YouTube Series Shows How Farming Innovation Can Feed A Growing Population
November 19, 2012 The global population is expected to hit 9 billion by 2050 and there’s an urgent need to reform food production to meet the rising demand. The new four-part YouTube series “9 Billion Mouths to Feed: The Future of Farming,” now available on University of California’s (UC) YouTube channel UCTV Prime, examines these challenges and demonstrates how UC Davis researchers and students are working together to develop innovative ways to feed the world without depleting our resources, while also training the next generation of farmers in sustainable, high-tech farming practices.
Videos and more information available at www.youtube.com/uctvprime.
Here are the details about the four episodes:
“Farming Today” – Episode 1
California agriculture is a $37.5 billion industry with the Golden State being home to nine of the nation’s top 10 producing counties. This episode takes a look at innovation born at UC Davis that has changed the way farmers do their jobs, and see how agriculture experts of the future are preparing to meet the many challenges ahead.
“Field to Fork” – Episode 2
Agriculture isn’t just about sowing the land; it’s about finding solutions to modern problems facing our food supply. With farmland shrinking and a hungry population growing, what is UC Davis doing to ensure an abundant food supply that will be healthier, last longer, taste better? Learn about the “100-year experiment” and meet the first graduates of a brand new major: sustainable agriculture and food systems.
“Keeping It Green” – Episode 3
There’s no question agriculture has a considerable environmental footprint. In this episode, you’ll see how UC Davis researchers are working with farmers across the state to find ways to reduce that impact. Discussions will focus on water, soil, air, and the “Bovine Bubbles” that brought one UC Davis researcher international attention and “cleared the air” when it comes to how much gas cows really produce.
“High Tech Agriculture” – Episode 4
In a world of advanced technology, science, and environmental concern, this episode hones in on students who have a vision for the future of farming and are working to create high-tech tools to help make agriculture more precise. It also takes a look at plant genetics, biotechnology, and a unique couple — an organic farmer and a plant geneticist — both of whom work at UC Davis and strongly believe that the two traditionally opposing sides actually have the same goals.