production is needed. In the research team's view, all potential food security solutions should be considered given that we may have already arrived at peak production for many food categories. Global challenges include: declining yields (1.4% pa today vs. 3.2% in 1960), limited land remaining to be cultivated (1.4bn ha), the protein challenge (+2% meat demand to 2030E), food waste (30% of edible food), peak water (Ag is 70% of water use), and extreme weather and climate change (25% of wheat yields at risk), among others.
The food and agriculture sector already accounts for 3% of world GDP, i.e. US$ 2.3 trillion. Annual investments in food security & Ag are estimated at US$220bn with 75% coming from the private sector. Every dollar invested in Ag R&D creates US$20 in economic activity. That said, annual investments from 2015-30E would need to reach US$480bn to realise 'zero hunger'.