Much about food production has changed, for both consumers and farmers. Farmers must adapt to changing times, just like any other business. The world will be 9.6 billion people by 2050. To meet the growing world’s food needs, farmers will need to be innovative and use a variety technologies. Biotechnology, also known as genetic engineering, is one example of new technology that can be used to produce more food from the same amount land without destroying wildlife habitats.

An International Food Information Council (IFIC) study from 2014.Consumer Perceptions of Food TechnologyThe survey, “The Future of Agriculture,” found that seven out 10 consumers agreed that modern agriculture (conventional farming with modern tools and equipment) can be sustainable and produce healthy and nutritious foods. A majority (66%) of respondents stated that it was important for their food to be grown sustainably. This includes producing food with less resources or more, and in a better way for the environment.

“When consumers understand the potential benefits that technology in food production can have for both people and the planet, they can get behind it,”Marianne Smith Edge MS, RD. LD. FADA and senior vice president for Nutrition and Food Safety at IFIC. “People need to know what’s in it for them.”According to this, the majority of those who ranked these sustainability factors as important believe that biotechnology has a place.

* Ensuring a sufficient food supply for a growing global population

* Producing more food with fewer natural resources

* Conserving the natural habitat

* Reducing carbon footprint

IFIC Foundation’s animated video “Modern Agriculture” shows how the Foundation addresses increasing interest in the production of our food.Your Food, Farm to Table“This video shows how farmers around the world are trying to grow food all year round. It also includes technology that allows them to produce more food with less strain on their natural resources. More “precise”Farmers have more information available to them, which allows them to be more selective in selecting fertilizers, pesticides and other fuel-run machinery, as well as irrigation water. This allows them to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2), pesticide use, soil erosion, water run-off and other environmental impacts, which can lead to improved sustainability.

Visit this video to see more about the role of biotechnology in producing food sustainably and efficiently. www.foodinsight.org/farm4thought.