Part 1 The issues of plant science and food security

The underpinning fundamental challenge of food security is to match supply and demand. In a simple world this challenge would be met by straightforward technology that balances these two market forces. However, we do not live in a simple world. Innovations to save labour in production, for example, would be damaging if they eliminate the only source of personal income for farmworkers. In other settings the same innovation could release time for people to participate in education or business activities and lead to growth of the local economy. Any new technology should, therefore, be appropriate to the environment and society in which it is to be applied. However, even setting aside the context, the balance of supply with demand is a complex topic. The crop technology which is fundamental to all aspects of food security needs to address more than simple accumulation of calorie reserves for consumption by animals and people – although yield is important. It needs to address sustainability through reduced greenhouse gas emissions and carbon sequestration. Soil erosion, aquifer depletion and impact on other ecosystem services including biodiversity should all be minimised and there should be a net benefit of the new technology on farm income through a combination of direct and indirect effects.