According to the latest figures published by the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), 800 million people suffered from famine in 2020. This trend is on the rise due to the coronavirus pandemic. Around one-third of the world’s population do not have access to adequate nutrition. Guaranteeing food security is therefore the most fundamental aim of agricultural production worldwide. Owing to the continued strong population growth, the increasing soil erosion, climate change, pest pressure and centers of conflict, the aim of guaranteeing global food security is a herculean task. One that cannot be achieved without using new technologies that allow for larger harvests from smaller land areas and with less water, fertilizer and pesticides being used.

Safe technologies

The demands placed upon new technologies are considerable. Not only is the production of a sufficient number of calories important, the safety of people and the environment is also vital. There is a great deal of hope being pinned on green genetic engineering and in particular genome editing. They have the potential to massively improve food security. The rapid cultivation of new and robust varieties is vital in the race against climate change. In addition, researchers are in agreement that genetic engineering is as safe for humans and the environment as conventional plant cultivation methods.

Secure yields

We will not be able to achieve this in the future without using pesticides. They are becoming more targeted in their effects and thus more environmentally friendly. Banning them from being used in agriculture would cause more uncertainty than it would safety. On the one hand, without pesticides the food loss from the field would increase, which would result in a rise in food insecurity. Pesticides will also secure yields in the future. At the same time, pesticides will continue to undergo intensive testing. They have to meet strict requirements with respect to food safety.

Safe food

For example, fungicides help to ensure food safety in wheat farming by fighting carcinogenic fungi (mycotoxins) and there protecting consumers. This ensures that only high-quality wheat that does not contain any dangerous toxins from mold fungi is used to produce our daily bread. In this way, pesticides help to ensure food safety. Without pesticides, cleaning agents and disinfectants (biocides) would not be able to be used in food processing processes. They ensure germ-free production, are an active method of preventing diseases and increase the trust that consumers place in food. Ultimately, there is no trust if there is no safety or security.