WORLD FOOD NEEDS

Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 24912, 27 June 1946, Page 4

WORLD FOOD NEEDS

USE OF IMPROVED PRACTICES

U.S. MINISTER DISCUSSES POSSIBILITIES

(P.A.) WELLINGTON, June 26. A revolution in agricultural production, which he termed “the counterpart ot the technological advance in industry,” was proceeding and was still in its early stages, said the United States Minister, Mr Avra M. Warren, opening the Dominion conference of the Royal Agricultural Society to-day. The United States Department of Agriculture, In co-operation with the land grant colleges, had asked in a report issued in 1944: “How much food could the United States produce on the assumption that the war were to continue 10 years, and if the need for food were so compelling that the largest possible production had to be attained.”

“The conclusion is reached that it would be practicable in such a situation for the States to supply nearly two and a quarter times as much food and nutriments as were supplied in 1943," said Mr Warren. “In 1935-39 the States 'produced enough food for 130,000,000 people, and in 1943 for an additional 40,000,000. The States could supply food for 380,000,000 annually in the course of a decade if we consider the quantity supplied to the average American civilian in 1943 as the measure for one person.” Mr Warren indicated that similar results could probably be obtained in analyses made for New Zealand, Canada, and other advanced agricultural countries. All were familiar with the tremendous increases of food production in Britain during the war, and it was obvious that agricultural science and production techniques were capable of relieving hunger throughout the world. The exchange of scientific information, the extension ot improved practices to backward areas, the application of the principle of comparative advantage in production, coupled with expanded world trade, could not only eliminate starvation but immeasurably improve the standard of living and health for all people. “To achieve these results, however, the w ?.^ d needs Peace,” said Mr Warren. There must be no iron curtains drawn against the free Interchange of Ideas and goods. There must be no drives for self-sufficiency induced bv fear at aggressors.”