Research into new farming techniques and improved seed and nutrients have underwritten the success story of American agriculture. But the story is not over. World demand for food is expected to double by the year 2025, not only due to population growth, but the growing ability to buy food worldwide. If cultivated acreage had to double to meet such demand, more land would be crowded out in the competition among the needs for living space, agriculture and nature. The results would be disastrous.
Continued advances based on research are crucial to having an affordable and dependable food supply.
It is important, then that we clearly tell the public about the success of agricultural research . I am proud of what has been accomplished through this research. We have made significant strides through past efforts. However, we must never be complacent. We should always be searching for ways to improve on our successes.