The following post is brought to us by High School student Sydney Taylor of Portage la Prairie, Manitoba. Sydney had an opportunity to attend the 2014 Global Youth Institute hosted by the World Food Prize in Des Moines, Iowa this fall with scholarship assistance from Agriculture in the Classroom Manitoba, Manitoba Agriculture Food and Rural Development and the Manitoba Canola Growers.
Be Well…Jenn
Feed 9 billion people by 2050 – My generation’s goal
This was the topic that we explored at the Global Youth Institute in Des Moines, Iowa during the Borlaug 100 celebrations.
The conference was an incredible experience including 160 students from 5 different countries around the world. Canada was represented by 4 students; myself, one from MacGregor, Manitoba and two from Saskatchewan. We were given the opportunity and responsibility to represent Canada and it was definitely a surreal experience.
Soil: the essential building block
I never knew how important the soil was until this journey to Global Youth Institute. It is literally the base to all food production. Keeping the soil healthy and productive will remain a key part of the puzzle.
Grow more, with less
The key goal is to grow more food with less land. In 1940 one hector of grain fed two to three people. By 2025, one hector has to feed twenty to twenty-five people. This is a huge difference.
The current goal to double production of grains and oilseeds by the year 2050 is on target to be met.
Ambassador Rivkin, of the U.S Department of State said that our generation is heroes in the making, we will refuse to accept failure and that our goal of feeding 9 billion people is achievable.
Celebrate our fortunes
Going to Des Moines, Iowa; I realized that in Canada we are very fortunate of the resources, knowledge, technology and research opportunities we have available.
Collaboration and teamwork
It will take expertise, knowledge and resources from many countries around the world, working together to feed us all. I learned that in order for this goal to be successful we need to have an open mind.
Everyone has a role to play
I don’t think I will realize how life changing the experience of attending this conference will be to me for many years. I am very grateful that I had this opportunity and I know that I can be part of the solution.
Be Well…Sydney Taylor
Sydney Taylor, High School student from Portage la Prairie, Manitoba. Attended the 2014 Global Youth Institute hosted by the World Food Prize in Des Moines, Iowa.
Sydney is a competitive athlete, interested in food and health and looks forward to being part of the solution to feeding our ever growing hungry world.
