Agriculture will play a tremendous role in shaping that future as producers grapple with the challenges of feeding the booming global population — projected to reach 9 billion people by 2050 — while dealing with diminishing resources and environmental concerns.To feed that population, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations reports that global food production must double by 2050 to avoid mass hunger. According to Alltech, this can only be achieved through improved technology. During Alltech’s 28th Annual International Animal Health and Nutrition Symposium May 20-23, 2012, in Lexington, Kentucky, presenters will cover many topics related to feeding the world now and in the future. The event is expected to draw more than 2,000 participants from around the world. Participants will explore innovative solutions to growing industry and global challenges as they attend sessions and network with other professionals from across borders and industry segments. Dr. Pearse Lyons, president and founder of Alltech, described some of the issues that must be addressed by the agriculture industry. “As we look to our future, we have some major questions that we need to come together and answer through innovative solutions,” Lyons said.