The challenge of feeding a growing world population demands the use of new technologies, including biotechnology, former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Dan Glickman said Wednesday.

“I don’t think you can make a quantum leap in food production without embracing new technologies, including biotechnology,” he said.  “We have to not be afraid of new technology.  We have to make sure we have good science, so that safety is a priority.  But we won’t be able to meet the ultimate threat without going down this road,” he said.

Glickman spoke during a panel discussion sponsored by AGree, a program addressing food and agricultural policy. He said he raised questions about biotech during his tenure at the Department of Agriculture (1995-2001), but ultimately became convinced of the safety and efficacy of biotechnology.