Follow the food

As we race towards a global population of nine then ten billion how are we going to feed the planet in a sustainable way that doesn't exhaust the earth's resources? We're on a journey from field to fork to explore whether technological innovation and modern agriculture can rise to this challenge. Welcome to "Follow the Food."

Water is our most precious commodity. Every drop counts. With agriculture accounting for an incredible 70% of all water withdrawals globally, it's down to food producers to help spearhead advances in protecting our supplies. This week's episode of Follow the Food meets the farmers, engineers and scientists attempting to rise to this challenge.

The average age of the global farmer is over 60 and increasing numbers of younger rural workers are flocking to the cities, so the future of our farming communities is looking uncertain. However, a new unexpected generation of farmer is emerging.

Technology plays an increasingly important role in maximising farm and food production, from AI enabled machines to robotics, super pollinators to satellite surveillance. But can these innovations meet the food challenges of the future?

We currently produce enough food globally to feed everyone on the planet. Unfortunately though, we waste too much. In this episode we meet those food innovators who are trying to reduce food waste from the moment a seed is planted to when it arrives on our plate.

The key challenge across the developed and developing world is to make sure that our food is healthy, tasty, nutritious and affordable. This episode explores all aspects of creating a nutritious diet for all - from producing alternative mega crops to discovering different types of protein.

With an estimated 60 years of top soil left, this episode explores revolutionary methods of soil enrichment plus ways to farm without it altogether.

Some aspects of food production have a negative environmental impact. But fortunately, agricultural pioneers have started to find solutions. By blending expertise from science and business, farming is beginning to clean up its act, without costing farmers a fortune.