To feed a world population projected to exceed 9 billion people by 2050, technology that can enhance food production will be a significant asset, according to a Kansas State University agricultural economist.

Ted Schroeder, university distinguished professor of agricultural economics, said dramatically increased food prices around the world in recent years, social unrest over food scarcity in countries like Argentina, Bangladesh, Egypt, Mozambique and many others -- combined with a growing world population -- are raising the question what will it take to feed the world's population 40 years from now. He is speaking on the topic March 5 at K-State's Cattlemen's Day.

Schroeder said that technology isn't a magic wand to make these problems disappear, but it can contribute significantly to increasing food production. He cites how Iowa's corn yields sped past Italy's when Iowa farmers embraced yield-enhancing, genetically modified corn varieties that have been shunned by Italy and much of the European Union.

"It shows so starkly what technology can do to increase food production with the same fixed resource base," Schroeder said. "Technology discovery, technology development and technology adoption are huge in terms of food prices, who will produce the food and how we're going to feed the world."

Genetically modifying crops certainly isn't a new technology, Schroeder said, but advanced abilities for DNA gene mapping -- especially in animal populations -- is a promising area of development.

"Any technology that increases our ability to understand and predict how an animal or plant is likely to react to a stimulus or environmental factor, or technology that targets managing specific food product attributes produced from crops and livestock, is going to make a substantial difference in providing affordable, high-quality, safe food to the growing base of global consumers," Schroeder said.

One of the biggest challenges to food technologies that could feed a growing population is reduced support for research and development. Although public research support has declined, Schroeder said private investment, driven by profit incentive, is growing rapidly.

"The evidence for how technology development can better feed the world is so dramatic that we'd better make sure we find ways to support that research and that we don't create unfounded social and political impediments to research and development," Schroeder said. "If we create political and social barricades to food production technology development, we'll ultimately not only need a reduced global population growth rate, but we'll also need a reduced population, period. At some point we'll have exhausted our potential to produce given fixed resources, and food prices will be so high that people will rebel -- and not just in poor countries."

Schroeder's message to beef producers is a positive one. He said that a world population that's growing -- and growing increasingly wealthy -- will demand more beef. Moreover, new beef production technologies can increase and improve beef's position in future diets around the world.

"Beef is a huge winner, because when incomes grow, people want meat proteins," Schroeder said. "And there's a strong direct relationship between income per capita and beef consumption per capita."

SOURCE Kansas State University

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If you're looking for the perfect espresso, cappuccino or specialty coffee drink, then get it from a winner of the Specialty Coffee Association of America's United States Barista Championship. The heated competition, which turns coffeehouse hopefuls into coffee-industry celebrities, takes place April 15 – 18, 2010 at the Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, Calif. SCAA is the world's coffee authority and largest coffee trade association, and its annual Barista Championship recognizes achievement in the art and skill of espresso drink preparation and service. The Championship is free and open to the public. Visit www.scaaexposition.org to learn more.

(Logo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100211/NY53618LOGO)

During the United States Barista Championship, the most skilled and professional baristas from around the country showcase their skills and professionalism - preparing and serving 12 orders - in hopes of obtaining the championship title. The winner moves on to the 2010 World Barista Championship, founded by both the SCAA and the Speciality Coffee Association of Europe, in London next June.

The highly anticipated four-day competition begins on April 15 at 10 a.m. with Round One and concludes with a Champion's Ceremony on April 18 at 3 p.m. The event takes place in conjunction with the Specialty Coffee Association of America's 22nd Annual Exposition, which features more than 800 Expo booths that highlight everything specialty coffee and tea, from seed to cup.

Battling it out at the USBC, the nation's best coffeehouse professionals create some of the country's finest  espresso beverages. In total, challengers prepare and serve four espressos, four cappuccinos and four original signature drinks of their own creation-all within a 15-minute timeframe. As they ready their coffee beverages, contestants engage the audience, explaining their actions and selections, while expertly working the competition's official espresso machine, Nuova Simonelli, Aurelia machine.

Seven USBC-certified judges, including one head judge, two technical judges and four sensory judges, carefully evaluate and score each of the contenders. Judges focus on station cleanliness, taste, beverage presentation, technical skills and total impression.

Last year, Mike Phillips of Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea, Chicago, Ill., took the top spot at the USBC. Phillips went on to represent the United States in the 2009 World Barista Championship, where he took third place.

The 2010 United States Barista Champion receives the highest national honor for a barista, a trophy and an all-expenses paid trip from his or her hometown to the 2010 World Barista Championship in London this June, more information can be found by visiting www.worldbaristachampionship.com.

The United States Barista Championship is just one of the many highlights at SCAA's 22nd Annual Exposition & Symposium. The event also includes the Roasters Guild Coffees of the Year Competition, a keynote presentation by distinguished entrepreneur Arianna Huffington, and an extensive show floor. At the Coffees of the Year Competition, certified SCAA judges evaluate the world's finest specialty coffees from around the globe by cupping-thoroughly evaluating six distinct attributes of the competitors' coffee samples, including fragrance, aroma, taste, flavor, aftertaste and body. SCAA's Expo includes: green and roasted specialty coffee, espresso machines and grinders, roasting equipment, commercial and home brewing machines, coffee drinks and mixes, flavorings and syrups, chocolate and cocoa products, baked goods, confections and significantly more. Badges for the show, starting at $45 for a one day pass, are available online at www.scaaexposition.org.

