BBC: More than 600 scientists gathered in the Netherlands for a global food security conference, described as the first of its kind.
Organisers said science could help end uncertainty surrounding efforts to meet the food needs of future generations.
They added that, until now, there were many policy debates on food security but there was no scientific forum for researchers to share knowledge.
The next food security conference will be held in the US in 2015.
"A really key message from the conference...