Feeding a growing (and shrinking) world

We’re racing toward a paradox that will define the next 100 years: feeding two worlds at once – one bursting with growth, the other aging and shrinking. That’s the future facing agriculture.

We must feed billions more in the 21st century, while simultaneously preparing for long-term population decline in the 22nd.

At the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), former Secretary Sonny Perdue’s motto for the Department was “Do Right and Feed Everyone.” With the global population projected to peak at 10.4 billion in 2080, ensuring we have enough food to eat is imperative; however, the question is no longer just about quantity. American agriculture has proven time and time again it can produce enough food to feed our country and the world, but how can American agriculture thrive in a world that’s booming and aging?

As global population growth slows and ultimately falls, American agriculture must continue to innovate. Many of the United States’ top trading partners, including Japan, South Korea, China, and much of Europe, are already in population decline. In contrast, Africa’s population is projected to soar from 1.5 billion today to nearly 4 billion by 2100.

This unprecedented challenge demands not just more production but remarkable agility. The ability to respond quickly, scale smartly, and serve diverse customer needs is critical. New consumer preferences, religious requirements, and cultural norms around food are both challenges to overcome and opportunities to seize.

In this complex situation, poultry is well-positioned to meet the needs of the future.

As global demand for protein surges, poultry’s advantages become even more apparent. Broiler chickens are among the most resource-efficient protein sources on the planet, converting just 1.75 pounds of feed per pound of meat. Combined with a short production cycle and broad cultural acceptance, poultry is poised to become the world’s go-to protein. That’s why poultry is projected to account for about half of global meat production growth over the next decade.

U.S. poultry producers are ready to meet both domestic and global demand growth. America’s poultry industry benefits from reliable, abundant, high-quality corn and soybeans for feed. Strong infrastructure, cold chain systems, advanced logistics, export expertise, precision nutrition, automation, and robotics will enable the industry to further enhance efficiency, address labor shortages, and mitigate environmental impact.

In a century defined by both explosive growth and demographic decline, our ideas about food, efficiency, and resilience will continue to evolve. Every sector of American agriculture has a role to play, but poultry’s unique combination of efficiency, speed, and flexibility makes it exceptionally well-suited for this moment.

Feeding a changing world is an extraordinary challenge and an even bigger opportunity. The next chapter in American agriculture is already being written, and the poultry industry is ready to lead in feeding a growing (and shrinking) world.

Editor’s note: Blake Rollins is the executive vice president of The Poultry Federation and previously served as USDA’s deputy chief of staff. The opinions expressed are those of the author.