Japan is facing a severe rice shortage, driven by a confluence of factors including last summer’s extreme heat, an unprecedented surge in tourism, and government policies favoring livestock feed over rice. The shortage has sparked panic buying, price hikes, and concerns about the future of rice production in Japan, highlighting the intricate interplay between global tourism, food supply, and cultural identity.
Moa Technology, an Oxford University spin-out, has achieved remarkable results in international field trials of new herbicide classes with innovative modes of action. These findings offer hope for farmers struggling with weed resistance, a growing threat to global food security.
Professor Vo Tong Xuan, a leading agricultural scientist in Vietnam and globally recognized for his contributions to rice cultivation and food security, passed away on Monday at the age of 84. Xuan’s legacy includes the development of several Vietnamese rice varieties and the popularization of IR36 rice in the Mekong Delta region, where he played a crucial role in ensuring food security.
The European seed industry is facing a growing threat from patents, particularly in the area of new genetic editing techniques (NGTs). This could lead to increased corporate control over seeds, reduced genetic diversity, and potential risks to Europe’s food security.
A UN report reveals a grim reality: the global hunger crisis is worsening, making the 2030 goal of eliminating hunger increasingly unattainable. The number of people facing chronic hunger remains stagnant, with conflict, climate change, and economic crises exacerbating the situation. The report highlights stark inequalities, with low-income countries disproportionately affected, while urging for a more effective and focused approach to international aid.
With climate change leading to more frequent and severe droughts, scientists are racing to develop a wheat variety that can withstand these conditions. Wheat, a staple food for billions worldwide, is particularly vulnerable to water shortages due to its high water consumption. Traditional plant breeding methods have made some progress in creating drought-tolerant varieties, but the process is slow. Gene editing techniques, which allow for more precise changes to plant DNA, are offering new hope for a truly drought-resistant wheat. While challenges remain, such as the sheer complexity of the wheat genome, scientists are making strides and believe that this agricultural Holy Grail is within reach.
The northern Saskatchewan village of Cumberland House has declared a state of emergency due to deteriorating road conditions on Highway 123, the only road connecting it to the outside world. The highway is riddled with potholes and ruts, making it impassable for vehicles without four-wheel drive. The community is facing food insecurity as road access has been cut off, and fuel supplies are dwindling. The community is calling on the provincial government to address the long-term need for road repairs.
Cary Fowler and Geoffrey Hawtin, instrumental in creating the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, will receive the 2024 World Food Prize for their crucial role in preserving global crop diversity and safeguarding against future food crises.
Nearly 282 million people in 59 countries are facing acute hunger in 2023, a sharp increase from 2022. The Global Report on Food Crises warns that 705,000 people in five countries are at Phase 5, the highest level of hunger, with over 80% of these cases occurring in war-torn Gaza. Conflict and climate change continue to drive food insecurity, with South Sudan, Burkina Faso, Somalia, and Mali also facing catastrophic hunger. The report urges urgent action to address the underlying causes of hunger and malnutrition.
Five individuals in northern China have been detained by police for their alleged involvement in a major corn theft scheme, siphoning an estimated 10,000 tonnes of corn valued at approximately 25 million yuan (US$3.45 million) over two years. The incident highlights the heightened focus of Beijing on food security amid geopolitical tensions and global supply chain disruptions.
