Research investment ‘drives farm output’ in high-growth economies

Heavy investment in agricultural research is driving farm output in the high-growth economies Brazil, Russia, India and China (BRICs), according to a new study by the Economist Intelligence Unit.

Each of the BRIC state authorities is offering financial backing to farmers, promoting best practices in farming, and strengthening rural infrastructure to secure their food supplies. The London-based business publisher’s report focused on new investments in plant research and entrepreneurial initiatives.

The study assesses the BRIC countries’ responses to the food supply challenges that the world is expected to face in the coming decades.

It focuses on successful measures being taken to expand food production in high-growth countries, and the potential for further improvements in food productivity.

Among the key findings were that governments are investing heavily in agricultural research, offering financial backing to farmers, promoting best practices in farming, and strengthening rural infrastructure. In general, these measures are part of wide-ranging agricultural programmes.

The BRICs are also investing heavily in mechanisation to boost output, in better crop management, and in improved infrastructure to ease access to market. Plant breeding technologies also hold a key to more productivity gains.

The report was sponsored by Passion Céréales, an umbrella organisation for French cereals producers. Passion Céréales is a non-profit organisation, formed at the initiative of Intercéréales, an industry association for cereal producers.

* The report, entitled ‘Agriculture in high-growth markets: Securing global food supplies’, is available free of charge at: http://exa.mn/3w