This post originally appeared on Agri-Pulse. Agri-Pulse and The Chicago Council on Global Affairs are teaming up to host a monthly column to explore how the U.S. agriculture and food sector can maintain its competitive edge and advance food security in an increasingly integrated and dynamic world.
By Senator Amy Klobuchar
The statistics on global hunger are both familiar and daunting: The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization estimates that nearly 800 million people suffer from chronic hunger. The vast majority live in underdeveloped or developing regions that often lack sufficient resources to mitigate the problem.
We also face a growing global population. The regions that will experience the greatest population growth—Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia—have the lowest agricultural yields and will be most at risk for hunger and malnutrition. While U.S. food assistance programs are critical tools for meeting immediate needs, the enormity of these gaps demands longer-term, systemic solutions to food insecurity.
As a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, I know how important food security is to our nation and world. The U.S. government’s commitment to global food security is not just a moral imperative. It’s also critical for enhancing economic growth domestically and promoting national security. And the solutions are complex, requiring innovative thinking and innovative partnerships.
Continue reading on Agri-Pulse >