The world’s population continues to grow and as it does food production must grow as well. DuPont is committed to finding food security solutions to the tune of $10 billion. Yesterday, at a food forum in Washington D.C. hosted by DuPont, executives shared their plan to help end hunger around the globe.

 

DuPont used the forum to announce its pledge of $10 billion to be used in research and development dedicated to global hunger solutions. The company plans to use the funds to develop 4,000 new products that will be released by the year 2020. This work will focus on producing more food, improving nutrition, increasing food availability, enhancing sustainability and reducing waste around the globe.

 

Ellen Kullman, CEO of DuPont, emphasized the importance of addressing food security and visiting smallholder farmers around the world, especially Africa. DuPont says that they are dedicated to improving rural economies. Through targeted collaborations and investments the company says it is devoted to improving the livelihoods of at least 3 million farmers around the globe by the year 2020.

 

DuPont utilized an external group of advisors, Advisory Committee on Agriculture Innovation and Productivity, to provide recommendations on how best to impact global food security. The Committee is led by former U.S. Senator Tom Daschle and also included Jo Luck, former president and CEO of Heifer International, Howard G. Buffett of the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, Jim Borel, Executive Vice President of DuPont, and Gene White of the Global Child Nutrition Foundation. This powerhouse committee of global food security experts recommended a shift in agriculture investments. Daschle says that with global grain stocks as tight as they have been in 40 years now is a critical time to ensure people around the world have access to food.

 

During the forum, Borel specified the companies food security goals, including engaging youth through special programs and partnerships with Global 4-H and the National FFA Association. He also stressed collaboration among many groups to comprehensively address food security. DuPont has developed corporate goals and clearly defined their commitment to reaching those goals by 2020. Learn more at foodsecurity.dupont.com.