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FAO study: World population headed for 8 billion (Aug. 21, 2002 -- CropChoice news) -- While it predicted that 8.3 billion people will inhabit the Earth by 2020, the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization, in its study, "World Agriculture: Towards 2015/2030," foresees a better fed populace. It does warn about continuing problems in many countries and regions, particularly in Africa.
The study cautiously endorsed biotechnology, but only "if the environmental threats from biotechnology are addressed, and if the technology is affordable by and geared towards the needs of the poor and undernourished, genetically modified crop varieties could help to sustain farming in marginal areas and to restore degraded land to production."
But such technology is part of the industrial farming model that the report predicts will accelerate, possibly harming the hundreds of millions of people who sustainably farm fruit, vegetables, legumes, grain and who raise livestock on their family farms and plots.
"If we do not take measures to correct the situation, the poor will be unable to compete on the food market."
Source: Agence France Presse | |
