DuPont CEO Calls for Science, Collaboration to Address Food Security at World Food Prize
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| Ellen Kullman |
Innovative science and collaboration are the cornerstone to addressing global food security, DuPont Chair & CEO
Ellen Kullman told international leaders yesterday at the
2011 World Food Prize.
With a theme of “The Next Generation: Confronting the Hunger Challenges of Tomorrow,” the annual World Food Prize attracts more than 1,000 global leaders, including former presidents, CEOs from Fortune 500 food and agriculture companies, World Food Prize laureates and policy experts. Together, they discuss how to address the current food crises and food security needs for people around the globe.
Ellen shared personal experiences with farmers and communities with scarce access to food.
“I’ve walked through fields with farmers on four continents,” she said. “I now understand many of the concerns they have and their hopes for the future for their families and communities.”
During her presentation, Ellen shared a brief vignette that showcased how something as small as a seed can make a significant difference in the lives of farmers, their families and communities. While she said no single company has all the answers, she outlined a few key steps she believes are integral to turning the tide on low food production, lack of access to food and hunger.
Make Sure Science is Local
Though science provides universal answers, Ellen said that solutions must be localized due to variations in climate, soils, cultural traditions and transportation infrastructure.
Don’t Underestimate the Power of Collaboration
Ellen encouraged attendees to invite the entire supply chain to join this discussion because it will take innovative thinkers from finance and technology to regulatory, health and development to tackle this complex issue. “Together, we can accomplish what no one can do alone.”
Invest in Science and Sustainable Solutions
Ellen urged leaders to invest in agriculture and contribute to sustainable global food security solutions. She emphasized DuPont’s focus on fostering inclusive innovation to address the world’s urgent needs: sustainably feeding the world, reducing our dependence on fossil fuels and safeguarding people and the environment.
Ellen also commended organizations such as the World Food Prize which are investing in the promotion of science and agriculture among youth — the next generation of leaders who will be pivotal in continuing the fight for food security.
“We have to work together through public-private collaborations and through a harmonized, science-based regulatory system to ensure farmers and consumers can benefit from new technologies,” she said.
For more information, Ellen directed attendees to visit the Global Collaboratory public-private collaborations to ensure farmers and consumers benefit from new technologies.
