Exploding food prices in the last few months have led to political unrest in several cities of the developing world, and have raised unprecedented public awareness and media attention. Policy-makers and development agencies have reacted by increased investment in short-term food aid.

In the long-term, the agricultural sector is the starting point for finding sustainable solutions to overcome the current crisis. This relates to agricultural productivity as well as to policy frameworks for combating hunger and poverty. Special attention needs to be given to research in food and agriculture and related fields which have been underfunded in the past decades.

The conference will identify innovative approaches in agriculture in developing countries, including new research priorities in response to changing needs.