CRISPR Access to Fight Hunger

Science and technology advancements are often expensive and therefore can be unavailable to those who need it most. A university in the Netherlands is breaking the mold and offering access to CRISPR-Cas technology to non-profits in the fight against food insecurity. The linked release includes text and a couple videos regarding the announcement and an explanation of CRISPR-Cas. We encouraged you to explore the linked news release below and utilize the discussion points to engage with others around the globe. 

WUR gives away CRISPR intellectual property licenses 

Discussion Points

• What is CRISPR-Cas technology?
• How does CRISPR-Cas technology have the potential to fight hunger around the world?
• Why is the concept of granting complimentary licenses of CRISPR-Cas technology such a ground-breaking concept? Do you think this is a good thing or not?
• Should other universities and companies follow this example with CRISPR-Cas and other scientific technologies? Why or why not? Do you see this as common practice in the future? Do you think different countries around the world have different outlooks?

Acute Hunger on the Rise

Many will agree that the last year has provided great challenges for many. Challenges around hunger have been magnified in some parts of the world. Recently a report from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the World Food Programme was released highlighting the challenges facing our world regarding "hunger hotspots." We invite you to read the linked article and utilize the discussion points below to encourage conversations with others.

Acute hunger set to soar in over 20 countries

Discussion Points

• What from this article stuck with you or surprised you? Why?
• There were several key drivers of acute food insecurity that were shared. Which do you feel provides the greatest threat to food security and why?
• Of the threat you identified what are potential solutions? How do we create change?
• There seemed to be great focus on immediate aid which is needed. How do we work towards more sustainable change and improvement over a long period of time? 

A Conversation with Hunger

We often envision hunger as a problem that exists in far off countries and unknown lands, but the reality is that hunger is everywhere. A couple weeks back we highlighted a poetry contest around hunger as a part of #GLAG21.  Recently Roger Thurow authored a piece highlighting a poem by AaronR the Poet inspired by Hiram Larew's Poetry X Hunger. You are encouraged to read the linked post and watch the video included. Following we invite you to utilize the discussion points to guide your conversations with others around the globe.

Talking Back to Hunger

Discussion Points

• What resonated with you from the blog entry or video and why?
• What does hunger look like in your home area? What does it look like in other parts of the world? Compare and contrast the two visions you have.
• "Having food to eat shouldn't be a privilege, but a basic life necessity." What does this line from the poem mean to you?
• How can we combat hunger both locally and globally in a sustainable manner? Share your thoughts and reflect on others. 

We challenge you to take action!

Empowering Women in Agriculture

 Women are essential to the success of agriculture, but yet face many boundaries and challenges in agriculture. At the Borlaug Dialogue as part of the World Food Prize last week H.E. Gilbert Houngbo (President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development) shared the following, "If women were to have the same productive resources, in agriculture, as men we would have 150 million less people suffering from malnutrition and hunger." Below is a video that was shared a couple days ago by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations celebrating International Rural Women's Day. We encourage you to watch the video linked below and utilize the discussion points to guide your conversations around the globe. 

Pakistan International Rural Women's Day

Discussion Points

• What did you notice from the video? Could be visual footage or text.
• What is your main takeaway from the video? What surprised you or did not surprise you?
• What role do women play in agriculture in your local area? What are the attitudes towards women in agriculture in your local area? Compare and contrast women's roles in agriculture from different parts of the world.
• It what ways can women in agriculture be empowered locally and globally? 
• As the woman in the video asks, "What do you say?"

#FoodPrize20

 It is World Food Prize week! In past years leaders and experts in agriculture, food, and nutrition from around the globe gather in Des Moines, Iowa (USA) in mid-October. In our current times we are called to gather in a virtual community. This year, like past years, has provided an excellent opportunity to learn from one another and create positive change in the world around us at home and abroad. We encourage you to discuss some of the impactful quotes shared throughout the week, so far, and utilize the discussion points below to guide your conversations with others around the globe. 

Discussion Points

• Of the quotes shared below, which quotes grab your attention and why?
• Identify a quote (or a couple quotes) from below that apply to you currently (or you can relate to). How and why does this quote/quotes apply to you and/or your local community?
• Are there any quotes that you disagree with or would like to challenge further? Explain.
• Pick a quote to explore further. Let the quote lead you to further research. Share your findings with others. 

