On the world news web site from the N.Z. Herald. co. nz an article by Steve Conor oct 22: "Race to feed extra billions" says "Global food production need to be increased gy between 50% to 100% if widespread famine is to be avoided as the human population expands rapidly, leading scientists say." goes on to say " A second green revolution is needed in agriculture to feed the extra 3 billion people who will be added to the existing population by 2050." notes major challenges are water for irrigation and soil degradation. so thats the trend.