Group Launches Campaign to Address World's Growing Needs

An industry-led group, called the Global Harvest Initiative, announced the launch of a campaign that aims to "heighten awareness of the increasing gap between the world's agricultural production capacity and what will be required to meet the needs of a growing population." Global Harvest Initiative was founded by four U.S. agricultural companies: John Deere, DuPont, Monsanto and Archer Daniels Midland Company. The group will launch the effort in a symposium in Washington DC in the U.S. next month.

"The Global Harvest Initiative is mobilizing a diverse group of thought-leaders to focus on the challenge of doubling agricultural output, and doing so in a sustainable manner," said William G. Lesher, executive director of the Global Harvest Initiative. "Already, efforts are underway to enhance agricultural production, minimize post-harvest losses and introduce efficiencies throughout the value chain. But achieving such a monumental task requires additional attention and support from many."

View the press release at http://news.prnewswire.com/DisplayReleaseContent.aspx?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/08-20-2009/0005080808&EDATE For more information on the group, visit http://www.globalharvestinitiative.org/