Translating Climate Science to Action

• "The climate crisis is here right now. It is getting worse. We have the solutions. It is already drastically impacting farmers. You all, particularly the young people, give me hope, that we can and we will solve the climate crisis." Al Gore, Former Vice President of the United States
• "Humans are the mirror image of the land we live upon." Dr. Rattan Lal, Distinguished Professor at The Ohio State University

Carbon Sequestration, Sustainability in Agriculture, and the Rise of Carbon Markets

• "When I harvest, I harvest the crop, I harvest information, and I harvest CO2 from the atmosphere. That is a win-win-win, not just a win-win." Gabriel Carballal, Farmer from Uruguay
• "Farmers are the world's largest group of land stewards." Sally Rockey, Executive Director of Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research

Investment Innovations for Food Systems Transformation

• "I believe that finance and investment has got to come from all sources." Ted McKinney, Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign agricultural Affairs, US Department of Agriculture
• "The people need the planet; the planet doesn't need people." Hillary Barry, Founder and Secretary General, LadyAgri Impact Investment Hub

The Role of Media in Shaping Public Engagement in Food Systems

• "Disseminating science has never been more challenging than in the current landscape." Alex Lamm, Associate Professor at the University of Georgia
• "We are all consumers of information and media and we must train ourselves to distinguish reliable sources from unreliable information and sources." Adam Roberts, Midwest Correspondent with The Economist

Safe, Affordable, Nutritious Food Year Round: Global Aspirations to Local Application for Nutrition

• "In order to feed, in order to produce food, for 10 billion people by 2050...what the world needs is to add an additional 450 million hectares of planting nutrient dense foods and 630 million less hectares of nutrient deficient foods." Pedro Sanchez, 2002 World food Prize Laureate
• "Poor diets are not simply a matter of personal choices. Many people cannot access or afford nutritious food." Renata Micha, Chair of the Independent Expert Group, Global Nutrition Report

Keynote: H.E. Gilbert Houngbo

• "If the women were to have the same productive resources, in agriculture, as men we would have 150 million less people suffering from malnutrition and hunger." H.E. Gilbert Houngbo, President of International Fund for agricultural Development
• "Economic and environmental development must go hand in hand." H.E. Gilbert Houngbo

Remarks from 2020 Laureate

• "Science is useless if it does not serve humanity." Dr. Rattan Lal
• "I believe that helping people, plants, animals, and ecosystems is one and indivisible." Dr. Rattan Lal

Do not let the conversations end here. Jump on social media using #FoodPrize20 to engage further!

Global Agricultural and Food Markets

The State of Agricultural Commodity Markets report from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations launches September 23rd. In leading up to it's launch a couple personnel with the FAO highlight some key points and challenges facing us. We encourage you to watch the linked videos below and utilize the discussion points below to guide your conversations around the globe!

Interview with Maximo Torero

Interview with George Rapsomanikis

Discussion Points

• After watching the two videos what stuck with you? What was alarming? Why?
• What were some of the food/hunger challenges mentioned in the videos?
• Why is global trade so important to our food systems? What is the benefit of reducing trade barriers for the food system?
• If we reduce trade barriers for the food system is there the possibility for unintended consequences? Does this look different depending which country you call home? Explain your thoughts?

Food Security and COVID-19

This week we highlight a video from the Chicago Council on Global Affairs featuring Roger Thurow. This is part of their "Wait Just a Minute" series. We encourage you to watch the linked video, on food security, and utilize the discussion points below to guide your conversations around the globe!

Wait Just a Minute: Roger Thurow on Food Security

Discussion Points

• How has COVID-19 impacted food security at home and abroad?
• Why is hunger an ignored issue in the USA? If you live outside of the USA is hunger an ignored issue in your home country? Why or why not?
• Share your ideas on fighting food insecurity both locally and around the globe.
• The final question asked of Roger is, "What gives you hope?" What gives you hope personally in regards to food security?

World Food Prize Reflections

Last week I was able to attend a week of World Food Prize events in Des Moines, Iowa and we were even able to host a Laureate Lecture on campus in Waterloo. The week is always filled with incredible and inspiring learning opportunities. Throughout the week I took note of many pieces of information and quotes shared. Below you will find a small selection of some quotes I took note of. I encourage you to read through the quotes below and challenge you to discuss with others around the globe!

