As countries around the world gear-up for World Food Day tomorrow, Australia is reminded of the important role it plays in feeding a growing global population.

This year’s theme – Sustainable Food Systems for Food Security and Nutrition – draws the attention of world leaders to the challenge of securing reliable sources of nutritious food for a burgeoning global population.

According to the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organisation, which established World Food Day, the global population is expected to reach 9 billion in 2050. 

To meet growing demand, it is estimated that food supply will need to increase by 70 percent. In developing countries, 80pc of production increases will need to come from increased productivity.

Animal Health Alliance chief executive Duncan Bremner says this means doing more with less in an environmentally sustainable manner. 

“Scientific progress and the development of new technologies play a crucial role,” he said.

“This includes technological advancements in animal health, which will help to underpin long term food security," Mr Bremner said in a statement issued today.

“By preventing and managing disease risk and using safe, productivity enhancing technologies, livestock producers and veterinarians are able to maximise the health and productive capacity of livestock.”

“Healthy animals are more productive. They have a greater number of healthier offspring, and they have lower mortality rates."

Australia exports around 60pc of its agricultural production, and is therefore a vital contributor to global food security.

“At a time when Australia is looking to be a major player in increasing global agricultural production, we need an even more responsive and efficient regulatory system that supports an evidence-based approach to innovation and scientific progress,” Mr Bremner said.

“The mechanisms have to be in place for producers in Australia and worldwide to embrace new technologies that increase productivity in an environmentally sustainable manner. 

“This requires an unwavering focus by governments, the agricultural sector and the broader community on the important role that scientific progress plays in ensuring global food security,” he said.

• About World Food Day: The FAO established World Food Day in 1979, choosing the anniversary of its own foundation in 1945 – 16 October – to increase understanding of problems and solutions in the drive to end hunger.