Food sector challenges will outpace agritech adoption

Significance Nearly 300 million people have faced acute food insecurity this year. Meanwhile, estimates suggest one-third of food is wasted and food production accounts for about 30% of carbon emissions. Agritech is key to addressing these challenges. Impacts Paradoxically, smallholding farmers often suffer hunger; faster agricultural growth is one of the most effective ways of helping them. Agritech investment has been falling, which will impact innovation; more policies encouraging adoption of innovations are also key. Fear is the largest limit on genetically modified (GM) food adoption; communication about safety and benefits are key to assuaging fears.