Challenge:

1. Read each quote individually.
2. Pick at least two quotes to think about and analyze further, in regards to solving world hunger and malnutrition and/or improving agriculture around the globe.
3. Share your thoughts: Discuss with others, raise awareness on social media, create a poster to share with your class/school, and/or take action.

"When rebuilding after conflict nothing can be accomplished until we eat. We must have food in our stomach before anything else." H.E. Chanthol Sun

"We can do well by doing good. Profit and fulfilling a mission can be done together." Polly Ruhland

"We are very good at describing a world we do not want, but we are not very good at describing the world we do want. We must have a vision." Roy Steiner

"Can we feed nine billion people by 2045? When I look at the science and technology I am optimistic, but the pessimistic side of me is concerned by the role politics and regulations play." Chris Nelson

"It's about feeding the world, without starving the earth." Liam Condon

"We all must work off the same data and information before change can happen." Sara Menker

"All lives have equal value, but not all lives have equal opportunities." Roger Voorhies

"In a world with less and less certainty we need more diversity (seed and plant)." Lawrence Haddad

World Food Day

World Food Day is October 16th. Linked below is a video that challenges you to think about the way food is produced, prepared, and impacts our daily lives and those around us. As World Food Day approaches we challenge you to engage with others around the globe to discuss these important issues. Maybe it is engaging with others utilizing the discussion points below or creating posters in your school that brings attention to the challenges and opportunities in front of us.

World Food Day 2019

Discussion Points

• There is a statement in the video "#zerohunger goes beyond hunger." What does this mean to you?
• What challenges face your community, state, and the entire world when it comes to hunger and nutrition? 
• The video states a need for us to change our food systems and how and what we eat? Do you agree with this? Why or why not? 
• Why is it a challenge to change food systems and how and what people eat? How do we overcome these challenges? 
• It is shared that we need to take action to provide a healthy diet for all. How can you take action personally to make this happen? 

Food Insecurity in North Korea

We often hear stories coming out of North Korea, but they usually do not focus around food insecurity or hunger. Linked below is an article from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations that examines food insecurity and hunger in North Korea. You are encouraged to read the linked article and utilize the discussion points below to guide your conversations. 

10 Million People in North Korea Face Food Shortages

Discussion Points

• What does the food and agriculture landscape look like in North Korea currently?
• What do you feel could be done to alleviate hunger and food insecurity in North Korea?
• About a quarter of the way into the article the government's "Public Distribution System" is mentioned. What is this and how does it work? Do additional research if needed. 
• There has often been controversy around the North Korean government. Should this controversy impact food assistance/aid? Explain your reasoning. 

Global Food Crises

The 2019 Global Food Crises report is now available. This week we share a story from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) which gives an overview of the report as well as links to the full report from the Food Security Information Network. Along with the article FAO also shares a short video recap of the report. Both are linked below. We encourage you to check out the material shared and utilize the discussion points to guide further conversations.

FAO Article

FAO Video

FSIN Full Report

Discussion Points

• What pieces of information or facts surprised you the most and why?
• There are a couple major factors mentioned contributing to global hunger. Which of these do you feel provides the greatest threat and why?
• Of the factors mentioned, contributing to global hunger, which do you think is the easiest to combat and why?
• What can be done to decrease global hunger around the world? What can we do as individuals to help reduce global hunger? 

What does FOOD mean to you?

This is a very busy week in Des Moines, Iowa (USA) with World Food Prize events and this past Tuesday (October 16, 2008) was World Food Day. This week we highlight a video created for World Food Day that features many stories of food and food production around the globe. We encourage you to watch the linked video and strike up conversations with others around the world!

World Food Day Video

Discussion Points

• We will pose the question that was highlighted at the beginning of the video to you. What does food mean to you? 
• What are some of the main reasons for hunger around the world?
• Several stories are highlighted throughout the video. Which story stuck out to you and why?
• What action can you take to help ensure a #ZeroHunger future?

Acute Hunger Grows

A recent report emphasizes the rise in acute hunger around the globe and why it is so alarming. Acute hunger is defined as so severe that "it poses an immediate threat to lives and livelihoods." We encourage you to read over the linked article and utilize the discussion points provided to guide your conversations around the globe.

