Learning Objective
Recognise the effect of population growth on our food system and discuss potential solutions to this issue using food technology.
Learning Outcomes
Describe how projected population growth will put strain on our current resources
Give a brief explanation on what food technology is
Give examples of current food technology
Identify potential solutions for feeding growing populations with limited resources
Listen: a news report from a Growth future…
The worlds population is growing at an exponential rate. What does this mean for us? Let’s hear more…
Food Technology
A branch of food science that deals with the: production, preservation, quality control, and research and development of food products.
Take a look at some Future Food Tech examples below…
Lab Grown Meat
Have you heard about this?
Scientists are experimenting with reproducing the cells of animals - growing muscle tissue in a lab which doesn’t involve any actual animals.
As technology evolves, could we even see extinct animals come back to life? Would you try an extinct Diprotodon burger?
What about seaweed?
Design Your Own Food Tech
Up-cycling waste
A growing population means a need for greater food production. How can we make better use of our food waste in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and more efficiently feed a growing population? Currently 1 in 5 bags of groceries in Australia ends up in the bin - but how can we make better use of the things we throw away? What new food products could hit the shelves that up-cycle food waste, ensuring the waste created from farming, household or industry makes its way to our plates?
3. Limited Water
Almost all living processes require the use of water to survive and flourish. As water is a limited resource, we need a solution so every human and agriculture practices have enough to survive. Design a food technology that allows for even distribution of water for all, while maintaining environmental sustainability.
2. The Need for Land
As the population grows, competition between humans and farming for habitual land increases. Design a food technology that allows for the continuation of agricultural crops, without inhibiting housing land.
4. Malnutrition
Dietitians have noticed the growing population and fear there may be issues of malnutrition in the future if we do not have enough food for everyone. Lucky enough, we have you to find a solution. Design a solution using food technology that enhances the nutrients in food.
