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Tom Vilsack says innovation and relief funding key to tackling global hunger

The CEO of the World Food Prize Foundation says more needs to be done to address the global hunger crisis.

Tom Vilsack, who’s also a former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture and served as governor of Iowa, says world leaders need to prioritize emergency food aid.

“A doubling of emergency assistance and relief,” he said. “Because the fact is if we aren’t dealing in these crisis areas, either as a result of a natural disaster or as a result of conflict, we will see a lot of hungry and angry people. That increases strife.”

He tells Brownfield investments in farming innovations will also be critical.

“The fact is the world population is going to continue to increase,” Vilsack said. “Which means that if we’re not dealing with innovation, continued productivity of agriculture, and continued enhancement of that productivity, we may never get to a point where we have sufficient and adequate food in the future.”

Vilsack says it’s becoming harder for farmers to help feed the world.

“They are dealing with a changing climate and the impact that’s having on their production efforts,” he said. “Some farmers are dealing with low prices and over supply. Some farmers are dealing with the consequences of trade policy.”

During the recent Borlaug International Dialogue, humanitarian and New York Times bestselling author Chef Jose Andres said the hunger crisis is a collective challenge that demands engagement from every corner of society.

INTERVIEW: Tom Vilsack