DuPont Nutrition & Health looks to the next 50 years

BRABRAND, Denmark – DuPont Nutrition & Health turns 50 this year, and as part of its celebration, held discussions amongst experts in the food industry, government, and academic field, on the topic of science innovation and how this can overcome challenges such as food security.

DuPont Nutrition & Health Brabrand site 

“Today we are celebrating 50 years of science and innovation at the core of our global food research activities. It is here where we consolidate our knowledge to anticipate and address human needs around the world,” said Craig F. Binetti, president of DuPont Nutrition & Health. “As we look to the next 50 years, we continue to work in close collaboration with our customers, governments, academia, NGOs and others to find new and better ways to solve food and nutrition challenges, and to create sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer and healthier life.”

Fast-growing population

Every year, global population increases by over 75 million. In order to meet demand, farmers will have to produce almost twice the world’s total food production, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). For this, the world will rely on the 500 million smallholder farmers who produce much of the agricultural output in developing countries, in places where there is less arable land and water. Ironically, the world wastes nearly one-third of food produced annually. This remains a major concern.

Reaching the grassroots

DuPont believes that overcoming the threats to the global food supply will require taking scientific innovation well beyond the lab into fields and local communities, especially in developing economies such as Sub-Saharan Africa and South and Southeast Asia where the majority of the chronically malnourished population live. DuPont businesses – Pioneer, Crop Protection, Nutrition & Health, Packaging & Industrial Polymers and Industrial Biosciences – are working together and are committed to making food more nutritious, safer and available to people everywhere.

“We know it will take continued cooperation, innovation and investment in agriculture, food and nutrition to overcome the vast challenges to feeding the world’s growing population,” added Mr Binetti. “At DuPont, collaboration and innovation are tools for success here and around the world; it is where we come together. And it is at the heart of our celebration today.”

DuPont has been providing industry with sustainable, bio-based ingredients and advanced molecular diagnostic solutions for 50 years  

Scientific innovations have succeeded in significantly enhancing the quality and quantity of food production around the world. Innovations include maximising the productivity potential of seeds – even in harsh conditions; keeping crops pest and disease free; enhancing the nutritional value of staple foods; and reducing waste by keeping food fresher longer.