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Transgenic crops contain genetic material from other types of organisms. In this case, field trials have shown that the addition of two sweet pepper genes may endow certain banana varieties with significant resistance to BBW.

Of those who responded to the survey, 86 percent said they returned to their home countries after completing their graduate degree programs. Virtually all stated that their graduate program and dry grain pulse research gave them excellent preparation for their current careers, and 92 percent said their graduate program was relevant to their current employment.

By the year 2050, the world population is expected to reach 9 billion people, and demand for food will increase by 60 percent, according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization. Increasing food production is not enough. Roughly one-third of the food produced in the world goes to waste—a staggering 1.3 billion tons every year. In the fight against global hunger, we must also address postharvest loss.

On December 13, the Central American Customs Union signed a new law on biological pesticides that standardizes minimum and maximum levels for the presence of microorganisms and specifies requirements for food safety. Bio-pesticides help manage pests by using other microorganisms (rather than synthetic pesticides) to protect plants.

As part of the U.S. Government’s efforts to help smallholder farmers lift themselves from poverty, Feed the Future is supporting five new research projects on the common bean, an important staple crop produced throughout food-insecure areas of the world, including East and Southern Africa.

On November 28, Acting Special Representative for Global Food Security Jonathan Shrier and Feed the Future Deputy Coordinator for Development Tjada McKenna served as witnesses for a hearing in front of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on International Development and Foreign Assistance, Economic Affairs and International Environmental Protection.

With more than 60 percent of Haitians reliant on agriculture for income, the United States has expanded its support in the sector through its global food security initiative, Feed the Future.