Study Shows Crop Yields Not on Pace to Meet Future Demand

Crop yields are increasing at a rate that won’t meet demand by the year 2050, according to a study published in the PLOS One journal. The study compiled agricultural data for maize, rice, wheat and soybeans and determined that yields need to increase by 2.4 percent per year to double global production and meet the 2050 demand projected from a rising population, diet shifts and biofuels. Based on the research, yields for maize, rice, wheat and soybeans are increasing at 1.6, 1.0, 0.9 and 1.3 percent, respectively, which is not fast enough; however, opportunities are available to improve yields through more efficient use of arable lands, spreading best management practices and reducing food waste. Review the study.