Is it possible to satisfy the growing demand for food taking care oTth
e environment and of the resources? To answer this question an analysi
s of the future demand of food and of the potential capacity of agricu
ltural production is made for different regions. A well fed population
through a sustainable use of resources is possible. Human population
will stabilize in the incoming century and the planet has a great pote
ntial for food production, many times greater than the future stabiliz
ed food demad. Moreover, the amazing technological developments is pro
viding tools unthinkable a few years ago. To reach the goal strong inv
estments in agricultural research and extension, in education and in r
ural development are needed Thus, the solution from the technical poin
t of view is highly feasible. Starvation, serious nutritional problems
and severe soil degradation are taking place in parts of the world: a
nd the perspectives for these areas are not encouraging, This is not b
ecause Malthus was right; it is because egoism and lack of solidarity
prevail. The key question is not whether Ice can feed mankind, it is w
hether we want to do it. [GRAPHICS]