They are suggesting that artificial meat grown in vats may be needed if the 9 billion people expected to be alive in 2050 are to be fed without destroying the earth.
To increase food production scientists believe conventional animal breeding may not be enough.
But Dr Philip Thornton, a scientist with the International Livestock Research Institute in Nairobi says, two "wild cards" could transform global meat and milk production. "One is artificial meat, which is made in a giant vat, and the other is nanotechnology, which is expected to become more important as a vehicle for delivering medication to livestock."
Others identify unexpected hindrances to producing more food. One of the gloomiest assessments comes from a team of British and South African economists who say that a vast effort must be made in agricultural research to create a new green revolution.
Others believe a radical rethink of global food production is needed to reduce its dependence on oil. Up to 70% of the energy needed to grow and supply food at present is fossil-fuel based which in turn contributes to climate change.
"The need for action is urgent given the time required for investment in research to deliver new technologies to those that need them and for political and social change to take place," says another expert.
So, what started out to be a way to feed people has been turned into a green movement, to save us from climate change.
Food and politics is nothing new, but it's getting more transparent.
Food and politics is nothing new, but it's getting more transparent.
