The world relies on just three crops – rice, wheat and maize – for more than 50% of its plant-derived calories. Yield of these crops has plateaued.
- Tens of thousands of alternative crops can substitute and complement these staples. Sorghum, millets and quinoa are examples of crops that can grow in difficult environments, have high nutrient content and have potential to increase their yields.
One in three people in the world suffers from micronutrient deficiencies and almost 2 billion people are overweight or obese.
- Food biodiversity is a source of high-nutrient species and varieties.
The production of fruit and vegetables, nuts and seeds falls about 22% short of population need according to nutrition recommendations.
- Many nutritious fruit, vegetables, nuts and seeds available in the wild or in traditional farming systems are not well known and could be used to improve nutrition.