SCAA 2010 Expo Sponsors

SCAA's 2010 Exposition official host partner sponsors include: Wilbur Curtis (www.wilburcurtis.com), F. Gavina & Sons (www.gavina.com) and Fres-co System USA, Inc. (www.fresco.com). At the Expo, SCAA's 2010 Portrait Country is Guatemala (www.guatemalancoffees.com). Platinum Sponsors are: DaVinci Gourmet (www.davincigourmet.com), Jet Tea (www.jettea.com) and Oregon Chai (www.oregonchai.com). The Gold Sponsors are: Diedrich Manufacturing (www.diedrichroasters.com), Fetco (www.fetco.com), Georgia Pacific Food Services Solutions/Dixie (www.dixiefoodservice.com), MONIN (www.monin.com), Roast Magazine (www.roastmagazine.com) and Probat Burns (www.probatburns.com).

About SCAA

For more than a quarter of a century, the Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA) has offered its members education, training, resources and business services. It is the world's largest coffee trade association, with members representing more than 40 countries and every segment of the specialty coffee industry, from growers to roasters and retailers. The SCAA has also been at the forefront of developing and promoting specialty coffee, and is committed to meeting the challenges of a rapidly changing industry by setting and maintaining standards, expanding professional certification programs, conducting industry-specific research, and providing even more opportunities to connect, exchange, and work together so our industry continues to thrive.

SOURCE Specialty Coffee Association of America

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http://www.scaaexposition.org

Mincing Overseas Spice Company of Dayton, New Jersey announced today that it is recalling black pepper Lots 3258 and 3309 because of possible contamination with Salmonella.  

Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses, such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

Black pepper was not distributed at retail level and was shipped to FL, IA, IL, IN, MA, OK, NJ, NY, PA, RI, TX and WI.

The black pepper was sold in 50 lb, 25 lb, and 20 lb cartons with Mincing Overseas Spice Company's name.

Mincing has decided to initiate this voluntary recall as a commitment to the safety and health of the public.

Customers that purchased black pepper from any parts of Lots 3258 and 3309 should place these lots or any spice blends made from these lots under their control on hold and contact Mincing Overseas Spice Company at 732-355-9944.  With regard to any spice blends or other foods made from these lots, companies should contact their local FDA Recall Coordinator to determine the appropriate action and if a sub recall is needed.  

CONTACT:  Eliot Hoff, +1-212-300-1801

SOURCE Mincing Overseas Spice Company

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New Yoplait® Greek yogurt invites women to nourish their inner goddess with the delicious goodness found in every cup of the brand's newest offering, which debuts in the yogurt case this month. Packed with 12 grams of protein – twice that found in the leading yogurt – Yoplait Greek nourishes from the inside out.  

Available in four delicious flavors, Strawberry, Blueberry, Honey Vanilla and Plain, Yoplait Greek has a unique thick and creamy texture. The new yogurt is available nationwide for a suggested retail price of $1.19 per 6 oz. cup, an affordable price compared to other Greek yogurt products.

To celebrate its new Greek yogurt and to empower women to discover their inner goddess, Yoplait has teamed up with Warner Bros.' and Legendary's new epic feature film, "Clash of the Titans," and actress Izabella Miko, who plays Athena.

"I loved playing Greek Goddess Athena – it definitely brought me closer to my own inner goddess. I admired her strength and independence," said Miko, "and of course she was the goddess of wisdom, so something wise I do is take care of myself. That's why I love the new Yoplait Greek yogurt – it tastes great and it's so good for you – packed with protein, high in calcium and vitamin D."

Each 6 oz. cup of Yoplait Greek contains 12 grams of protein and zero grams of fat, making it a perfect choice for those looking for a healthy option, without compromising taste.  In addition, Yoplait is the only leading yogurt with vitamins A and D in every cup, and is an excellent source of calcium.  

"We are thrilled to introduce Yoplait Greek yogurt," said Priscilla Zee, marketing associate for Yoplait Greek. "Our goal is to provide healthy choices for women with the great taste that Yoplait yogurt lovers deserve. We're especially excited to team up with Izabella Miko to spread the word about ways women can experience Greek culture and nourish their inner goddess."

Yoplait is supporting its new Greek yogurt with an integrated marketing campaign, including advertorials featuring Izabella Miko in US Weekly and OK! Magazine, public relations, traditional and social media initiatives as well as targeted sampling events and FSI promotions.

Like all other Yoplait products, Yoplait Greek is made with milk from cows not treated with rBST.  For more information on new Yoplait Greek, visit www.yoplaitgreek.com.

The new "Clash of the Titans" film hits theatres on April 2, 2010 in 3D.  For more information visit http://clash-of-the-titans.warnerbros.com/.

About General Mills

One of the world's leading food companies, General Mills operates in more than 100 countries and markets more than 100 consumer brands, including Cheerios, Haagen-Dazs, Nature Valley, Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, Green Giant, Old El Paso, Progresso, Cascadian Farm, Muir Glen and more. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.A., General Mills had fiscal 2009 global net sales of US$15.9 billion, including the company's $1.2 billion proportionate share of joint venture net sales. Visit www.generalmills.com.

About "Clash of the Titans"

In Warner Bros. Pictures' and Legendary Pictures' "Clash of the Titans," the ultimate struggle for power pits men against kings and kings against gods. "Clash of the Titans" is directed by Louis Leterrier from a screenplay by Phil Hay & Matt Manfredi, story by Travis Beacham and Hay & Manfredi. The film is produced by Basil Iwanyk and Kevin De La Noy. The executive producers are Academy Award® winner Richard D. Zanuck and Legendary Pictures' Thomas Tull, Jon Jashni and William Fay. Warner Bros. Pictures presents, in association with Legendary Pictures, a Thunder Road Film/Zanuck Company Production, a Louis Leterrier Film, "Clash of the Titans." Opening April 2, 2010, the film will be released in 3D where available, and will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

SOURCE General Mills

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http://www.yoplaitgreek.com