The Royal Society has published a report that argues the need for a 'sustainable intensification' of global agriculture in which yields are increased without adverse environmental impact and without the cultivation of more land. It states that the Research Councils UK(RCUK) should develop a cross-council "grand challenge" on global food crop security as a priority. This needs to secure at least approximately £2 billion over 10 years to make a substantial difference.

In 2009, the Technology Strategy Board announced plans to establish a Sustainable Agriculture and Food Innovation Platform to bring together government, business and researchers to focus on the development and adoption of new technologies to increase sustainable food productivity, while decreasing environmental impact.