Food Supply Augmentation Program         

                              
Preamble:
Proposals made here are made in the wake of events discussed at IUFoST World Food Congress XII and recognize the desire of many food scientists/technologists to do more. It is acknowledged that there are many active programs in this field (which the new FAO/IUFoST database will assemble) of which we may be ignorant and it is not intended to undermine or belittle existing or planned projects – merely to add our untapped energy to a major undertaking. The proposal is borne out of engaged outrage at the problem not arrogance or indifference to the work of others.

Objective:
Empower local leaders, primarily in food insecure areas, with necessary skills and support, especially food science and technology, to evaluate and enhance their food supply.

Simultaneously with above, utilize information gained from local studies to build economic models for infrastructure development which more accurately reflect the cost and benefit relationships with food losses.

This plan adresses food distribution in regions without existing post harvest efforts.  The Comprehensive Plan is designed to enhance international cooperation of existing institutes,

Givens:
We have the resources to meet the 1996 World Food Summit Rome Declaration - (later incorporated into the 1st Millennium Deveolpment Goal) goal to reduce world hunger by 50% by the year 2015. Specifically:
1) We produce sufficient food for the world’s population
2) We posses food science and technology skills to improve utilization
3) Professional food science organizations throughout the world possess skills to disseminate food science and technology mentioned in item 2)
4) Professional and other organizations have entry into developing world villages and regions of food insecurity.

Plan:
1) Use existing resources to identify village leaders, primarily woman leaders, to spearhead local efforts.
2) Create a Knowledge Resource Center to provide a gateway to technology, training and support for local leaders.
3) Suggest procedures to track food production, storage, processing, transportation, and distribution and enhance throughput. These efforts must include both national and international trade, and include rural and urban areas.  (Investment levels)
4) Offer support in terms of terms of knowledge, equipment, and support for developing small processing and packaging businesses.
5) Concurrently build a database to support continuing efforts and synergies, and utilize this information to build economic models to both recognize the costs of food losses, and benefits of improved delivery systems.

Action Steps:
1) Prepare draft of ideas as a one or two page description
2) Suggest a Knowledge Resource Center to support locals
3) Obtain letters of support from the supporting agencies
4) Determine a coordinating body to lead the effort
5) Compile initial members from professional organizations (already identified) to serve on the Knowledge Resource Center to serve as resources and begin contact with countries.
6) Decide and initiate a “Champion”.
7) Seek potential support.
8) Initiate and publish studies which demonstrate food recovery in food insecure regions to both build the database and enhance funding efforts.
9) Work with economists and other interested parties to develop economic models for infrastructure development which incorporate costs and benefits related to food distribution.