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Cargill President and COO David MacLennan Tells Nobel Peace Prize Forum Open Trade is Vital to Ensuring Access to Food

MINNEAPOLIS, March 8, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- In a panel discussion about food security at the Nobel Peace Prize Forum here today, Cargill President and Chief Operating Officer David MacLennan said Cargill is optimistic about the ability to feed nine billion people by 2050. MacLennan said farmers produce enough food to meet the nutritional needs of all the world's people, "The question is: will we have the policies and infrastructure in place to ensure the poorest members of society will be able to continue to access that food?"

MacLennan emphasized the importance of free trade to creating a more food-secure world.  "We cannot feed nine billion people without open trade," said MacLennan.  "We encourage governments to advance policies that will help the world realize the benefits of trade flows, which include better access to safe, affordable and nutritious food for all."

MacLennan joined Land O'Lakes President and Chief Executive Officer Chris Policinski and Jeff Simmons, president of Elanco, on the panel, which was moderated by former CNN Washington Bureau Chief Frank Sesno.

As a company dedicated to being the global leader in nourishing people, Cargill is working to address the complex challenge of feeding the world while at the same time protecting the planet.  Cargill advocates for policies that let markets work and enable farmers to thrive; helps expand access to food, improves nutrition and pursues partnerships to end hunger; and works to increase agricultural productivity and incomes while ensuring responsible land use. Over the past five years, Cargill has contributed more than $55 million to reduce hunger and improve nutrition globally.

The Nobel Peace Prize Forum is a unique civic learning experience. Each year the global event brings Nobel Peace Prize Laureates, civic leaders, and scholars together with students and other citizens. As the Norwegian Nobel Institute's only such program or academic affiliation outside of Norway, the Nobel Peace Prize Forum's mission is to inspire and engage students and citizens to become full participants in peacemaking efforts around the world.

About Cargill
Cargill is an international producer and marketer of food, agricultural, financial and industrial products and services. Founded in 1865, the privately held company employs 142,000 people in 65 countries. Cargill helps customers succeed through collaboration and innovation, and is committed to applying its global knowledge and experience to help meet economic, environmental and social challenges wherever it does business. For more information, visit Cargill.com and its news center.

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