Wanted: Drought resistant crops

With over 60% of continental US suffering drought it is perhaps no surprise Purdue University is promoting its work to find drought-resistance genes.

The search for these genes is focusing on tropical varieties of corn; the genes would be transferred to American corn varieties along with the drought tolerance they confer on plants. The desired equation is simple: maximum yield for minimum water use. As such, it is likely the most useful genes will be related to the control of transpiration -- the opening and closing of stomata on the leaf surface.

Meanwhile, the US droughts are forcing authorities to open up protected land to help farmers feed stock. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has authority to open up land under the voluntary Conservation Reserve Programme for emergency grazing.

According to US Drought Monitor data, 88% of US corn and 87% of US soybean crops are in drought-stricken areas. Global grain prices have soared over recent weeks.

US must make food security a G8 priority

Today The Chicago Council on Global Affairs released a white paper (PDF) calling on the U.S. government to make global agricultural development and food security a priority agenda item at the G8 Summit, May 18-19. 

The white paper, developed by a bi-partisan working group of former government, international organization, business, and academic leaders, offers recommendations on how G8 governments can advance an international commitment to agricultural development in order to increase global food production and alleviate poverty.


It urges G8 countries to sustain their financial commitments to food security and launch an international research initiative to develop new agricultural varieties resistant to weather extremes, water scarcity, disease, and related risks. It also recommends G8 members spur innovation and engage the private sector by reducing regulatory barriers, building capacity, strengthening intellectual property protections, and adopting and implementing policies to increase trade in commodities and food.


Low agricultural productivity in the developing world, along with commodity price volatility, extreme weather, and conflict continue to exacerbate global food insecurity. Almost 925 million people suffer from chronic malnourishment. Agricultural production will need to more than double in the coming decades to overcome the challenge of global hunger, alleviate poverty through increasing the incomes of those living in rural areas, and meet growing demand for food.

2012 marks the third and final year of the 2009 G8 L’Aquila Food Security Initiative which set out a new framework for delivering agricultural development assistance and marked a landmark $21.5 billion pledge. This commitment has begun stimulating new efforts to improve food security, especially in the least developed nations. However, many pledges are not yet fulfilled, and there is a strong risk that progress will not be sustained without a renewed G8 and international commitment. In hosting the G8 Summit this May, the United States has the opportunity to catalyze expanded international support of global agricultural development.