At the latest G8 meeting this week, there was discussion about the concern for food security and the political and social consequences it carries. To help solve food security concerns and world hunger, the G8’s new goal is to commit $10 - $15 billion over the next three years to aid farms in developing countries.

The G8’s money would go towards agricultural projects in developing countries. These countries, primarily located in Africa, will be provided with seed, fertilizer, and farming equipment. Also, some of the money may go towards investing in agricultural storage and infrastructure.

This is not the first time farm aid has been brought up by the G8. In 2005, $50 billion was pledged to go to Africa by 2010, and only one third of it has been raised so far.

Global food demand is rising

Like we have said before, global food demand is rising. One of the biggest factors is the emerging middle class in many countries. This new middle class eats more protein, thus requires more feed grains. Even with new farming technologies, according to Newsweek, for five years running, the world has consumed more grain than it has produced. This imbalance could get even worse if one side doesn’t budge.

It’s great to see farm aid being brought up by the most influential leaders of the world. Food security is an ever popular issue because it affects everyone. The G8 also has been discussing a set of guidelines for land grabbing.