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Muscat - By 2050 the world's population will reach 9.1 billion, over thirty per cent higher than today and nearly all of this increase will occur in developing countries. Urbanization will continueat an accelerated pace, and about 70 percent of the world's population will live in cities. Income levels will be many multiples of what they are now.In order to feed this larger, more urban and richer population, food production will have to increase by 70 percent.
In the GCC, population growth, the increase in the number of tourists and per capita income will see food consumption reach 49.1 million metric tons by 2017. Experts estimate that the region's food import demand will hit US$53.1 billion by 2020, up from US$25.8 billion just a decade ago.
"Given these factors and the challenges of climate change, there is a very real threat to foodsecurity. It is important we look at ways of strengthening our local food system and growing more sustainable produce. Indeed, this is the topic of discussionfor ournext Science Café scheduled to be held 7:30pm 27 May at Lulu Al Bandar," remarkedDr. Nadiya Al Saady, Executive Director, Oman Animal & Plant Genetics Resource Center (OAPGRC).
The OAPGRC Science Café panel for the event of Malik Al Gahdhami from Alsiraj Hospitality and Dareen Mehdi from Oman Botanical Gardenswill discussthe opportunities and challenges facing Oman in increasing production and consumption of locally grown, produced and sourced sustainable foods, and improving farm-to-table connections.
"As more consumers become conscious about what they eat, where it comes from, how it is produced, how it impacts health and well-being - demand for fresh, healthy, locally sourced food will continue to rise. It iscrucial that we look at ways of boosting our local food system to feed a growing population. In other words, we need to localize our sustainable food supply to the greatest level possible," explained Dr. Al Saady.
The sustainable-food movement, with a focus on local food networks and healthy eating, has proven to be increasingly popular with the Omani public. Usually sold within 24 hours of being harvested, locally produced fruits and vegetables are fresher and taste better than produce which has been shipped for a long period of time. Statistics reveal that much of the produce purchased in supermarkets has been shipped from overseas traveling on average over 2,000 kilometres for as many as 7 to 14 days.
"Buying local produce doesn't just taste better" says Dr. Al Saady, adding: "it also leads to money being reinvested in our communities, creating jobs and bycutting the distance food travels it reduces carbon emissions in line with our commitments on climate change. In fact, the growing demand for local sustainable food provides an exciting commercial challenge for Oman's farmers, local food processing manufacturers, supermarkets, restaurants and hotel chains."
In order to effectively determine the best ways to go about strengthening Oman's local and sustainable food economy, it is vital to understand the bigger picture of farm and consumer trends, demographics, and markets.
"It is within this larger context that we hope the 27 May Science Café session will help us identify the barriers and opportunities for building a thriving local food economy and the right steps to take to build it at a scale that will work for Oman," concluded OAPGRC's Executive Director.
Held on alternate months in English and Arabic, the OAPGRC Science Café is an informal event open to the general public.
The Science Café Series is an OAPGRC initiative designed to introduce Oman's wealth of animal and plant genetic resources to the general public and share their possibilities and potential. Always fascinating and thought-provoking, they are open to everyone - from members of the general public who are curious to learn more, to the research scientist who'd like to share knowledge.
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About OAPGRC
Established by royal order in 2012, with a mission to promote the recognition, sustainable utilization and value of the genetic diversity inherent in Oman's animals, plants, marine life and microorganisms as a natural heritage resource, OAPGRC was created specifically to advance the sustainable use of animal and plant genetic resources through education, research and innovation. This important work is intended to serve and benefit not only the people of Oman but the wider international community and the generations yet to come as OAPGRC develops as a collaborative regional center for all animal and plant genetic resources activities, promoting the sustainable use of knowledge across economic sectors and social segments and creating value from world-class research and practical innovation.
If you would like to find out more about OAPGRC, follow us on Twitter and Instagram: @oapgrc or like us on Facebook.
For Press Enquiries
Mrs. Rasha Al Saifi
OAPGRC
Marketing Department
PO Box 1422
Al Athaiba, Muscat, 130
Sultanate of Oman
Rasha.HilalAl-Saifi@oapgrc.gov.om
© Press Release 2015
