Wheat Initiative Calls For Global Research Effort to Boost Crop Output

The international "Wheat Initiative" is calling for combined research efforts to boost the global wheat harvest because according to the organisation, a 60% increase in wheat production will be needed by 2050 to meet the demand of a growing population. The international consortium gathering public institutions and private companies, was created as part of the 2011 action plan of the G20 Agricultural Ministries to coordinate global wheat research and contribute to global food security.

The Wheat Initiative presented its plan of action now and argues that "wheat is a major staple crop worldwide but its production has not reached demand in 10 of the 15 past years. Wheat yield models indicate that climate change will reduce wheat yield potential in its major producing areas, and that wheat farmers in South Asia and North Africa will be hit hardest. Hence, all countries share an urgent need to increase the rate of wheat genetic progress for yield, nutrient and water use efficiency, adaptation to biotic and abiotic stress, whilst ensuring the production of high quality and safe products. To take full advantage of the genetic potential, improved agronomic practices and development of innovative cropping systems are paramount.

These needs are immediate and will most efficiently and rapidly be addressed by ensuring coordination and communication among the international wheat scientific community, establishing common goals, sharing resources and information, enhancing technology delivery to breeders, agronomists, and farmers globally and by improved coordination among public and private research funding organizations.

The main objective of the Wheat Initiative is therefore to co-ordinate global wheat research so that, through international efforts, the progress needed to increase wheat production, quality and sustainability can be achieved, thus contributing to the global efforts towards food security and safety under changing climate conditions."

Background about wheat, the most widely cultivated cereal:

With more than 215 million hectares planted annually, wheat is the most widely cultivated cereal in the world. It is the most important protein source and provides around 20% of global calories for human consumption. With around 130 million tons, annual global wheat trade is higher than that of maize and rice combined. More than 60% of wheat is produced in emerging and developing countries: China and India together produce nearly twice as much wheat as the USA and Russia combined. In North Africa and West and Central Asia, wheat is the dominant staple crop and provides 40 – 50% of all calories. Stable and reliable wheat production and the maintenance of prices at an affordable level are therefore paramount for global food security and political stability.