Experts predict that crop production will have to increase by between 70 and 100% by 2050 to meet growing demand for human food and animal feed. However, this is easier said than done. Efforts to increase yields are challenged by factors such as the accelerating pace of climate change and greater climatic variability, an annual drop in the amount of arable land available worldwide and growing water shortages.
These threats are compounded by rising pest and biosecurity risks as insects move to new geographies and become more resistant to pesticides. Already it is estimated that insects alone cause loss of food sufficient to sustain about one billion people – roughly the number of people who are currently undernourished worldwide.
Finding Answers
Securing and increasing the world’s food supplies calls for effective crop science technologies. In other words, ways of protecting valuable crops against pests and diseases both before and after they have been harvested.
As a leading global supplier of speciality gases, we have over 100 years’ experience in developing and delivering gas-enabled innovations for the food industry. We understand our customers’ individual needs, production challenges, safety concerns and environmental responsibilities.
Guided by a strong sense of product stewardship and environmental care, we have developed pioneering new eco-friendly products that secure future food supplies by protecting agriculture and forestry against pests and diseases.