Food is a biological necessity for every human being. Hence the development of food supplies sufficient to meet human needs is a matter of vital concern to all men and nations. At a time in history when the human population is increasing rapidly and currents of "rising expectations" are surging throughout the world, thoughtful persons everywhere are examining the role of food and food production as factors in social progress and human welfare. Responsible officials realize that a nation must have an adequate and dependable food supply for its citizens as a prerequisite for domestic tranquillity and national survival and development. It is also recognized that food production capacity in excess of that required for domestic consumption is a resource which can generate capital needed for national economic growth. Science and technology have greatly increased the food production capacity in many parts of the world and, if intelligently applied to the less developed regions, can further alleviate hunger, stimulate economic growth and promote peace.