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News Release 11-249

New Projection Shows Global Food Demand Doubling by 2050

Increasing yield in poorer countries could decrease adverse environmental effects

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a farm and forests in midst of fall color change.

Global demand for food could double by 2050, newly released projections show.

Credit: USDA-ARS


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pumpkins in crates with a truck in the background.

Crop yields for wealthier vs. poorer nations were more than 300 percent higher in 2005.

Credit: USDA


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a field of wheat with a road through the center of the image.

The world will face major environmental problems unless agricultural practices change.

Credit: USDA


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rows of unplanted crops in center and rows of planted crops on right and left.

Greenhouse gas emissions may double by 2050 if current food production trends continue.

Credit: USDA


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agricultural lands and forest with study area highlighted in yellow.

Many greenhouse gas emissions are from land-clearing, threatening species extinctions.

Credit: USDA


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people working in a field planted with crops.

New ways of meeting demand for food need to be explored, scientists have found.

Credit: USDA


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