Acute Hunger Intensifies

Discusion Points

• Last year globally there was an increase in acute hunger. Why did we see this increase?
• Conflict and weather are key factors that were noted as contributing to world hunger.  Explain why these two factors contribute so greatly to hunger.
•  How do we combat the challenges that conflict and weather bring to world hunger? How do we solve these issues in your opinion? Give specific examples.
• Towards the end of the article key messages are shared. Of these key messages what stuck out to you the most and why?

Gene Editing and Global Hunger

This week we take a look at the potential impact of gene editing and genetic modifications to impact hunger at a global level. This topic often can become controversial, but there are opportunities for great discussion if civil discussions can occur. We encourage you to utilize the discussion points below to have conversations around gene editing and genetic modifications in agriculture with others. It is important to have these conversations with those in agriculture, but we challenge you to have these conversations with those not directly tied to agriculture as well. Everyone is a consumer and needs to know their options and be able to make educated decisions.

Can gene editing provide a solution to global hunger?

Discussion Points

• How can genetically modified or gene edited crops help combat global hunger?
• What is the difference between genetically modifying and gene editing?
• What are the benefits and concerns with gene editing and gene modification? 
• Do some additional research. What does science say about the safety of gene editing and genetic modification of agricultural products?
• In your opinion what role will gene editing and gene modification play in the role of battling global hunger? What has it's role in the past been?

Now is the Time: Agriculture and Our World

We only have one world. An astronaut shares his experiences from space and how his unique perspective has made him look at our world and agriculture differently. We encourage you to watch the short video linked below from the FAO and utilize the discussion points to guide conversations in your classrooms, coffee shops, and communities around the world!

We Only Have One Earth 

Discussion Points

• Of the points shared throughout this video which surprised you the most and why?
• What are your general thoughts after watching this video? Do you agree with all points? Some points? None at all? Justify and explain your responses. Provide support for your views.
• The video mentions that forests, soils, and oceans can be huge "carbon sinks." What does this mean? If you need to do additional research go for it!
• At one point in the video their is a call for action. "Now is the time to take action." What can you do to make a positive impact today where you are at in your life?

European Scientists Call for Change

A recent report put out by scientists in Europe is calling for analysis and change in our agriculture systems. I have linked an article below that shares some of their findings and calls for action. We encourage you to read over the linked article and utilize the discussion points below to guide your conversations in your clasrrooms and communities around the globe!

Call for Urgent Action on Food Security

Discussion Points

• Why do these scientists see a need for change in our agriculture systems? How do they justify these needed changes?
• Under the heading "Food consumption will need to change to improve consumer health:" there are several points shared for change. Of these which do you feel has the greatest potential for change and impact? Explain your response.
• Under this same heading which do you feel has the least potential for change and why?
• There are many scientific advancements and technologies that can attribute to a change in our agriculture systems mentioned in this article. Which practice/technology stuck out to you as the most promising?Justify your response.
• Overall what was your take-a-ways from this article? Do you agree? Disagree? Why?

World Hunger on the Rise

World hunger and malnutrition is a battle that continues to be fought. A recent report found that hunger is on the rise after several years of decline. We encourage you to look over the linked article and utilize the discussion points to guide conversations with others around the globe!

World Hunger Again on the Rise

Discussion Points

• Explain the trend of global hunger over the past years.
• Two main factors have been attributed to the resurgence of hunger and malnutrition. Identify and explain these two factors.
• Look over the "Key Numbers" section. Which facts stick out to you and why?
• In your opinion how do we work towards eradicating hunger and malnutrition?

Dairy and Asian Nutrition

What hunger and nutrition looks like is changing in Asia. The article linked below takes a look at hunger and nutrition trends and issues in Asia. We encourage you to read the linked article and have conversations with others around the globe utilizing the discussion points provided.

Dairy Potential Ally in Asian Nutrition

Discussion Points

• What has been the trend in regards to hunger in Asia in the last 25 years and why have we seen this?
• How are diets and health changing in Asia and why?
• What is the difference between hunger and malnutrition?
• Why are small dairy farmers in Asia key to battling malnutrition?
• What are additional ways that nutrition can be improved in Asia as well as your local community?
• Often times people will state that "healthy food starts with a healthy soil." What does this statement mean to you?

