Is Biofortification delivering on its promise to improve lives with nutrient-enriched crops?

20 June 2023. This year marks 20 years since the establishment of HarvestPlus and the introduction of biofortification—a revolutionary technique that enhances the nutritional value of crops through selective breeding.

In light of this milestone, GFAR hosted the 6th GFAR Talks session that revolved around the thought-provoking question: "Is Biofortification delivering on its promise to improve lives with nutrient-enriched crops?" This GFAR Talk shed light on the progress and impact and limitations of biofortification, offering insights into its potential to transform lives through the cultivation of nutrient-enriched crops.

• Lynn Brown - Lynn currently serves as the Director of Policy, Strategy, and the Africa region at HarvestPlus, hosted by IFPRI. She is also a member of the CGIAR consortium 
• Dr. Jeremy Cherfas - Dr. Cherfas is a distinguished science writer and podcaster dedicated to exploring topics related to food, nutrition, agriculture, and development. While previously serving as a Communications Officer at Bioversity International, Dr. Cherfas continues to actively contribute to the field from his base in Rome.

Resource.

HarvestPlus, WFP (2022) Biofortification: A Food Systems Approach to Ensuring Healthy Diets  Globally # 19 p.

• HarvestPlus and the World Food Programme (WFP) have released a joint brief that highlights the significant role for nutrient enriched biofortified crops in improving global nutrition and food security.
• The brief provides basic information about biofortification and how it plays a central role in global efforts by the CGIAR (of which HarvestPlus is a part) to improve the nutrition and health of vulnerable populations in low- and middle-income countries. 
• It highlights the robust evidence based on the agricultural benefits of biofortified crops, their acceptance by farmers and consumers, and the crops’ nutritional and health benefits. Drawing on this evidence, the brief shows how “nutrient enriched crops can help sustainably transform food systems to deliver healthier diets.”