With the world population expected to rise to nine billion by 2050, environmental and agricultural policymakers believe organic farming and genetically modified crops can help meet the estimated 50 percent growth in caloric demand.

A new report from Deutsche Bank and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, says changing land usage is the only way to meet the larger demand for food. Experts believe demand will rise because of population growth and greater wealth. Developing nations will begin to demand more meat at the same time biofuel production will compete with food agriculture.

Technological advancement, fertilizer investment and farmer training will not be able to meet rising global food demand. Instead, bio-organics and biotechnology present better alternatives that would be less damaging to the environment.

Organic farming has the benefit of leaving the smallest environmental impact. Sustainable growing methods could prevent land clearing, soil erosion and water waste. It could also add to more uses of renewable energy.

However, current methods would not yield enough to meet the anticipated demand. Investment in new organic methods would have to improve current yields.

Though controversial, genetically modified crops could also stave off famine and hunger by increasing productivity. Still, the report indicates governments must establish sound policies for these crops.

Supply shocks to wheat and other commodity grains caused record prices in 2008. Though the global recession has contributed to steep price declines, food costs are still significantly higher than recent years.

Furthermore, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates over one billion people suffer from hunger around the world. Even as prices have fallen, people have had less to eat.

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