GLOBE-Net, February 10, 2012
- DuPont Executive Vice President Jim Borel yesterday urged
more than 200 business, government and non-profit leaders to commit
to a new level of collaboration and personal accountability to
achieve global food security.
His remarks came at The Economist Conferences
Feeding the World Summit in Geneva, which explores actions needed
to ensure that a global population rising to 9 billion or more can
be fed sustainably and equitably.
"We know that the consequences of hunger and malnutrition are so
devastating, so multi-faceted, that no one company, country or
organization has all the answers. It will take all of us working
collaboratively to ensure that every person has enough nutritious
food to eat," Jim said.
"Together, we must take action. Now is the time for increased
accountability to prevent the looming crisis that will have
ramifications for all people."
He provided several examples of how DuPont is committed to helping
feed a growing world, such as:
Developing a natural culture that
preserves and stabilizes raw milk, extending its shelf life by 8 to
12 hours. This product can help dairy farmers in developing
countries improve their business models, ensure a valuable protein
is available to their families and communities, and potentially
help lift them out of poverty.
Helping to equip the next generation
of smallholder farmers in Africa with skills to become
self-sustaining by investing $2 million over two years to establish
a comprehensive professional development institute for 4-H African
leadership. The company's initial focus is in Kenya, Tanzania,
Ghana, Ethiopia and South Africa - countries where the need to
engage young people in agriculture is greatest.
Using technology to deliver
drought-tolerant seeds to local farmers across the globe. These new
seeds will improve productivity and efficiency of water usage
across many different crops and regions.
"Science is global - but solutions
must be local," he said. "The chances of achieving that goal are
increased dramatically by creating science-based innovations that
target specific local challenges, collaborating with others on
solutions and bringing know-how to the people and places that need
it most."
DuPont has committed to invest $10 billion in research and
development dedicated to the food, agriculture and nutrition
sectors and advancing 4,000 new products by the end of 2020,
supporting training and education opportunities for youth around
the world, and working with farmers to improve the livelihoods of
families in rural communities.
Learn
more about DuPont's commitment to global food and water
security.
Around the world, agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and other
industries are in direct competition with both urban and rural
populations for access to water. Businesses and governments alike
are exploring options for the better management and governance of
water in order to improve access for all users. At GLOBE
2012, taking place in Vancouver,
Canada March 14-16, 2012, a distinguished panel of
experts will explore how improved technologies, infrastructure
investments, and information-based solutions are helping to improve
the supply of this critical resource.
Confirmed Participants:
Nicholas Parker, Chairman, Cleantech
Group and Corporate Knights,
Canada (Moderator),
Laurent Auguste, President & CEO,
Veolia Water Americas, USA,
Samir Brikho, Chief Executive, AMEC,
UK,
Jane Pagel, President & CEO,
Ontario Clean Water Agency, Canada,
Peter Williams, Distinguished
Engineer & Chief Technology Officer, Big Green Innovations, IBM
Corporation, USA