3 February 2012

'Feeding the World - Science or Reliance on Nature?' - Cafe Science Extra event, 8th February

The ways in which scientific and technological breakthroughs can prevent food shortages across the world will be explored at the next Cafe Science Extra event in Dundee.

Dr Tim George, from the James Hutton Institute, will lead a discussion on 'Feeding the World - Science or Reliance on Nature?' at Dundee Science Centre on Wednesday, 8th February.

Humans have been growing crops for food and trade for 10,000 years, but only in the past two centuries has industrialised fertilizer production been used to sustain this. In that time, almost all readily-available mineral resources have been used up, while a number of environmental problems have been created at the same time.

This talk will examine solutions to these issues, such as how alternate fertilizers and technological interventions, including plant breeding and engineering techniques, can be used to improve the use of our natural resources.

Dr George said: 'The 'green revolution' has helped feed the planet's burgeoning population but has failed in Africa, caused environmental problems and is unlikely to keep pace with the expected 30% increase in the global population by 2050.

'There is no doubt we have problems. Farmers are expected to produce cheaper, more plentiful supplies of food using greener methods, with fewer agrochemicals and are under greater political pressure than ever before. It is estimated that 70% more food will need to be produced by 2050 to feed the world's growing population.

'Add in the fact that fresh water will become increasingly scarce in some countries, less land is available for production and climate change will affect us all, and it is clear future prospects are very uncertain.

'Difficult choices may have to be made in the future to ensure secure supplies of food and agreement is needed on the best way forward, including the use of technological innovations such as genetic engineering to combat issues such as disease, insect attack and drought while increasing yields and the intensification of crop production on high quality land that is resilient to the impact of inputs.

'The role of innovative research and technologies is crucial in meeting the challenge of creating sustainable farming systems.'

The talk takes place at Dundee Science Centre at 6pm on Wednesday, 8th February, and will be followed by a question-and-answer session. Doors open from 5.30pm and drinks and snacks available from Infusions Coffee Shop. Entry is free and open to all, and while the event is not ticketed people are advised to arrive early to avoid disappointment.

Twitter users who can't make the event can follow the debate through the @revealsresearch account and using the hashtag #CafeSciDundee.

Café Science was launched in January 2008, and has attracted almost 3000 people since then. The monthly events are informal discussions led by leading local researchers from the Universities of Dundee and Abertay, James Hutton Institute and Dundee Science Centre that allow members of the public the opportunity to learn more about the ground-breaking science happening locally.

For media enquiries, contact:
Phil Taylor
Head of Communications
James Hutton Institute
Phil.taylor@hutton.ac.uk
01382 560044

For media enquiries contact:
Grant Hill
Press Officer
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384768
E-MAIL: g.hill@dundee.ac.uk
MOBILE: 07854 953277