June 18th, 2024Shortage of skilled plant breeders could impact global food security

A lack of scientists specialised in plant breeding could lead to ‘dire’ food security implications in Australia, and around the world, according to new research conducted across three continents. 

Plant breeding is a multidisciplinary science that underpins the global production of food, animal feed, fuel and fibre.  

A joint paper between Australia’s national science agency CSIRO, Lincoln University in New Zealand and McGill University in Canada to address the issue, has painted a concerning picture about future capacity in the plant breeding area. 

The paper found that to maintain our level of agrifood, fibre and feed production, we need to urgently address the skills shortage. 

Lead author and CSIRO scientist Dr Lucy Egan said the shortage has been building for some time and has the potential to impact agricultural production worldwide.  

“What we’re seeing is a whole generation of highly-skilled plant breeding specialists who are now reaching retirement age, with a gap left as university graduates opt to focus on other areas of plant science including molecular biology,” Dr Egan said.  

“The implications of this shortage could be dire, including affecting global food security and the economies of different countries around the world, including Australia.” 

Words & Image: CSIRO