IFAMA conference features roundtable discussions

Jun 16, 2015

Sessions will revolve around how to feed 9 billion people

By Diego Flammini, Farms.com

Sometimes it can seem like a tough task to feed a family of three or four.

Imagine having to feed 9.2 billion people.

It’s estimated that by the year 2050, Earth’s population will reach more than 9 billion people – and they will need to eat.

The International Food and Agribusiness Management Association (IFAMA) World Conference takes place until Wednesday, June 17th, 2015. The conference brings together the brightest minds in food, agribusiness, agriculture and education to participate in roundtable discussions on how to ensure there’s enough food to go around while tackling three big challenges: people, climate and big data.

The theme of the conference, taking place in St. Paul, Minnesota, is Become the Solution: Food Security 2050.

The roundtable discussions include:

21st Century Careers in Food and Agriculture; No Longer Just Cows and Plows
This session will revolve around the potential for students to find sustainable employment and success in agriculture as a career. There is currently a shortage of people working in agriculture and Mary Kay Delvo, Director of Membership and Development for Minnesota AgriGrowth Council will discuss why that is and what can be done to improve the numbers.

Roundtable

Resource-Constrained Smart Production in Africa
In 2010, Africa’s share of the global population was around 15%. In 2050, it’s expected to be 25%. This roundtable, moderated by Ajuruchukwu Obi, Professor of Agricultural Economics at University of Fort Hare, will explore the science, policies, and education that Africa should be looking into to achieve proper food security by 2050.

Join the conversation and tell us your thoughts about the IFAMA World Conference. What are some other challenges people in agriculture and agri-food will face as 2050 approaches?