‘Can genomics feed the world?’

With a rapidly growing global population and increasingly unstable environment, humanity is facing an increasing probability of a global food deficit, with associated starvation and political and economic turmoil. The impact of climate change on agricultural food production is very difficult to predict with accuracy, however there is agreement that action is required to address the impact of climate change on food production if we are to avoid a global food deficit.

The application of genomics is the most promising means to improve crop productivity and resilience and feed this expanding population. Recent advances in genomics technology enable the sequencing of crop genomes, the association of genetic variation with agronomic traits and the selection of varieties with enhanced genetic makeup. The accelerated application of genomics for crop improvement is essential if we are to bridge the gap between food demand and production.