Davos, Switzerland
January 23, 2008
DuPont Nutrition & Health President Craig F. Binetti
told participants at the World Economic Forum here that
developing partnerships with local governments, businesses and
universities while continuing to pursue scientific breakthroughs
in nutrition research are the keys to elevating global
nutrition.
"Improving nutrition around the world takes place when private
and public businesses, governments and non-governmental
organizations work together in the best interest of people,"
Binetti said. "DuPont has taken extraordinary steps to work with
local enterprises in developing countries to deliver highly
nutritious products, and intends to do more."
Binetti participated in a forum panel titled "Investing in
Nutrition" which discussed how nutrition can be improved broadly
and cost-effectively in less developed countries and how
businesses should respond to changing consumer demands related
to nutrition. Binetti discussed how four "mega trends" unfolding
around the world directly affect the food supply and nutrition:
population growth; increased food production; the drive for
renewable fuels and materials; and the need for improved
nutrition.
"With the world population expected to increase by 40 percent by
2050 -- and much of that occurring in developing countries -- a
different food delivery model must be developed," Binetti said.
"DuPont's scientific
endeavors are providing solutions for increased food production
and safety, as well as improved nutrition. Farmers are producing
higher yields; global demands for food, fuel and renewable
products are being satisfied; and the nutritional composition of
foods is improving."
Binetti pointed to DuPont's Agriculture & Nutrition segment as a
leading example of how business is bringing healthier and safer
food to the world.
The segment consists of
Pioneer Hi-Bred, which supplies superior seeds for farmers
to grow crops; DuPont Crop Protection, which helps farmers
protect their crops from pests and weeds; Solae, which supplies
soy protein as a
healthy and nutritious source of an essential building block of
life; and Qualicon, which offers advanced DNA-based detection of
microbes such as Salmonella, Listeria and other pathogens in
food, from raw ingredients to
finished products. Binetti also serves as chairman and CEO of
Solae.
"Nutrition is a key area for the food industry, as it affects
the entire spectrum of human health," Binetti said. "Healthy and
safe food provides sustainable development and helps to reduce
disease."
Solae has ongoing programs in Africa that address nutrition in
developing countries. In coordination with the Nigerian
government, Tetrapak, local suppliers and the World Initiative
for Soy in Human Health (WISHH), Solae is helping to provide soy
protein-fortified beverages as part of a Nigerian school feeding
program. The program aims to create a sustainable local economy
for farmers while helping children receive adequate nutrition.
"The Nigeria school feeding program is a great success," Binetti
said.
"This is the type of collaboration that businesses, governments
and non-governmental organizations need to undertake in order to
ensure every human has access to healthy and affordable
nutrition."
The World Economic Forum is an independent international
organization committed to improving the state of the world by
engaging leaders in partnerships to shape global, regional and
industry agendas. Incorporated as a foundation in 1971, and
based in Geneva, Switzerland, the World Economic Forum is
impartial and not-for-profit; it is tied to no political,
partisan or national interests. (www.weforum.org).
DuPont (NYSE: DD) is a science-based products and services
company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by
creating sustainable solutions essential to better, safer,
healthier lives for people everywhere. Operating
in more than 70 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of
innovative products and services for markets including
agriculture and food; building and construction; communications;
and transportation. |
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