Skills shortage could lead to food insecurity

 A lack of scientists specialized in plant breeding could lead to ‘dire’ food security implications in Australia, and around the world, according to new research conducted across three continents. 

Plant breeding is a multidisciplinary science that underpins the global production of food, animal feed, fuel and fibre.  

A joint paper between Australia’s national science agency CSIRO, Lincoln University in New Zealand and McGill University to address the issue, has painted a concerning picture about future capacity in the plant breeding area. 

Retiring experts and a lack of tertiary-qualified students are both contributing to the global skills shortage, which the research shows must be urgently addressed to maintain our level of agrifood, fibre and feed production.

The report highlights several responses to the shortage, including taking a coordinated approach between the public and private sectors.  

McGill Plant Science Professor Valerio Hoyos-Villegas said one of the keys to addressing the shortage will be the establishment of dedicated training facilities in different countries. 

“We also need more focus on graduate programs in plant breeding, and increased private sector involvement if we are to keep pace with emerging scientific and technological advances in the sector," Dr. Hoyos-Villega said. 

“Due to the long-term nature and the variety of agricultural industries plant breeding serves, it is important that funding and research become a matter of priority, with modernized plant breeding education top of mind.” 

The paper, Cultivating Success: Bridging the Gaps in Plant Breeding Training in Australia, Canada and New Zealand, was published in Crop Science.