MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA, U.S. — In a panel discussion about food security at the Nobel Peace Prize Forum on March 8, Cargill President and Chief Operating Officer David MacLennan said Cargill is optimistic about the ability to feed 9 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. 

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.