Rural Issue

Economist challenges population growth/food production predictions

An ag economist is challenging the long-held belief that global population growth will eventually outrun global food production.

Dr. Michael Swanson with Wells Fargo says, so far, the rate of growth in food production is exceeding the roughly one percent annual growth in global population.

“If you look at historical growth in yield technology—not just here in the United States, but around the world—that’s gaining even faster than the population and income drivers are right now,” Swanson says. “So I would say you shouldn’t be expecting some big tailwind to blow you to higher prices, in this type of environment.”

Swanson spoke with Brownfield at an economic and technology summit in Kearney, Nebraska.

AUDIO: Dr. Michael Swanson

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