Maize is one of the most important food crops in the world and, together with rice and wheat,
provides at least 30% of the food calories to more than 4.5 billion people in 94 developing
countries. In parts of Africa and Mesoamerica, maize alone contributes over 20% of food
calories. Maize is also a key ingredient in animal feed and is used extensively in industrial
products, including the production of biofuels. Increasing demand and production shortfalls
in global maize supplies have worsened market volatility and contributed to surging global …

Wheat is fundamental to human civilization and has played an outstanding role in feeding a
hungry world and improving global food security. The crop contributes about 20% of the total
dietary calories and proteins worldwide. Food demand in the developing regions is growing
by 1% annually and varies from 170 kg in Central Asia to 27 kg in East and South Africa. The
developing regions (including China and Central Asia) account for roughly 53% of the total
harvested area and 50% of the production. Unprecedented productivity growth from the …