IAEA Scientific Forum on Food Security Opens

The IAEA Scientific Forum 2024, themed Atoms4Food: Better Agriculture for a Better Life, opened alongside the 68th IAEA General Conference, focusing on how nuclear technology can help tackle global food insecurity. With an audience of over 260 participants, including high level speakers and ministers from various countries, the opening session was filled to capacity.

In his opening remarks, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi outlined the Agency's science-based contributions to solving the global food crisis. "The issue of food security has reappeared with particular intensity … countries do not need more speeches or policy papers to be convinced of these problems. What they need is solutions," Mr Grossi said, emphasizing the tangible impact and practical approach of the Atoms4Food initiative.

He highlighted how nuclear techniques, such as developing drought-resistant crops and improving water management through isotopic hydrology, are helping countries address food security challenges. "Nuclear applications, science and technology allow us to use very concrete techniques to tackle and solve these problems," Mr Grossi stated, noting how the Atoms4Food initiative aims to provide Member States with a set of services to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability.