Faced with massive population growth, increasing prosperity and extreme weather events brought by climate change that raise the risk of pests and diseases, the challenge to feed us all calls for a great deal more than the accepted necessary advances in science and innovation, according to Professor Ian Crute, Chief Scientist with the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board.

The AHDB Chief Scientist made a call to protect vital land and water resources on Monday, ahead of his address at this week's spring conference of the Institute of Food Science & Technology (IFST).

Set to deliver the event's keynote speech at the John Innes Centre in Norwich on Thursday, Professor Crute said that land/water use and management holds the key to sustainable productivity. This applies not just to the need to increase food production but also conserving biodiversity, adapting to climate change, preserving valued landscapes, producing renewable energy, providing clean water, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and protecting livelihoods.

Citing the fact that equivalent crop production in 2009 required only 35 percent of the land needed in 1961, he will emphasise 'land sparing' as a key component of sustainability.

Ahead of the speech, Professor Crute said, "Producing as efficiently as possible on the smallest footprint of land capable of meeting demand for food is both the 'greenest' and usually the most profitable way to farm."

Although he acknowledged making production more sustainable would carry costs in the short-term, he said long-term benefits would outweigh these. He added that these costs must be shared by players from across the food chain, as would any benefits from creating a greener food system.

Prof Crute said, "Reconciling the need for food security with the environmental consequences of agriculture poses a challenge that can only be resolved through a shared food chain responsibility, in addition to continuing investment in science and innovation."

The professor said he believes the days of plentiful, cheap food enjoyed by some over the last 20 years may be nearing an end and called for a more holistic vision of food. He said food and agriculture must be viewed as interconnected with issues of environment, energy, technology and human health.