Message from Harvey Perlman, Chancellor, University of Nebraska–Lincoln

There is no doubt that among the most pressing issues that will face our world in the next half century is how we will feed our growing populations. By 2050, our planet will need to support 9 billion people. And course, our planet is not growing any more arable land or producing more usable water. It is comforting to know that the best minds are already thinking ahead, planning for and laying the foundations for strategies to feed the world. And many of these minds are right here at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Similarly, the economy of Nebraska is well positioned to take a leadership role in both development and application of the new technologies necessary for addressing food scarcity.

This edition of Strategic Discussions for Nebraska, a project of the University of Nebraska’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, examines this problem. Opportunities for Nebraska, Volume Three: Food Scarcity engages the very best scientists, thinkers and researchers at the University. Researched and written entirely by students in a special topics Magazine Writing class, Food Scarcity was supported by the University of Nebraska Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, which under the leadership of Ronnie Green, its Harlan Vice Chancellor and University of Nebraska Vice President, is a key partner and collaborator in the project.

I am proud that Nebraska is, and will continue to be, a leader in the efforts to feed the world. Whether it involves developing new crops, new production methods, new technologies, or new influencing policies regarding land and water use, health resources and food distribution, UNL faculty are involved at every level. Eyes are on Nebraska to help address food scarcity. That will indeed be the overwhelming challenge for the generation of students who are now enrolled at UNL. The students who have taken part in researching this publication will have a better knowledge of the problem, and we envision them becoming informed decision-makers. Strategic Discussions for Nebraska allows our citizens to become involved as well. This publication bridges the gap between the laboratory and living room – giving Nebraskans the facts and materials necessary to make critical decisions about issues that will affect the future. We hope these publications spark discussion, comment and further inquiry.

We are indebted to the Robert and Ardis James Family Foundation whose generous contributions launched Strategic Discussions for Nebraska. Congratulations to Project Director Mary Garbacz of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources and to the students who researched, wrote and created this publication. I thank the many faculty members across the University who served as sources for the project. Thanks also to the members of the Strategic Discussions for Nebraska Advisory Board, who come from the University and the wider Nebraska business and educational communities. This group’s aid in identifying and targeting topics of interest has proven invaluable. And I extend particular thanks to Ronnie Green, vice chancellor at IANR, for his interest and ongoing support.

I know you will find this publication to be a useful tool in formulating opinions and policy that advance Nebraska’s progress.