Planting the Future

For much of the northern hemisphere, this year's spring was a wet affair. Record rainfall across America's corn belt delayed planting of both corn and soybeans-two of the nation's staple crops.  As farmers know, late planting can result in decreased yield potential.

All of this is happening against the backdrop of rising global food prices and increased demand for biofuels. In some areas of northern Africa, military conflicts have displaced farmers and disrupted normal planting schedules. In Sudan, the situation is so dire that the FAO has launched a planting season mobilization campaign, called "Every Seed Counts," to help increase food production and stave off hunger come harvest time.

In this month's Spotlight we examine what's really at stake as farmers prepare for another tense growing season. We'll discuss the role innovation plays in helping the world deal with geopolitical change and an unpredictable climate.