Borlaug Dialogue Closes: Take Action

Today was the third and final day of the World Food Prize and Borlaug Dialogue for us. It was a great three days of learning and we are excited to tackle the challenge of feeding approximately 10 million people by 2050. Once again we have highlights from sessions from day three below. Utilize the points below to keep the conversations going and from there take action to feed our growing world.

Here is a picture of the four Laureates for this year on the stage this morning explaining their project with sweet potatoes.

Breakfast Keynote Address: Liam Condon

• Diversity is crucial in agriculture.
• When offering solutions in agriculture they must fit with local culture.
• "For he who has health, has hope and he who has hope, has everything." Thomas Carlyle

The Challenge of Change: Engaging Public Universities to Feed the World

• We need to focus more on interdisciplinary work and collaboration.
• We need to focus on problems rather than disciplines.
•  This is a global agenda and will take global partnerships.

Women Leaders Driving Science and Innovation for Agricultural Transformation in Africa

• People don't trust traditional knowledge.
• Women scientists face the challenge of validating themselves.
• We must bring mechanization to women in Africa.

A Conversation with the 2016 World Food Prize Laureates

• We must keep our eye on the goal. Improve dietary quality.
• If you are speaking different languages you'll be doing different things. (Scientific versus arts, etc.)
• Having both parties in the same room isn't enough. They also must listen to each other.

Celebrating 30 Years of the Borlaug-Sasakawa/World Food Prize Legacy

• We have to be ready for anything and everything.
• Norm's Keys to Success
• He was passionate
• He never gave up
• He kept it simple
• We must be on the ground battling everyday to solve world hunger. Do it and do it on the ground/in the fields.

While this may have concluded the 30th World Food Prize and Borlaug Dialogue please do not let your conversations around the world stop. Keep the dialogue going and take action to tackle the challenges in front of us!

Inspiring Day Two at The World Food Prize

It was a great second and full day at The World Food Prize in Des Moines, Iowa. As yesterday, we will highlight key points from various sessions and presentations throughout the day. We encourage you to reflect on the points below and entertain discussion with others around the globe!

Borlaug-Rockefeller: Inspiring the Next Generation

• Instead of buying machinery we need an Uber for farm equipment in developing countries.
• Sending out technology without training is a waste.
• We must improve teamwork to move forward in agriculture. The human species must work better together.

Presentation form Kellogg Company

• One in nine people globally are hungry.
• We will need 70% more food by 2050.
• We must work with farmers on climate smart practices, increased yields, and sustainability.

Presentation from Hormel Foods

Hormel highlighted the work they are doing in Guatemala with project Spammy. Spammy is a fortified poultry (turkey) spread providing needed vitamins and minerals to diets. Spammy is a product that can be spread onto and cooked into many dishes. It took many strong partners working together to achieve this success.

Keynote Address from the World Bank Group

• 156 million children under the age of five are stunted worldwide.
• Only half of three to six year olds have access to pre-primary education.
• Investing in young children supports economic growth.
• Made a call for smart policies, scientific innovation, and political will.

Presentation from DuPont

• Individuals are much more likely to suffer chronic diseases throughout like if undernourished in younger years.
• The focus should not just be on calories.
• Small holder farmers are critical to food security.

Weathering the Storms: Progress and Challenges for Agriculture and Food Security in Asia and Latin America

• We have a huge opportunity with data. We now have lots of data. The key is how we use it.
• There have been many benefits of more exported agriculture products including improved food safety and quality around the world. With exports all are held to a higher standard.
• No country on it's own can be food secure and nutritious with what it produces.

Keynote Address: H.E. Akinwumi A. Adesina

• Don't just focus on filling the stomach, but filling the body with nutrition.
• Stunted children today leads to a stunted economy tomorrow.
• Access to food in the right quantity and quality is every human's right.

Presentation from Syngenta Seeds

• Good growth plan is needed
• More food, less waste
• More biodiversity, less degradation
• More health, less poverty
• If you can measure it, you can manage it. If you can manage it, you can improve it.
• Open access to information is key.

Secretary of Agriculture Vilsack Address

• We need to develop a greater respect for science.
• In the U.S. we need to better recognize the role of women in agriculture.
• In U.S. 30% of farmers income comes from trade and exports. Trade is essential to agriculture.

It was another spectacular day with many great connections made! We look forward to the third and final day of the Borlaug Dialogue on Friday.