Biofortification Techniques to Improve Food Security

Biofortification, the process of breeding nutrients into food crops, is a cost-effective, feasible means of delivering micronutrients to populations who may have limited access to diverse diets, supplements, or commercially fortified foods. Crops bred for higher levels of micronutrients using conventional breeding methods have been released in several countries, and are now being grown and eaten by farmers and consumers. The results of efficacy and effectiveness studies, as well as consumer acceptance studies, provide evidence that biofortification works. This article highlights recent research findings and progress toward scaling up biofortification to new countries and environments.